‘The Most Dysfunctional Place Imaginable’: Bombshell Report Alleges Chaos Within NY Jets Organization
Doug Murray/AP
A new report from The Athletic paints a picture of a tumultuous environment within the New York Jets organization amid another disappointing season.
Compared to everyone’s preseason expectations, the Jets’ 2023-24 season has been nothing short of a disaster. Despite a full season with a healthy Aaron Rodgers, in addition to a multitude of offensive weapons and the mid-season acquisition of star receiver Davante Adams, the team is just 4-10 going into the final three games of the season. As a result, the team’s playoff drought has been extended to 14 years.
In the Thursday report, multiple sources claimed owner Woody Johnson has played a major role in the dysfunction within the organization. One of them even called it “the most dysfunctional place imaginable.”
Arguably the most stunning revelation from the report involved video games. Sources told The Athletic that the Jets nearly traded for then-Denver Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy, but negotiations fell through when Johnson told Broncos general manager George Paton that Jeudy’s rating in the popular football game Madden NFL was too low. In another instance, Johnson was hesitant to sign offensive guard John Simpson due to his “awareness” rating in the game. He ultimately did sign him, and Simpson has statistically been one of the best guards in the league.
Sources claim those opinions came from Johnson’s teenage sons, who are regularly seen at team facilities. In a statement, a team spokesperson flatly denied that his sons influence his decisions with the team.
Even if that is the case, the sons’ constant presence seemingly rubbed some the wrong way. Johnson allegedly brings friends and family members into the locker room after games; and current and former players said Johnson’s family has been known to openly criticize players while they’re there.
The report then cited a 2022 incident in which quarterback Mike White — having played through broken ribs — threw his helmet in frustration after a loss that eliminated the team from playoff contention. Johnson, according to multiple players, said, “You should throw your helmet, you fucking suck.” Johnson later apologized for the comment.
