The New York Jets started the 2023 season with high hopes for a Super Bowl run and the corresponding optimism. However, their aspirations were dashed only four plays into the season.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury deflated the atmosphere at MetLife Stadium, yet fans continued to fill the seats throughout the following months. Despite the team’s challenges, including a 7-10 record and little incentive in the final month, Jets supporters remained steadfast in their support.
According to NBC Sports, New York ranked second in attendance during the 2023 season, drawing in 1,285,956 fans. The only team to surpass them in attendance was the Dallas Cowboys, who boasted a staggering 1.378 million fans at their home games, firmly securing the top spot.
The Jets benefited from hosting nine home games compared to their NFC counterparts, who hosted only eight, potentially giving them an edge over the “cross-town” rival New York Giants, who ranked third and had approximately 23,500 fewer fans.
Surprisingly, the Jets were the only AFC team in the top five. The Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers were the only other AFC teams to rank in the top 10. While the size of the market certainly influences these rankings, attracting fans to the stadium despite lackluster offensive performances is commendable.
The Jets managed to score 30 points in each of their final two home games, a stark improvement after scoring a combined 27 points in the three previous home contests, all of which were losses.
