Woody Johnson named Worst NFL Owner as Jets Players Give Him ‘F’ Grade in NFLPA Report Card

The New York Jets are reeling from a disastrous 2024 season, finishing with a dismal 5-12 record. However, the setbacks did not end there, as the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) released its annual team report cards, revealing a harsh reality for the franchise. Ranked 29th out of 32 NFL teams, the Jets' decline from 21st place last year highlights deep-seated issues within the organization, particularly under the ownership of Woody Johnson, who was handed an unprecedented 'F' grade.

The NFLPA’s report card, compiled from surveys of 1,695 players across all 32 teams, graded 11 key categories, including team culture, player treatment, and facility investment. The findings were especially damning for Woody Johnson, who finished last in willingness to invest in facilities, fostering a positive team culture, and building a competitive roster. In fact, Johnson was the only NFL owner to receive an 'F' grade, reflecting a significant decline from the B-minus he received just a year earlier.

The report revealed that rather than addressing player concerns, management allegedly made conditions worse. It stated, "Rather than addressing concerns, players believed that management responded to feedback by making conditions worse." This sentiment was amplified by specific complaints regarding the team's food program. After receiving low grades for their food program last year, the Jets reportedly cut the food budget and did not retain their respected dietitian, who moved to the Kansas City Chiefs and helped improve their nutrition program.

The Jets’ toxic workplace culture was further underscored by NFLPA chief strategy officer J.C. Tretter, who highlighted the pervasive atmosphere of fear within the organization. “They talked about the culture – it’s a problem, top down,” Tretter said. “[They said,] ‘It’s a culture of fear here.’ And I think that stood out in those grades.”
On the field, the Jets' woes continued as they recorded a disappointing 5-12 season, marking their 14th consecutive year without a playoff appearance—the longest active postseason drought among the top four American professional sports leagues. The high-profile acquisition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers turned out to be a monumental failure. The two-year experiment with Rodgers ended with his departure this offseason, leaving the franchise without a clear direction moving forward.
Reports of dysfunction extended beyond player dissatisfaction, with rumors swirling that Johnson’s teenage son, Brick, was involved in team decisions, further complicating an already chaotic leadership structure. The fallout from these revelations raises serious questions about the future of the franchise under Johnson's ownership.
The NFLPA's report card serves as a wake-up call for the New York Jets. To reverse their fortunes, significant changes are needed from the top down. Johnson’s resistance to investing in essential facilities, coupled with his failure to cultivate a positive workplace culture, has severely impacted the team’s performance and reputation. As the Jets enter another offseason filled with uncertainty, fans can only hope that the harsh criticisms in the report will push Johnson to make meaningful changes.
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If not, the Jets risk continuing their downward spiral, with success on the field remaining a distant dream. For an organization that has been mired in mediocrity for over a decade, it is clear that nothing short of a complete cultural overhaul will suffice.