The Dysfunctional World of Woody Johnson’s New York Jets: A Deep Dive into Turmoil
The New York Jets, a franchise with one of the longest playoff droughts in professional sports, is once again making headlines — and not for the right reasons. At the center of the storm is team owner Woody Johnson, whose management style has been described by insiders as over-involved, impulsive, and chaotic.
More than 20 current and former players, coaches, and executives spoke anonymously about the dysfunction within the Jets organization, painting a picture of a franchise plagued by mismanagement, questionable decision-making, and a lack of accountability.
Here’s an in-depth look at the issues surrounding the Jets, from bizarre player evaluations to internal power struggles, and how Woody Johnson’s leadership has shaped the team’s ongoing struggles.
Woody Johnson and the Madden Ratings Scandal
Earlier this year, during offseason trade talks, the Jets were close to acquiring wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos. The deal would have paired Jeudy with Aaron Rodgers, providing the quarterback with a much-needed playmaker. However, the trade fell apart due to an unusual reason: Woody Johnson reportedly vetoed the move because Jeudy’s “Madden NFL” video game rating wasn’t high enough.
According to multiple sources, Johnson’s decision left the Broncos’ executives stunned, and Jeudy was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns. He recently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career, leaving Jets fans wondering what could have been.
This wasn’t the first time Johnson referenced Madden ratings as a factor in player evaluations. He also expressed doubts about signing free-agent guard John Simpson because of a low “awareness” rating in the game. Ironically, Simpson was signed and went on to have a standout season, ranking as one of the league’s best guards.
A Season of Chaos: Firings, Benching Rodgers, and Dysfunction
The Jets entered the 2024 season with optimism, hoping to end a 13-year playoff drought. However, things quickly unraveled.
- Head Coach Robert Saleh Fired Early: Saleh was dismissed just five games into the season. Six weeks later, General Manager Joe Douglas was also fired.
- Aaron Rodgers Benched?: Johnson reportedly suggested benching Rodgers after a poor performance. A Jets spokesperson later called the comment “provocative” and claimed it was made in jest.
- A Dysfunctional Locker Room: Johnson and his family have also faced criticism for their behavior inside the locker room. Players reported instances of Johnson and his teenage sons openly criticizing team members.
The season ended with a 4-10 record, ensuring the Jets would miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season.
The Role of Woody Johnson’s Sons
One of the more eyebrow-raising revelations is the increasing influence of Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, on team decisions. According to team executives, Woody frequently references opinions from his sons during meetings, treating their input as equal to that of seasoned football professionals.
For example, insiders believe the infamous “Madden” ratings incident was influenced by Brick and Jack. Additionally, the two have been known to bring friends into the Jets locker room, a move that many players found unprofessional.
The Jets spokesperson denied that the teenagers play a significant role in decision-making, calling the allegations “completely ridiculous.”
A Culture of Dysfunction and Poor Leadership
The Jets’ struggles under Johnson’s ownership extend beyond one bad season. Since buying the team in 2000 for $635 million, Johnson has presided over a revolving door of head coaches and general managers — eight full-time head coaches and seven GMs in 25 years.
Insiders describe a toxic culture where employees feel they cannot speak freely or voice concerns without fear of reprisal. Some team executives even compared the situation to the satirical corporate consultants in the film Office Space, calling Johnson’s outside advisors “The Bobs.”
One former executive summarized the dysfunction:
“They keep changing the football people, but the football people aren’t the issue. It’s like having brain cancer and trying to fix it by cutting off your foot.”
Aaron Rodgers’ Frustration with Ownership
Rodgers, who joined the Jets in 2023, has also expressed frustration with the organization’s leadership. After suffering an Achilles injury in Week 1 of the 2023 season, Rodgers spent most of the year rehabbing. However, when the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention, Johnson reportedly insisted that Rodgers practice with the team, despite the quarterback’s preference to continue rehabbing in Los Angeles.
Rodgers has also been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the team’s instability, suggesting that ownership’s lack of support for coaches and management has been detrimental. During a press conference, Rodgers pointedly remarked:
“There’s a difference when owners back their coaches and GMs both publicly and privately. I don’t think we’ve seen that here.”
The Fallout: What’s Next for the Jets?
As the Jets head into another offseason of uncertainty, major changes are expected:
- New Leadership Needed: With both the head coach and general manager positions vacant, the Jets must rebuild their leadership team.
- Aaron Rodgers’ Future: It remains unclear whether Rodgers will return for another season, and his relationship with ownership appears strained.
- A Culture Overhaul: Insiders agree that the Jets need to address the organizational culture if they hope to achieve long-term success.
Despite these challenges, Woody Johnson seems unlikely to change his hands-on approach to running the team. As one current Jets executive put it:
“With Woody, it’s like, ‘I’m right — prove me wrong.’”
Conclusion: The Most Dysfunctional Place in the NFL?
The New York Jets remain one of the most dysfunctional franchises in professional sports, and much of the blame lies with Woody Johnson’s leadership. From bizarre decision-making based on video game ratings to a toxic workplace culture, the Jets’ problems run deep.
Until the organization addresses its root issues and fosters a stable environment, the team’s playoff drought — and its reputation for dysfunction — is likely to continue.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Jets’ offseason moves and the future of Aaron Rodgers as the team tries to turn the page on yet another disappointing chapter.