Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, is facing increasing scrutiny after troubling revelations highlighted his controversial management style and influence over player personnel decisions. A recent report from The Athletic disclosed how Johnson’s meddling may have hampered team operations, leading to heightened dysfunction within the franchise.
Among the more shocking claims is the allegation Johnson vetoed the possibility of acquiring wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos, citing the player’s rating on the popular video game franchise Madden. Reportedly, Johnson believed Jeudy's Madden rating of 83 — which was lower than the Jets' then-best receiver, Garrett Wilson, who held an 84 rating — wasn’t satisfactory. This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly considering the Jets' dire need for talent as they languish with a disappointing 4-10 record this NFL season.
"I should be throwing your helmet, you fucking suck," Johnson was allegedly heard saying to former quarterback Mike White following a tough loss against the Seattle Seahawks. This comment, confirmed by the Jets organization, marks the kind of erratic behavior from Johnson and highlights the growing dysfunction at the team's headquarters.
The startling issues do not stop with harsh language or video game ratings. Johnson’s influence extends to discussions held with his teenage sons, Brick and Jack, who have reportedly been present during team meetings. According to executives within the organization, Johnson often references opinions shared by his sons as legitimate points during decision-making processes. "When we're discussing things, you'll hear Woody cite something Brick or Jack read online that's being weighed equally against whatever opinion someone else has," said one Jets executive, emphasizing how unorthodox this approach is for running a professional sports franchise.
The decision to pull the plug on the Jeudy trade — which would have sent Allen Lazard and a day-two pick to the Broncos — reflects broader concerns surrounding Johnson's management style. It is evident from multiple accounts, including the previous mention of his interference with the signing of free-agent guard John Simpson due to Simpson's Madden awareness rating, how heavily video game metrics have unwittingly crept their way onto Johnson’s checklist for evaluating players.
This season, the Jets' attempts to fortify their roster resulted not only in Johnson’s vetoed trades but also revealed the unsettling fact about how his family dynamics affect team culture. A cringe-worthy incident transpired when Johnson’s son, Brick, attempted to commandeer the post-game celebrations to award Garrett Wilson, boasting about one of his catches, instead of allowing Aaron Rodgers to bestow the customary game ball to interim coach Jeff Ulbrich after securing his first win. "That was one of the best f—ing catches I have seen in my entire life," Brick reportedly shouted before recording it for social media, deflATING the celebratory atmosphere and drawing discomfort from several players present.
With Johnson running the team as if they were his personal plaything, the legitimacy of the Jets' leadership is now firmly under scrutiny. His behavior undoubtedly alienates potential candidates for head coach and general manager roles, as they may question their ability to operate effectively amid such aggressive family involvement. Accordingly, the team has had trouble attracting talent, with hindrances laid before them by Johnson's antics and the historic failures of the Jets franchise.
What is particularly disheartening is the Jets had not made the playoffs since 2010, and the fanbase continues to grapple with hopes dashed year after year. The chances for recovery seem remote as long as Johnson’s family dynamics remain entwined with professional decisions. The ever-worsening situation merely reinforces long-held frustrations about management choices and prospects for the franchise moving forward under Johnson's leadership.
Fans of the Jets continue to wonder if brighter days are on the horizon or if they are stuck in the grip of another woeful chapter of Jets' history. Amid all the shenanigans, it remains painfully clear: without substantive changes at the ownership level and the dismissing of inappropriate influences, the Jets' organization may never escape the shadow of its own ineptitude.
While intrigued observers will keep their eyes on how Johnson handles this brewing controversy, the path to respectability for the Jets will likely remain obscured until serious changes are enacted; departures from timid decision-making and family-driven dynamics would be steps toward recovery.
