Introduction

In a revelation that adds another layer of dysfunction to the struggling New York Jets, a recent report from TheAthletic.com suggests that owner Woody Johnson thwarted a trade deal for star receiver Jerry Jeudy following concerns over his Madden video game rating. This decision has raised eyebrows and questions about the rationale behind personnel choices within the organization.

Details of the Report

According to the report, Johnson, who appears to place significant weight on video game statistics, reportedly rejected the idea of acquiring Jeudy because he felt the young receiver's Madden rating was unsatisfactory. This isn’t an isolated incident; the report also claims Johnson hesitated to sign offensive guard John Simpson due to his low ‘awareness’ rating in the game—a move that is almost baffling for those who expect decisions in the NFL to be grounded in player performance rather than virtual numbers.

Influence of Family

Industry insiders suggest that Johnson’s reliance on the popular video game may stem from a desire to connect with his sons, Brick and Jack, who evidently influence his thinking about the team. An unnamed Jets executive disclosed that Johnson often quotes their takes from online discussions, giving the impression that the opinions of his teenage sons hold substantial weight in critical football decisions.

Official Response

The Jets organization did attempt to downplay this connection, with a spokesperson stating, 'It is used as a reference point; it is not determinative.' They further insisted that it’s misleading to imply that Johnson’s sons hold any substantial sway over executive counsel.

Growing Concerns

Despite the official rebuttals, it's hard to ignore the growing narrative that Johnson's unorthodox decision-making style could affect the team’s success. Brick Johnson has been seen in the background during team events, even distributing a game ball after one of the few victories, which led one unnamed player to describe the moment as, 'the most awkward, cringe-worthy, brutal experience.' It begs the question: are the Johnsons preparing for future leadership roles or merely following in their father's controversial footsteps?

Conclusion

The backlash over Woody Johnson's unconventional methods reflects broader concerns about the Jets' strategy and direction as a franchise. The team's performance has been underwhelming for years, and a continuous string of questionable decisions only adds to the pressure on the organization to reclaim its status among the league’s elite. Jets fans are left wondering: can this team rise from the ashes of its troubling history, or are they destined to remain a laughingstock due to their owner’s peculiar priorities?