Woody Johnson’s Leadership Under Scrutiny as New York Jets Struggle

The New York Jets are facing significant challenges this season, and much of the criticism is directed at the team’s owner, Woody Johnson. As the Jets prepare to face the Houston Texans on Thursday night, their record stands at a disappointing 2-6, marking a five-game losing streak since their last win.

According to Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, Johnson’s leadership style has been a major point of contention. Breer noted that Johnson’s erratic decision-making has created a culture of uncertainty within the organization, causing many employees to feel as though they are “walking on eggshells.” This perception was highlighted to head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas before they joined the team, and it could impact future hiring decisions if major changes occur after this season.

Johnson’s recent actions have further exacerbated the situation. He dismissed head coach Robert Saleh earlier this month when the team had a 2-3 record, and since then, the Jets have been unable to break their losing streak. The team also acquired wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders, but this move has not yet yielded the desired results.

In addition to his football decisions, Johnson’s influence and decision-making processes have been questioned. It is believed that he often listens to non-football people on football matters and pays too much attention to public opinion on the internet. This approach has led to a culture that is not conducive to winning, which could deter potential candidates from joining the Jets in the future.

Johnson’s off-field activities have also drawn attention. He is one of the top NFL owners in terms of donations to political causes, having donated $1,806,300 to the Republican Party since January 1, 2023. This amount surpasses the salary of the Jets’ standout running back, Breece Hall, for the current season.