Heidi Bowl Anniversary

By Phil Sullivan Posted On November 17, 2013

Our friend Paul Cubby Bryant reminded us that today was the anniversary of the Heidi Bowl.

On November 17, 1968, the Oakland Raiders score two touchdowns in nine seconds to beat the New York Jets–and no one sees it, because they’re watching the movie Heidiinstead. With just 65 seconds left to play, NBC switched off the game in favor of its previously scheduled programming, a made-for-TV version of the children’s story about a young girl and her grandfather in the Alps. Viewers were outraged, and they complained so vociferously that network execs learned a lesson they’ll never forget: “Whatever you do,” one said, “you better not leave an NFL football game.”

After watching the Jets get crushed by the Bills, the thought of the network turning the game off sounds appealing. So we want to let all the networks know that we are okay with that idea going-forward.

This Article Was Written By Phil Sullivan

Phil Sullivan

I started JetNation in 2005 and have been a New York Jets season ticket holder since graduating from high school. My dream is to see the New York Jets win the Super Bowl. Until then, I will be right here on JetNation writing, dreaming and talking NY Jets football.

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