BUFFALO, NY – Gerry Philbin, one of the University at Buffalo's all-time great football players, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83. Following a standout career as a defensive tackle for the Bulls, Philbin was an All-Pro defensive end for the New York Jets.
Philbin played for the Bulls from 1960-63 and was a three-year starter. A team captain, Philbin was named to the All-East Team and played in the North-South and Coaches All-American post season games. He was the program's first Academic All-American in 1963.
(L-R) Gerry Philbin, Buddy Ryan. Kevin Brinkworth
A native of Pawtucket, RI, Philbin was selected in the third round (33rd overall) of the 1964 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and the third round (19th overall) of the 1964 AFL Draft by the New York Jets. He chose to play for the Jets and helped lead the team to the 1968 AFL Championship and a victory in Super Bowl III. Following a nine-year career in New York, he spent the 1973 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philbin played in 123 career games and made 112 starts over his professional career. He recorded 66.5 career sacks, including 64.5 sacks as a Jet which ranks fourth in the franchise's history. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection and was named to the AFL All-60s Team.
He was inducted into the Dr. and Mrs. Edmond J. Gicewicz Family UB Athletics Hall of Fame in 1970 and was added to the New York Jets Ring of Honor in 2011.
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