Jets History: Jets vs Bills Shea Stadium AFC Wildcard game Dec 27, 1981 

He kicked the loose ball, put couldn’t pick it up. Mark Gastineau (above) symbolized the Jets start during the first two and a half quarters as they trailed Buffalo 24-0 in the 1981 AFC Wildcard game.

On the game’s first play, Jets kick returner Bruce Harper fumbled the opening kickoff that was returned for a touchdown, silencing a rocking Shea Stadium crowd.

A furious second half comeback left the Jets down 31-27 with seconds left on the Bills doorstep. There, Richard Todd was picked off in the end zone by Bill Simpson. Game over. Season over.

It was the first trip back to the playoffs for the Jets since 1969. Watch it here as the NFL’s game of the week.

Bills vs Jets Dec 27, 1981 game stats