Sports fans almost everywhere watching "Jeopardy!" on Thursday night were probably screaming at their television.

The "Final Jeopardy" clue was "Super Bowl History," and while sports is almost never an area of expertise for contestants, this clue was pretty easy.

"It's the only team to play in the Super Bowl before Neil Armstrong's moon walk that has not been back to the big game since," the clue read.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

There weren't many options to choose from, as only five teams played in the Super Bowl from 1967 to 1969: the Green Bay Packers twice, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Oakland Raiders, the New York Jets (the answer), and the Baltimore Colts.

However, the contestants were totally stumped.

The first contestant revealed his answer to be the Cleveland Browns. One can't blame him, but since they never even appeared in the Super Bowl, it was incorrect.

CHARGERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OBSCURE NFL RULE WITH FREE KICK FIELD GOAL LAST SUCCESSFUL IN 1976

The second, however, may just be the most befuddling answer, as Eric wrote "the Giants." They, of course, have been to five, all since 1986, and won two against the New England Patriots. Wrong.

The final contestant also went with a team that has never been to a Super Bowl, writing simply "Houston," although the city has hosted three Super Bowls.

Ken Jennings added to the Jets' pile of misery.

"The Jets are having a pretty rough 55-year streak," Jennings said.

That streak will extend this year, as they are officially eliminated from playoff contention, and by the looks of it, it will continue for at least a little while longer.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Garrett Wilson is clearly tired of losing.

The New York Jets star receiver is having the best season of his young career from a statistical standpoint, but, from a team perspective, this year is without a doubt the biggest disappointment he's been a part of.

Wilson is eligible for a contract extension after the season, but Wilson said he's unsure if he wants to stay with the Jets long term.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"I don't know, man. I just do whatever, go about my day however, be where my feet at," Wilson told reporters Thursday. "If they do [offer an extension] … that'd be awesome. 

Wilson added that he "love[s] the Jets … but I can't be worrying about all that. Just going to finish these three games. I can't be looking at all that right now."

Wilson spoke to reporters just hours after a report that owner Woody Johnson nixed a trade for Jerry Jeudy because of Jeudy's rating in the Madden video game. It's previously been reported Johnson also wanted Aaron Rodgers benched after the team fell to 2-2, and former general Joe Douglas reportedly said his boss was acting like a "teenager."

TITANS HEAD COACH GOES ON EXPLICIT TIRADE WHEN ASKED ABOUT TEAM BEING SOFT: 'TOTAL BULLS---'

Wilson is on pace to set career highs across the board. He's had over 1,000 yards each of his first two seasons, a number he likely will surpass this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Jets are 4-10, but things have gone from bad to worse since they fired Robert Saleh. The Jets were 2-3 when Johnson axed the head coach, and they are 2-7 since.

On the bright side, Aaron Rodgers has turned back the clock recently. He's thrown 13 touchdowns and just one interception in his last seven games. Maybe Rodgers and Wilson can build off that in 2025 — if Rodgers stays.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is back in the spotlight this week after a bombshell report accused the former ambassador of passing on a trade for Cleveland Browns star receiver Jerry Juedy because of his Madden NFL rating. 

A report from The Athletic published Thursday morning painted a picture of dysfunction for the organization, which missed out on the playoffs for the 14th straight year, the longest active streak in the NFL.

At the heart of that dysfunction, according to the report, is Johnson. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

An example detailed in the report was the Jets’ decision to kill a trade with the Denver Broncos involving former first round pick Jerry Jeudy. Sources told The Athletic that despite the negotiations of former general manager Joe Douglas and the interest of his counterpart, George Paton, the deal was called off because Johnson was influenced by the player’s rating in Madden NFL.

"Douglas told the Broncos that Johnson didn’t want to make the trade because the owner felt Jeudy’s player rating in ‘Madden NFL,’ the popular video game, wasn’t high enough, according to multiple league sources," the report read. Jeudy was instead traded to the Cleveland Browns.

The video game’s rating also influenced other football decisions, per the report, including Johnson pushing back on signing guard John Simpson. 

ESPN STAR FIRES BACK AT AARON RODGERS AFTER JETS QB CALLS ON CRITICS TO SHARE 'VAX STATUS'

Perhaps more concerning, however, was sources' claims that Johnson’s two teenage sons had an influence in the decision-making. 

"When we’re discussing things, you’ll hear Woody cite something that Brick or Jack read online that’s being weighed equally against whatever opinion someone else in the department has," a current team executive told the outlet. 

A spokesperson dismissed this claim in a statement to The Athletic. 

"It is used as a reference point; it is not determinative," they said of the opinion of Johnson’s children. "It’s really sad that an adult would use a misleading anecdote about teenagers to make their father look bad. It’s ridiculous, quite honestly, the idea that this was used to influence the opinion of experienced executives."

