The New York Jets are experiencing a tumultuous season, and much of the blame is falling on owner Woody Johnson and his family. Recent reports indicate that Woody Johnson’s son, Brick Johnson, has taken on an outsized role within the organization, effectively acting as the team’s “de facto” general manager.
The situation has led to further scrutiny of the Jets’ front office and decision-making processes.
After the abrupt firing of general manager Joe Douglas, multiple reports surfaced detailing the dysfunction within the New York Jets organization. These reports painted a picture of a team struggling with leadership issues and questionable decision-making, with Brick Johnson—Woody’s college-aged son—allegedly having significant influence over the franchise’s football operations.
Brick Johnson, who is currently a student at Harvard University and a member of the men’s tennis team, has reportedly become an important figure in the Jets’ front office, despite lacking professional experience.
Sources close to the organization have claimed that Brick is frequently consulted on key personnel decisions, and some of the recent moves by the Jets appear to have been driven more by social media trends than sound football strategy.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Jets’ failed free-agent signings of veterans Tyron Smith and Mike Williams were influenced by social media buzz. Both players were highly talked about online, and the decision to pursue them seemed to align more with public sentiment than a well-thought-out roster-building plan.
“Owner Woody Johnson badly wants to win, and he’s sunk resources into making that happen, but he’s also created an environment that people there don’t feel like is all that conducive to actually accomplishing that,” NFL insider Albert Breer reported during the Thursday Night Football broadcast between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
“That’s because he listens to too many non-football people on football matters, he pays too much attention to what’s going on on the internet, and that’s what people there feel like is an unpredictable boss,” Breer added.
RELATED: Former NFL Insider Suggests Jets Fired Robert Saleh to ‘Deflect Blame’ from Aaron Rodgers
The idea that Woody Johnson’s son has so much sway over the organization has not gone unnoticed in league circles. Fellow NFL reporter Tony Pauline commented that Brick’s influence has been a running joke for some time now, with insiders dubbing him the “de facto” general manager. Pauline’s comments only added to the growing perception of disarray within the Jets’ organization.
The backlash among fans has been swift and severe, with many taking to social media to express their frustration. “Brick Johnson, if you’re reading this, your dad is a s—– owner and should sell the team,” one angry Jets fan tweeted, while another sarcastically advised, “Brick Johnson if you’re reading this Will McClay is the Skibidi Toilet of GM candidates he has Fortnite Ohio Rizz.”
The Jets’ season has gone from bad to worse. With a current record of 3-8, they’ve been unable to find any consistency on the field.
The firing of Joe Douglas, combined with the influence of Brick Johnson over decision-making, has left the team in disarray. Head coach Robert Saleh, already under immense pressure, has had to navigate a roster plagued by injuries, underperforming signings, and internal chaos.
The current state of affairs paints a bleak picture for the Jets, who are on a bye week but will return to action on December 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. Fans have little optimism left for the rest of the 2024 season, and many are questioning whether the franchise has any hope of turning things around without significant changes at the top.
The involvement of Brick Johnson in the day-to-day operations of the team is emblematic of the larger issues plaguing the Jets. While his father, Woody, has invested heavily in the team and shown a willingness to spend, the lack of football expertise in decision-making positions has only added to the dysfunction.
Rather than relying on seasoned football professionals, the Jets appear to be prioritizing social media buzz and public sentiment, leading to ill-advised moves that have left the roster in shambles.
With the Jets’ future looking uncertain, the calls for a change in leadership have grown louder. Fans want to see a front office led by experienced football minds who can bring stability and a long-term vision to the franchise.
As long as the team’s direction is influenced by unqualified voices, such as Brick Johnson, the prospects of success will remain slim.
For now, the Jets’ struggles continue, and the team’s leadership remains under fire. Whether Woody Johnson will make the necessary changes to restore credibility and competence to the organization is yet to be seen.
Until then, the Jets and their fans are left to endure another disappointing season, with hopes for a brighter future seeming increasingly distant.
