The New York Jets, a franchise steeped in recent years of disappointment and a playoff drought stretching back 14 seasons, finds itself embroiled in yet another controversy, this time centered around owner Woody Johnson’s alleged reliance on unconventional decision-making processes. A recent exposé published by The Athletic paints a picture of internal dysfunction within the organization, highlighting Johnson’s purported use of the popular video game, Madden NFL, as a factor in player personnel decisions. This revelation has ignited a firestorm of criticism and ridicule, raising serious questions about the competence and judgment of the Jets’ ownership.
At the heart of the controversy lies the aborted trade for Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. According to multiple sources cited by The Athletic, Johnson, who also served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom under the Trump administration, vetoed the potential acquisition of Jeudy due to the player’s perceived low rating in the Madden NFL video game. This decision, which reportedly stunned and frustrated then-general manager Joe Douglas, ultimately led to Jeudy being traded to the Cleveland Browns, a move that has further fueled the criticism against Johnson’s leadership. The report suggests that Johnson’s reliance on Madden ratings extended beyond Jeudy, influencing decisions related to other players, including the signing of guard John Simpson.
The Athletic report further alleges that Johnson’s two teenage sons, Brick and Jack, exerted undue influence on the team’s decision-making processes. Sources within the organization claim that the opinions of Johnson’s sons, often gleaned from online sources, were given equal weight to the assessments of experienced football executives, a practice that raised concerns about the professionalism and objectivity within the Jets’ front office. While a spokesperson for the Jets vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the teenagers’ opinions were merely used as “reference points” and not determinative factors, the allegations have nonetheless cast a shadow over the organization’s decision-making structure.
The Jets’ spokesperson categorically dismissed the notion that Johnson’s sons played any significant role in the team’s operations, labeling the accusations as “ridiculous” and “misleading.” They emphasized that the teenagers hold no official positions within the organization and that their opinions are not given undue weight. However, the spokesperson’s denial has done little to quell the growing skepticism surrounding the Jets’ internal dynamics, particularly given the team’s prolonged struggles and the pattern of questionable decisions.
The fallout from this latest controversy comes on the heels of a tumultuous offseason for the Jets, which saw the firing of head coach Adam Gase and general manager Joe Douglas, as well as the demotion of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. The team’s consistent underperformance and the perceived instability within the organization have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike, who question whether Johnson’s leadership is capable of turning the franchise around. The Jets’ reliance on a video game rating and alleged deference to the opinions of teenagers underscores the perceived lack of a coherent and professional decision-making process.
The Jets now face the daunting task of rebuilding their reputation and restoring confidence among their fanbase. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for the organization, as they search for a new head coach and general manager who can instill a winning culture and bring stability to the team. The shadow of this latest controversy, however, will likely loom over the Jets as they attempt to navigate their way back to respectability. The question remains whether Johnson will learn from these missteps and implement a more conventional and data-driven approach to decision-making or whether the Jets will continue to be plagued by the same issues that have hindered their progress for so long. The future of the franchise may depend on it.