The spokesperson added that they have "no role" in the organization, calling it "completely ridiculous" to imply otherwise. 

After firing both head coach and general manager and demoting their offensive coordinator, the Jets’ offseason will again feature more turnover and, hopefully, fewer leaks. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A day after New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said those who criticize him should "state [their] vax status," former NFL star and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark launched into a minutes-long diatribe ripping the outspoken quarterback.

Clark recently called Rodgers a "fraud" on ESPN after Rodgers criticized the network, which he appears on weekly for "The Pat McAfee Show."

"Now, it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now, and they believe they’re the celebrities now. They’re the stars for just being able to talk about sports or give a take about sports, many of which are unfounded or asinine, as we all know. But that’s the environment we’re in now," Rodgers said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

That led to Clark calling Rodgers a "hypocrite" last week. And after subtle jabs against one another, Clark posted a video on his X account, noting Rodgers' "continuation of his hypocrisy that started with criticizing ESPN analysts while being paid to be on ESPN."

After further discussing why he believed Rodgers was a "hypocrite," Clark said Rodgers was the "only" person to discuss the vaccine wars.

"Now I know something else you were very interested in was my vaccination status. And yes, I’m vaxxed because I have no spleen, have no gallbladder because of playing in Denver," Clark said in the video. "And as far as your vaccination status, so you can stop trying to trick people into thinking that we want to talk about that above the stink of your film. I’ve never heard it one more time after your incident. 

"And the only reason we spoke about it then was because, based on your vaccination status, it was going to determine how long you were out. And also, people didn’t care that you weren’t vaccinated. They cared that you were slimy about it. They cared that you were deceitful about it. And they cared that you had this air of arrogance when answering the questions about it. And you’ve kind of been the only person that has talked about it since."

ARMY-NAVY GAME DRAWS ITS MOST VIEWERS EVER RECORDED AFTER TRUMP'S ATTENDANCE

Clark also said he formed his opinion of Rodgers based on conversations he has had with those who were teammates with Rodgers, not because of their vaccine status. The former defensive back then fired off a closing shot.

"But let me be very, very clear. My job is to analyze you. You’ve decided to analyze me. And in analyzing you, what I know is your QBR is 21st. I also know that you’re the quarterback of a 4-10 team who has to win the last three games of the season to even be equal to what last year’s team was without you," Clark continued. 

"Now, I get it. You get on the show, and you talk about my broach. And you curse and all this tough talk. I just need you to know, don't none of that scares me. I’m gonna do my job the way I’m supposed to do it. I feel no way about not being able to talk about what the film says because of what my career was. And if you continue to be arrogant, or smug, or hypocritical, and it pertains to my job, I’m going to do it."

Rodgers has since shared regret about his approach in initially discussing his vaccination status.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is far from the one to shy away from anyone who makes the effort to critique him on his play or stances on hot-button topics.

Because of that, Rodgers appeared to respond to the latest back and forth he has had with some ESPN analysts while appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show" on ESPN. Before he left his weekly guest appearance, Rodgers dropped a "PSA" to his detractors.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"I know I gotta say this multiple times because people don’t listen. Say whatever the f--- you want about me, I don’t care. But before you do it, whether you state your name, your accolades, pronouns, whatever it is, state your vax status," Rodgers said. "So, that anything you say afterward gets put in the right light. Just get it out there.

"Because then when you say things about me, people can at least like, ‘Oh, you are captured by the multibillion-dollar propaganda psy-op, and you’re still upset about it.'"

Rodgers’ rant came in the midst of an apparent feud with Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark. The former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back called Rodgers a "fraud" on the network following the quarterback’s own criticism of the network.

COWBOYS OWNER JERRY JONES SAYS RACCOON, SQUIRREL ARE AMONG DIETARY PREFERENCES

The Jets star said last week on "The Pat McAfee Show" that ESPN is not the same as it was more than 10 years ago.

"Now it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now, and they believe they’re the celebrities now, they’re the stars for just being able to talk about sports or give a take about sports, many of which are unfounded or asinine, as we all know. But that’s the environment we’re in now," Rodgers said.

Clark said in response that the only reason Rodgers is able to say "asinine" things is because someone is paying him to do it.

"This dude is a fraud. He’s been a fraud. He acts like he’s above everybody and everything," Clark said.

Clark wrote on X that he tried to call into "The Pat McAfee Show" to respond.

"Aaron & Pat can say what they want," he wrote in a separate post. "I only want to speak to Pat because I didn’t say anything negative about him and spoke with no ill intent. So him jumping in this for Aaron is confusing if he’s calling me jealous or thinking I’m attacking his business model."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

• Boeing has resumed the production of the 767 and 777 as it gets back online after a lengthy strike.
• Following the end of the strike, the aviation giant had already restarted 737 production.
• Boeing has had a troubled 2024 after a midair blowout in January shone a light on its quality control.

