By Zack Rosenblatt, Dianna Russini and Michael Silver
Woody Johnson’s Unconventional Approach to NFL Ownership
Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, embarked on a unique journey of player evaluation last February. While at his Palm Beach home, he was with Jets’ decision-makers, watching game tapes and exploring potential offseason recruits. One name that caught their attention was Jerry Jeudy, a wide receiver and former first-round pick for the Denver Broncos. Jets GM Joe Douglas showed interest, but Johnson had a more unconventional method to assess Jeudy’s potential—he checked his rating in the popular video game, "Madden NFL."
A Deal That Never Happened
Negotiations soon began for a trade that could have brought Jeudy to the Jets, enhancing their lineup for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, the deal fell through unexpectedly. Sources revealed that Johnson was hesitant because Jeudy’s "Madden" rating wasn’t up to his expectations. As a result, Jeudy was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he achieved over 1,000 receiving yards for the first time.
A Season of Disappointment
The Jets entered the new season with high hopes of breaking their 13-year playoff drought. However, the season only solidified their reputation for dysfunction. Head coach Robert Saleh was dismissed after just five games, and Douglas followed six weeks later. Johnson even suggested benching Rodgers after a series of poor performances, which a Jets spokesperson later clarified was a jest.
Johnson’s Influence and the Madden Ratings
Johnson’s involvement in team decisions is well-known and often viewed as impulsive by insiders. His reliance on "Madden" ratings wasn’t limited to Jeudy. For instance, he initially opposed signing free-agent guard John Simpson because of a low "awareness" rating in the game. Despite this, the Jets signed Simpson, who performed well throughout the season.
Family Dynamics and Locker Room Critiques
Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, have also been noted for their influence in team matters. They often accompanied their father to meetings and were seen in the locker room, sometimes making critical remarks about players. This behavior led to tension, with some players and coaches feeling that the family dynamic was affecting team morale.
A Tumultuous Tenure
Johnson’s time as owner has been marked by frequent changes and instability. Since his purchase of the Jets in 2000, the team has seen a revolving door of head coaches and general managers. Critics argue that Johnson’s hands-on approach and reliance on non-traditional metrics like video game ratings have contributed to the team’s struggles.
Looking Ahead
As the Jets prepare for another offseason of change, they face crucial decisions about their leadership and whether to retain Rodgers for another season. The future of the franchise remains uncertain under Johnson’s leadership, with many hoping for a more stable and successful era in the years to come.
