Content available exclusively for subscribers
The President intends to nominate Woody Johnson to serve as Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
If Woody Johnson is nominated and confirmed by the Senate, Christopher Johnson, his brother and an owner will become Chairman and CEO. In that role, Christopher will directly oversee all day-to-day team operations.
“Over the years, we have learned that ownership of the New York Jets is a special responsibility,” Christopher Johnson said. “Personally, if Woody is nominated and confirmed, I would be honored to oversee the organization, continuing to build a team on and off the field that our fans are proud of and deserve.”
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing for the Jets.
First of all, it’s a great opportunity for Woody Johnson. Being the United States Ambassador to a country that is one of our biggest allies is quite an honor.
And you know what, it might not be the worst thing in the world for him to take a break from the Jets for a few years. He’s been really taking it on the chin in recent years. The signing of Darrelle Revis to a contract that paid in $39 million guaranteed for two awful seasons wasn’t one of his finest decisions.
And then this off-season, the release of David Harris and Eric Decker in early June, were a couple of moves that Woody got attacked for.
Maybe a break from the line of media fire might be healthy for Woody.
This Jets off-season was so much about a culture change – many big name players released – Revis, Harris, Decker, Nick Mangold, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brandon Marshall and Marcus Gilchrist.
The vibe on the practice field and in the locker room is totally different.
So newness at the top could change the vibe as well.
Christopher is a little more low key than Woody, for what it’s worth.
Now of course Woody will still be an owner the Jets. That isn’t changing. But since he’s going to be overseas, the NFL wanted the Jets to have somebody else filling his shoes as the de facto owner.
And what a lot people don’t know is that Christopher, Woody and their mother Betty are all equal owners of the Jets. They always have been. It’s just that the family decided to make Woody the active owner. Somebody had to be the front person, and that turned out to be Woody. But this trio has always owned the team, equally and together.
So if Woody is approved, and Christopher takes over for perhaps three years, it’s not a bad thing for the Jets.
Change is good sometimes.
And when Woody comes back, his image with Jets fans will likely improve. Some are very down on him right now. Perhaps it’s not fair, but that is the reality.
But it should be better when he returns. Time heals all wounds.
And also, after 17 years in the shadows, why not give Christopher a shot at the plate?
June 23, 2017
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Monday.