Boeing has resumed its production across its range of aircraft in the Pacific Northwest factories as it gets back online following its lengthy and costly strike.

The aviation giant, which had already resumed production of its 737 Max jets, has now restarted building the 767 and 777 models again, Stephanie Pope, Boeing's COO and the CEO and president of its commercial planes division, said in a LinkedIn post.

The news follows an announcement last week that Boeing would commit $1 billion to its 787 Dreamliner manufacturing plant in South Carolina.

"Our teammates have worked methodically to warm up our factories in the Pacific Northwest, using Boeing's Safety Management System to identify and address potential issues and ensure a safe and orderly restart," she wrote in the post.

The aircraft manufacturing giant hopes to ramp up production in what has been a difficult year. In January, an Alaska Airlines flight lost a door plug during a flight, injuring several passengers and resulting in an emergency landing.

The incident highlighted Boeing's production processes and led to questions about its quality control, which led then-CEO Dave Calhoun to resign.

Boeing was also hit with several lawsuits related to the Alaska Airlines incident, as well as facing renewed scrutiny over two 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.

Its problems were compounded when over 30,000 factory workers went on strike for nearly seven weeks beginning in September.

Boeing now has a backlog of around 5,400 commercial aircraft worth roughly $428 billion.

"We have taken time to ensure all manufacturing teammates are current on training and certifications, while positioning inventory at the optimal levels for smooth production," Pope said in the post.

"As we move forward, we will closely track our production health performance indicators and focus on delivering safe, high-quality airplanes on time to our customers," she added.

Aaron Rodgers’ flirtation with politics was addressed in the second episode of his three-part Netflix documentary, "Enigma."

The New York Jets quarterback was floated as a possible running mate to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. earlier this year before the independent presidential candidate eventually dropped out of the race and endorsed Donald Trump.

Rodgers and Kennedy went on a hike, and the four-time NFL MVP admitted to Kennedy that John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 initially piqued his interest in politics.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"I mean, I got into politics back when I was a sophomore in high school. I mean, the idea, all around, honestly, your uncle’s death, and that was my first entrance into pulling the veil back, as I call it, on, like, what’s actually going on because I read the Warren Commission’s report about it. I remember it hit me going, ‘This is what they said happened?’ This can’t be real," he said.

"And then I went to Berkeley, which is a crazy political environment. It’s super leftist, and I grew up in a really conservative, small-town environment. So, that was fun to have, like, my ideologies tested. But, I mean, it’s … I’ve just been disheartened forever, that there’s a two-party system that’s really one party. The one party that's ruling is the people with the money. So, I really didn’t have any hope in politics until, really, you announced your candidacy."

EAGLES' JALEN HURTS BENEFITING FROM 'PRETTY PRIVILEGE,' ESPN NFL ANALYST SAYS

Rodgers later confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked him to be his running mate. However, he chose to continue playing football with the Jets.

"Retire and go into politics or play two or three more years," he said. "I definitely envisioned a life without football, and it wasn’t scary. I felt comfort in being able to move on at some point. But I love football. I want to keep playing. And I hated the way last year went. There’s still some unfinished business in New Jersey."

Amid the drama that came with the possibility of Rodgers being Kennedy’s running mate was a report that claimed he allegedly shared conspiracy theories about the Sandy Hook shooting.

Rodgers denied the allegations at the time and in the episode he seemed shocked that someone would paint him that way.

"Misrepresentation is a trigger for sure. Trauma, trigger, whatever," Rodgers said.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Nearly 25 years after infamously resigning as head coach of the New York Jets, Bill Belichick apparently considered that job again.

In 2000, Belichick was about to take over as the next head coach of the New York Jets. But during his introductory press conference, he resigned and wrote it on a napkin.

Belichick cited questions he had about ownership for his decision. He then went to the New England Patriots and made Jets fans' lives a living hell for the next two-plus decades.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Now, Belichick is the head coach of UNC, but it reportedly didn't happen without him first showing interest in … the Jets.

A couple weeks before going to Chapel Hill, The Athletic says, Belichick's "inner circle" had informal talks with some NFL teams, including the Jets. However, there were no formal discussions, and the UNC opportunity came about.

The Jets fired Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start, and they're 1-7 since then.

ARMY-NAVY GAME IS 'COLLEGE FOOTBALL AT ITS PUREST FORM' AMID NIL ERA, SPONSOR'S CEO SAYS

There had been online speculation Belichick could have returned to the New York Giants, where he won two Super Bowls as a defensive coordinator. He coached Lawrence Taylor, a Tar Heels star before becoming the second pick in the 1981 NFL Draft.

It's widely speculated Belichick was worried about Woody Johnson owning the team, which he still does. Johnson took a hiatus from the team after serving as Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Kingdom during Trump's first presidency. Belichick did serve as the team's defensive coordinator for three seasons under Bill Parcells, who was also the general manager.

