New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has found himself at the center of yet another controversy as the team has begun to face the consequences of his unorthodox decision-making. This season has already been tumultuous, marked by the Jets’ difficulties on the field and internal turmoil, but recent revelations about Johnson's influence over team decisions have intensified scrutiny of his leadership.
According to reports from The Athletic, Johnson’s approach to ownership has contributed significantly to the dysfunction plaguing the Jets. Specifically, Johnson’s reliance on the ratings from the popular video game "Madden NFL" to assess player acquisition has raised eyebrows and questions about the franchise's future. Most eye-catching was Johnson’s decision to veto the trade for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who was poised to be one of the Jets' key offensive weapons, due to his perceived low rating across video game platforms.
It has been reported by various league sources including The Athletic, during negotiations last February, then general manager Joe Douglas sought authorization from Johnson to bring Jeudy over from the Denver Broncos. Just as the trade appeared to be nearing completion, Johnson reportedly quashed the deal, citing Jeudy’s inadequate rating within the Madden NFL framework as his rationale. This bizarre decision has been widely criticized, with many within the sports community questioning how operational decisions can be dictated by video game statistics.
"There are organizations where it is all set up for you to win,” expressed one Jets player who requested anonymity. “It feels completely different (with the Jets). It’s the most dysfunctional place imaginable.” Johnson’s decision not only impacted the trade for Jeudy, who has since flourished with the Cleveland Browns, accumulating over 1,000 receiving yards this season, but also speaks to the larger issues faced by the franchise.
Further compounding this controversy is the reported influence of Johnson's teenage sons, Brick and Jack, on his decision-making process. They are said to direct their father's attention to social media comments and video game statistics, effectively interjecting their informal insights during serious team discussions. A current executive’s comment highlighted this dynamic: "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 in the department has." Johnson's spokesperson, seeking to mitigate the damage, insisted their input serves as merely "a reference point; it is not determinative."
The situation has grown increasingly uncomfortable for players and team staff alike. Following the Jets' first win of the season under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, Brick Johnson reportedly awarded game balls to players amid awkward circumstances, causing some players to feel the atmosphere was drained of positivity. One player described the experience as "the most awkward, cringe-worthy, brutal experience" during their time on the team.
Johnson's contentious management decisions extend beyond player trades and locker room dynamics. The Jets' season, characterized by their 4-10 record and coaching changes, reflects broader organizational instability. Midseason, the team parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, signaling fresh turmoil following Joe Douglas’s consequential tenure at the helm. Despite the chaotic conditions, Johnson suggested benching quarterback Aaron Rodgers before deciding against the move, adding to perceptions of confusion within the organization.
The Jets’ struggles are not just about misfired trades or unqualified endorsements; they also spotlight the malfunctions of systematic culture under Johnson’s watch. Since Johnson acquired the franchise back in 2000, the Jets have not only experienced lengthy playoff droughts, failing to reach the postseason for 14 consecutive years, but they have also embodying continual upheaval. This year will mark the 19th time Johnson’s Jets will miss out on the playoffs during his tenure.
A former executive articulated the essence of the Jets’ challenges, positing, "They keep on doing the same thing over and over: they change the football people. The football people are not the issue." Johnson’s impulsive demeanor has led many to reflect on whether the team's persistent issues stem from individual decisions or larger shifts within the organization itself. With the latest commentary about the 'Madden' incident and the commentary from anonymous players, it solidifies the notion of Johnson’s intrusive approach as the primary issue stunting the Jets’ growth.
On the verge of another offseason and with the looming prospect of rebuilding, the Jets stand at the confluence of challenges posed by on-field performance and off-field discourse. Reports have indicated they will need to determine whether to retain Rodgers as the team’s quarterback for the upcoming season and potentially seek out new leadership through both player and management resignations.
There’s heightened concern over whether Johnson can recalibrate as the owner who needs to understand the demands and pressures of the game. The upcoming months may not provide clarity for Jets fans as they watch Johnson's decisions play out. Every bit of evidence suggests the dysfunction festering within the organization can be traced back to leadership's misalignment and unorthodoxy.
Whether or not the Jets can emerge from this downgrade of culture and reconnect with the proud history of their franchise remains to be seen as Johnson continues to explore the tumultuous intersection of familial influence and operational effectiveness. Fans eagerly await answers about the changes to come as they yearn for something to finally reset the team's dismal narrative.
