Larry Grantham, a longtime Jets outside linebacker and Super Bowl III starter, died Sunday at the age of 78.
Grantham was an original member of the franchise, which began as the Titans. He was drafted by the Colts in the 15th round of the 1960 NFL Draft, but chose to play with the Titans of the new AFL.
He became a starter the moment he arrived and would play 13 seasons for the Titans/Jets, setting the franchise record with 43 takeaways, a record that still stands. He was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2011.
Grantham played in 175 of the franchise’s first 182 games, thriving under defensive coordinator Walt Michaels.