Belichick shut down any notion he would head to the NFL after potential success at UNC, saying he "didn't come here to leave."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

• A series of NATO air policing missions around Estonia has seen F-35 and Rafale jets called into action.
• French Rafale jets intercepted a Russian IL-18 aircraft off Estonia's coast on Friday.
• Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea last week.

A series of recent NATO air policing missions around Estonia has seen Dutch and French fighter jets called into action to intercept Russian aircraft.

Two French Rafale jets intercepted a Russian Ilyushin Il-18 airliner off the coast of Estonia on Friday, the General Staff of the French Armed Forces said in a post on X.

NATO Air Command said the mission was the Rafale's first scramble since it began an air policing mission based out of Šiauliai, Lithuania.

It comes after Dutch F-35 fighter jets intercepted a number of Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea last week.

The Dutch defense ministry said two F-35s stationed in Estonia were scrambled after three Russian planes — an Antonov An-72, a Su-24, and an Ilyushin Il-20 — were identified in the region.

Dutch F-35s have been keeping a watch over NATO airspace on the alliance's eastern flank since the start of December, the ministry said.

It's not the first time such an incident has occurred in recent months.

Norwegian F-35s were called into action in November in response to Russian aircraft "not adhering to international norms" off the coast of Norway, NATO's Air Command said at the time.

Italy's air force also intercepted a Russian Coot-A plane flying over the Baltic Sea on the same day.

The Rafale

The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-jet fighter aircraft that can operate from both an aircraft carrier and a land base.

It entered service with the French Navy in 2004 and with the French Air Force in 2006.

It is used to carry out a variety of missions, including air policing, deep strikes, and reconnaissance, according to the manufacturer.

The F-35

The F-35, which is billed as the "most advanced fighter jet in the world" by manufacturer Lockheed Martin, has faced criticism from Elon Musk.

The Tesla CEO said on X in late November that the jet's design "was broken at the requirements level, because it was required to be too many things to too many people."

"This made it an expensive & complex jack of all trades, master of none. Success was never in the set of possible outcomes," Musk wrote, adding: "And manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed."

Some reports have suggested that Musk may be eyeing the F-35 program, and possibly other fighter jets, for potential spending cuts through his role in the Department of Government Efficiency.

Although he would likely face an uphill battle to do so, as Business Insider previously reported.

New York Jets legend Nick Mangold is frustrated with the lack of answers over the viral drone sightings seen throughout the state of New Jersey, and he took to social media to criticize officials. 

"So far (New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy) has done nothing about the drones. Just a bunch of empty phrases," Mangold posted to X on Thursday.

White House national security communications adviser John Kirby addressed the situation in a press briefing on Thursday, when he noted that there was "no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully. United States Coast Guard is providing support to the state of New Jersey and has confirmed that there is no evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels. And importantly, there are no reported and confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace."

However, Mangold was not satisfied with Kirby’s response and expressed his displeasure on social media. 

"After seeing these with my own eyes and getting lied to straight to our faces, makes you wonder what else they lie about with such ease. How are we just letting this happen?!?" Mangold posted on X.

JETS' AARON RODGERS SHARES THOUGHTS ON DRONES FLYING OVER NEW JERSEY: 'WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?'

One of Mangold’s old teammates and current "Thursday Night Football" analyst, Ryan Fitzpatrick, replied to one of his posts asking for an update. 

"Hey Nick long time listener first time caller…can you fill me in?? Sounds like some controversy…are the drones still there? How long have they been there? Do we have a guess as to what they are?" Fitzpatrick posted. 

"There are quite large drones flying in the skies of NJ and we are being told by our government that we aren’t actually seeing anything," Mangold responded in part. "Those of us who have lived here long enough know of normal air traffic and this isn’t normal. After experiencing one fly directly over my head, I am now on the case. I do not like being lied to. #MangoldvsDrones."

The drone sightings have been recorded since mid-November, causing alarm for residents of the Garden State.

Mangold spent his entire 11-year career playing center for the Jets. The seven-time Pro Bowler is widely considered one of the best players in Jets’ franchise history.

Mangold was inducted into the Jets ring of honor in 2022. He is now currently on the coaching staff as the offensive line coach for Delbarton High School, in Morristown, New Jersey. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A video went viral on Tuesday that featured Mark Gastineau confronting Brett Favre in 2023 about Michael Strahan sacking the Green Bay Packers legend to break Gastineau's single-season sack record.

In the final game of the 2001 season, Favre appeared to fall onto the field before being tackled by Strahan, giving the New York Giants legend the record (it's since been tied by T.J. Watt).

Gastineau met Favre at a memorabilia event last year, saying Favre had "hurt" him, and he was going to "take my sack back" in a heated exchange.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Favre took to X later Tuesday to "clear the air on the footage."

"Back in 2002, when Michael Strahan sacked me at the end of a game that we had wrapped up, I was in no way trying to hurt Mark Gastineau. I was trying to close out a game and squeeze the last bit of fun out of a hard-fought game," Favre began.

"I booted out of a run thinking it would be wide open, saw Strahan standing there and ducked down. The game was over. There was no need for me to do anything spectacular. It probably wasn’t Michael’s best sack or tackle for loss. In a different game or situation, I would have made a bigger effort to avoid the sack or TFL. But at no point was I thinking about hurting Gastineau. 

EAGLES TANDEM JALEN HURTS, AJ BROWN HAVE FRACTURED RELATIONSHIP, VETERAN TEAMMATE SAYS: 'THINGS HAVE CHANGED'

"Maybe it crossed my mind to help Strahan. I didn’t think it through. That wasn’t my forte at the time. I just wanted to have fun and compete. In retrospect, I understand how Gastineau feels."

Favre then wrote about how Gastineau's value may have diminished not being the "Sack King," but, "I had no way of knowing that then.

"There was no malice on my part. Mark was a great player. My understanding is he’s a great guy and a fun teammate, a guy who played with the kind of joy and passion I tried to mimic. I understand his frustration, but I’m not his enemy," Favre continued.

"A while back, he saw me at a card show and got his frustration off his chest. It’s not the kind of moment that should be filmed and released. It was a private moment of frustration between two old football warriors… I hope this controversy brings attention to just how great Mark Gastineau was. He belongs in Canton."

In an upcoming documentary featuring Gastineau and the rest of the New York Sack Exchange, Gastineau accused Favre of taking a "dive" "for" Strahan. Gastineau awaits Hall of Fame induction, while his partner on the defensive line, Joe Klecko, was recently inducted after a long wait.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

• The Sea Vampire made history as the first jet-powered aircraft to land on a carrier in 1945.
• The UK and US navies developed fighter jets to operate aboard aircraft carriers after World War II.
• The de Havilland Vampire was adapted for naval use, becoming the aptly named Sea Vampire.

When the British experimental jet fighter touched down on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ocean nearly eight decades ago, it wasn't just a historic landing — it was a giant leap in naval aviation.

Aircraft carriers carrying propeller planes proved to be one of the most valuable sea-based assets in World War II. After the war ended, the two largest navies at the time — the UK Royal Navy and the US Navy — fast-tracked carrier testing for the jets revolutionizing air forces.

Some land-based fighter jets were redesigned to achieve that purpose — for the Royal Navy, it was the de Havilland Vampire, the second jet-powered aircraft to be produced and flown by Britain.

The Royal Navy modified the Vampire to make the aircraft's design more fitted for sea trials, aptly naming the naval variant the de Havilland Sea Vampire.

On December 3, 1945, the Sea Vampire successfully landed and took off from the flight deck of the HMS Ocean, becoming the first jet aircraft in history to do so, greatly expanding the combat range and speed of the carrier squadrons.

Royal Navy aircraft carrier

The Royal Navy Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Ocean was commissioned just months before it was a part of the historic carrier landing.

Shortly after commissioning in August 1945 — the same month Japan surrendered after the US dropped two nuclear bombs — the ship was upgraded to conduct night fighter operations, equipped with improved radar and direction-finding equipment.

The light fleet carrier's flight deck measured nearly 700 feet and accommodated more than three dozen aircraft. The Ocean was armed with close-in antiaircraft weaponry, including a Bofors 40 mm gun and a two-pounded naval gun known as the "pom-pom" due to the sound it makes when firing.

A renowned test pilot

The landmark landing could only be carried out by an aviator of equal renown. Capt. Eric "Winkle" Brown was the chief naval test pilot for the Royal Aircraft Establishment, the UK's leading flight research facility at the time.

As a highly experienced test pilot, Brown already had a number of broken records under his belt — he was the first to land a twin-engine aircraft on a carrier, the first to land a tricycle gear aircraft on a carrier, and the first to land a rotary-wing aircraft on a ship at sea.

The first take-off and landing on a carrier

The Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm developed three prototypes as part of their efforts to create a fighter jet that could operate aboard carriers, as well as new deck-landing techniques.

The flight trials for the Sea Vampire prototype took place off the south coast of England. The Sea Vampire trial planned to have the aircraft land on the Ocean's flight deck at 95 mph, though strong gusts caused the plane to land faster than anticipated.

Due to the aircraft's tail-down angle and the pitching of the carrier's flight deck, the plane's trailing edge wing flaps hit the deck, breaking their hinges upon landing.

Brown, however, was determined to pull off a perfect landing. He made several more takeoffs and landings on the Ocean, accomplishing the feat on the fourth try despite the initial damage to the Sea Vampire.

Carrier landings were considered some of the most challenging maneuvers at the time, so demonstrating that higher-speed fighter jets could safely land marked a turning point in naval aviation. The first successful jet-powered carrier landing catalyzed the innovation of carrier technology and design to better accommodate jet aircraft, including angled flight decks, steam-powered aircraft catapults, and more advanced arresting gear.

The advancements ushered in a new era, expanding and enhancing the capabilities of both the flattops and the aircraft they carried. Jet engines have greater thrust than propellers, allowing aircraft to fly much faster and at higher altitudes. These changes led to a strategic shift in naval warfare with a greater focus on air superiority at sea.

"The only thing we can say is, we took the bull by the horns, accepting the limitations in engine performance, to show jet propulsion was conceivable for naval operations," Brown said in a 2015 interview published in the British aviation magazine Aeroplane Monthly.

Vampire variants

Following the successful fight landing and take-off, the FAA ultimately decided to use the Sea Vampire as a more cost-effective training aircraft rather than a first-line fighter.

In 1947, the mass-produced version of the Sea Vampire featured the model's larger flaps and airbrakes and a modified arresting hook. The Navy ordered 30 Sea Vampires, but only 18 were actually delivered to the Royal Navy.

A few years after the 1945 carrier landing, the Sea Vampire went on to test the feasibility of landing a jet with wheels retracted on a flexible 150-foot "carpet" atop a carrier deck.

While the tests aboard the light carrier HMS Warrior were ultimately successful, wheelless aircraft couldn't land on conventional airfields or runways without the shock-absorbing "carpet," making the innovation more trouble than it was worth.

After pilots reported issues with the Sea Vampire's slow takeoff without a catapult, the training jets were pulled in the late 1950s and scrapped by 1960.

Which came first?

While Brown's landing and takeoff on the HMS Ocean is remembered as the first jet-powered aircraft carrier landing, some argue that the US Navy accomplished the feat a month earlier.

On November 6, 1945, US Navy Ensign J.A. West landed a Ryan FR-1 Fireball fighter jet, the Navy's first jet-engine fighter aircraft, on the deck of the escort carrier USS Wake Island using jet power after the plane's main piston engine malfunctioned.

The Fireball was a mixed-propulsion aircraft, meaning it was powered by both a piston and jet engine. Standard takeoffs and landings from carrier decks at the time were typically powered by the aircraft's piston engines because early jet engines alone were not powerful or reliable enough for sustained flight.

While West was approaching the carrier deck, the American-made jet's main piston engine failed, causing the plane's propeller to spin out of control. In a last-ditch effort to safely land the Fireball, West switched to the Fireball's turbojet engine and successfully landed on USS Wake Island using jet power alone.

Although West's landing was ultimately successful — albeit unintentional — the credit for the first jet-powered carrier landing is more often given to Brown's pure-jet Sea Vampire, as the Fireball was a hybrid aircraft.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers lives in New Jersey and has noticed the drones recently flying throughout the state. 

"Do you know what’s been going on in Jersey lately? And I’m not talking about the football, not talking about the football. There’s been some crazy things going on. There is some drones in the sky," Rodgers said during a recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who has held briefings with Homeland Security, the FBI, Secret Service and state police officials, told Fox News Monday he’s seen no evidence of concern for public safety. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

A video was shown of a drone in Bedminster, New Jersey, prompting Rodgers to ask, "What the hell is that?"

Rodgers noted the drone in the video is "large" and that he doesn’t know what is going on with the drones.

"There is other videos that I’ve seen, and I’ve talked to some friends of mine that are police officers — shoutout Mario. There’s some interesting things going on. Interesting things with the drones. I don’t know what’s going on with them. Maybe it’s just some kids messing around, maybe not though," Rodgers said. 

The Jets quarterback just wants answers about what the drones are being used for.

AARON RODGERS GETS TESTY WITH REPORTER WHEN ASKED TO REFLECT ON JETS' DREADFUL PLAYOFF DROUGHT

"They need to tell us what’s going on. It's military or not military, UAP or whatever the hell it is. But there’s people in Jersey, it’s people interested on what the hell is going on with these drones."

Fox News contributor Brett Velicovich thinks these drones may not be benign, adding another country may be operating the drones. 

The large drones have been spotted with smaller, more rapidly maneuverable drones, resembling what are referred to as "drone motherships" that have been deployed in Ukraine, Russia and China. The motherships launch smaller drones, which do not have the necessary range antennas to carry them a further distance. That suggests, according to Velicovich, that a foreign adversary could be at play in New Jersey. 

Murphy said there were 49 drone sightings Sunday night alone. And though that total might be somewhat exaggerated, "it's really frustrating that we don’t have more answers as to where they’re coming from and why they’re doing what they’re doing." 

Rodgers encouraged New Jersey residents to film what they see. 

"Film it. Film all of it, especially if you live out by Woody (Johnson) and (Donald) Trump’s course. Film everything," Rodgers said.

"Be safe out there all my fellow New Jerseyans, Be safe out there."

Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Mark Gastineau sure can hold a grudge.

Nearly 23 years ago, Gastineau's single-season sack record was broken by Michael Strahan, but it came in controversial fashion.

Favre's Packers led Strahan's Giants, 34-25, with under three minutes to go.

Favre faked a handoff (pretty passively), rolled out right and Strahan was right there.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

With Gastineau in attendance, Favre fell to the ground, and Strahan was credited with the sack, giving him 22½ for the season and surpassing Gastineau, who previously held the record since 1984 with 22.

The Packers' next two plays were runs, and they never got the ball back before time expired, and it was the only sack Strahan had in the game.

It can be debated whether Strahan's record is legitimate, and Gastineau still is not happy.

An upcoming ESPN 30 for 30 featuring Gastineau and his New York Sack Exchange captured a meeting between Gastineau and Favre in which Gastineau spoke his piece.

"We finally met," Gastineau says in the video. Favre begins to reply that he thought they had met previously, while extending his arm out for a handshake, which Gastineau ignores.

EAGLES TANDEM JALEN HURTS, AJ BROWN HAVE FRACTURED RELATIONSHIP, VETERAN TEAMMATE SAYS: 'THINGS HAVE CHANGED'

"Yeah, right. When you fell down for him," Gastineau said. "I'm gonna get my sack back. I'm gonna get my sack back, dude."

"You'd probably hurt me," Favre said.

"Well, I don't care. You hurt me. You hurt me, Brett," Gastineau answered. "He took my record away from me. Anybody will tell you Brett Favre took a dive. You know it. She knows it. He knows it. Everybody knows it."

Strahan's record has since been tied by T.J. Watt, while Justin Houston and Jared Allen each had 22 in 2014 and 2011, respectively.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The New York Jets’ awful playoff drought continued on Sunday with a loss to the Miami Dolphins.

It has now been 14 straight years since the Jets have made the playoffs. New York has not made the postseason since the 2010 season when Rex Ryan was the head coach, Darrelle Revis was patrolling the secondary and Mark Sanchez was slinging the pigskin around the field.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Even as the Jets built their team around four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers and close confidants of his, the team has only appeared to get worse. The Jets dropped to 3-10 with the loss to the Dolphins and could only finish the season 7-10 if they win their final four games.

Rodgers didn’t appear to want to hear about the playoff drought when he was asked to reflect on it.

"What’s the question?" Rodgers asked tersely when a reporter brought up the drought. 

"I mean I’ve been here, I’ve started one year. I’m a part of it for one year. It’s disappointing."

RAMS HOLD OFF BILLS IN NFL'S HIGHEST-SCORING GAME OF 2024 SEASON

Rodgers threw for 339 yards and had a touchdown pass in the loss to Miami. It was the first time since December 2021 he’s thrown for at least 300 yards in a single game.

"We have to find a way to finish, give our best when our best is required," Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said. "And not getting that accomplished, I've got to look at myself first."

Davante Adams, who the Jets acquired before the trade deadline, said the team is "playing for our pride at this point."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Miami Dolphins made a splash on Sunday afternoon.

Tua Tagovailoa threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith on the first drive of overtime to give the Dolphins a 32-26 win over the New York Jets and keep their playoff chances alive.

Miami and New York battled all game long.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Dolphins running back De’Von Achane started the scoring for the Dolphins with a 2-yard run in the first quarter. The next touchdown was scored in the second quarter when Jets running back Isaiah Davis ran in for a 17-yard score. Davis’ touchdown put the Jets up 10-9. 

The Jets looked as though they were getting ahead in the third quarter.

Aaron Rodgers threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Davante Adams and Anders Carlson hit a 40-yard field goal. The Jets took a 23-15 lead into the final quarter.

Tagovailoa led Miami on a nine-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill. The 2-point conversion was also completed on a pass to Jaylen Waddle.

GIANTS FAN SENDS MESSAGE TO TEAM CO-OWNER AMID ABYSMAL 2024 SEASON

A pair of field goals sent the game into overtime. The Jets’ offense never took the field.

Tagovailoa was 33-of-47 passing with 331 yards and two touchdown passes. Hill had 10 catches for 115 yards and Waddle had nine catches for 99 yards.

Rodgers went over 300 yards passing for the first time since Dec. 12, 2021.

Adams had nine catches for 109 yards along with the touchdown. Garrett Wilson led the team with seven catches for 114 yards, including a 42-yard catch.

However, it was Miami that buried New York’s playoff chances firmly in the ground.

It was the Dolphins’ fourth win in their last five games and their sixth win overall. The Dolphins need to win at least three of their final four games to possibly sneak into the postseason with a logjam for the final three AFC wild-card spots.

Miami only has the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens in front of them for the final playoff spot.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The New York Jets entered the 2024 season with considerably high expectations. 

After four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers went down to injury in last year's season opener, the star quarterback was able to recover and entered this year's regular season in good health. However, the wheels came off quickly in 2024, and the Jets enter Week 14 with just three wins.

While Rodgers has not had the impact anyone associated with the Jets likely hoped for, the 41-year-old still wants to play for Gang Green next season. He also pushed back against any narrative suggesting he needs to perform at a certain level in order to improve his odds of remaining on the Jets roster in 2025.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"That is ridiculous, with all due respect," Rodgers responded when asked about the idea he needed to prove something to the Jets brass down the stretch. "If they want me to stay, fantastic. If it takes these five games, maybe they don’t know what I bring to the table. That being said, I'd love to play really friggin well the last five games."

SUPER BOWL CHAMP RIPS JETS' AARON RODGERS FOR HIS 'SMUGNESS' AMID SEASON OF LACKLUSTER PLAY

Rodgers also doubled down on his hopes that his relationship with the Jets will continue into 2025, but he also conceded that he "won't be upset" if the franchise ultimately decided to move on. 

"I just redid my house here in Jersey. My goal was to play a few more years here. I'd like to play well and feel like I'm wanted back. If not, I will not be offended, I won't be upset".

If it turns out the interest from the Jets is not mutual, Rodgers said he would then weigh his options. 

"I'll look at other options, but first, I'll think about whether I want to play or not," Rodgers said. 

From a statistical point of view, Rodgers is having a down season. He's thrown for 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions through 12 games this season. He has not finished any game this season with 300 or more passing yards.

The Dolphins host the Jets on Sunday.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The New York Jets quarterback's three-part docuseries on Netflix, called "Aaron Rodgers: Enigma," will be released on Dec. 17. 

The trailer for the show was released during his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."

In the trailer, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked the Jets quarterback about getting into politics.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Have you thought about going into politics?" Kennedy said.

There were rumors that Kennedy was considering Rodgers to be his vice president while he was running for president. Kennedy instead picked Nicole Shanahan, a California lawyer and philanthropist, as his running mate. 

Kennedy suspended his campaign in August and endorsed Republican presidential nominee and eventual President-elect Trump. 

Trump tapped Kennedy to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in November.

While Rodgers was not selected to be Kennedy’s running mate, he said the documentary is "pretty wide open" with what will be included in it. 

JETS FANS GROAN AS TRUMP ANNOUNCES HIS PICK FOR US AMBASSADOR TO UK

"Yeah, I’m thankful for the last year. You know, when Gotham reached out after I got hurt we had a good conversation, and it was fun to have him along for the ride and Liam and Sarah and some really amazing people I got to meet along the way," Rodgers said during his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."

"It chronicles a lot of the rehab; it chronicles a trip down to Costa Rica where we did Ayahuasca. There is some great backstory stuff you know from my 18 years in Green Bay and some interesting interviews. So yeah, I mean it’s pretty wide open, it’s talking about all different types of topics in the episodes."

"It was definitely vulnerable to open up and allow them to be around and to take them to some of these things but yeah, I’m excited. I haven’t seen the final cuts or anything, but you know I’m thankful for the people I’ve met in the process and that there’s this history of the most difficult and most rewarding year of my life, kind of now to go back and look at in 20 years."

The Jets are currently 3-9 and have lost three games in a row. Rodgers has struggled this season, completing 62.5% of his passes for 2,627 yards while throwing 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich was asked after the Jets' 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks about potentially making a quarterback change.

"Not as of today," Ulbrich replied, leaving the door open for a change. 

On Monday, Ulbrich shut a potential change down, saying he has great belief in Rodgers, and that he gives the team the best opportunity to win.

Rodgers and the Jets will look to stop their slide when they take on the Miami Dolphins on the road on Sunday. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to name billionaire investment banker Warren A. Stephens as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom burst the bubble of New York Jets fans on Monday.

Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social. The Senate will be required to confirm the selection.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top Diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America’s most cherished and beloved Allies," Trump wrote in the post.

Jets fans had hoped Trump would tap team owner Woody Johnson as the ambassador to the U.K. as he did in his first term from 2017 to 2021. Christopher Johnson, Woody’s brother, took over operations for the team and made personnel decisions.

BRONCOS OUTLAST JAMEIS WINSTON'S 497 PASSING YARDS TO BEAT BROWNS IN PRIMETIME

The Jets’ best record was 7-9 in 2019. Since 2016, the team has only won seven games in a season. They won 10 games in 2015 and have not made the playoffs since 2010.

New York fans, fed up with the way the season has gone, made their opinions known as Trump’s decision came down. However, Johnson could always be appointed to another position.

The Jets are 3-9 this season after all the hype and hope for a playoff run with Aaron Rodgers back at full health. Instead, the team fired Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas in the middle of the season, and the acquisition of Davante Adams has yet to bear fruit.

New York is sitting in third place in the AFC East with a few more weeks left in the season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.