The New York Jets are experiencing a scrutiny that no team wants to endure—an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction not only emanating from the fans and media but, more alarmingly, from the players themselves. Owner Woody Johnson, whose leadership has faced relentless criticism throughout the disappointing 2024 season, found his tenure further challenged when the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) unveiled its annual team report card. This evaluation highlighted a dismal report for the Jets, with the players collectively assigning their ownership an abysmal grade of F—the only team in the league to receive such a damning assessment.
The report card, which assessed various aspects of the organization through the eyes of 1,695 players, revealed a stark dive in the Jets’ overall ranking—from 21st in 2023 to a worrying 29th in 2024. This steep fall can be attributed to significant issues within the franchise’s upper echelons, most prominently the “top-down problems” cited by players. This language indicates a disconnect between ownership and the team, which has evidently permeated the locker room culture.
One of the most alarming aspects of the report was the drastic dip in the ownership grade, which plummeted from B- to F. Such a trend points directly to Johnson’s inability or unwillingness to cultivate a positive environment for his players. Evidence from the survey suggests that the management’s response to concerns has only exacerbated issues rather than resolved them. For instance, the decision to cut the food budget—a move that players directly correlated with declining morale—is particularly telling. The departure of the Jets’ long-time dietitian to the Kansas City Chiefs, noted for their resurgence in this area, further accentuates a lack of foresight in maintaining essential support systems for the players.
Johnson’s decision to take drastic measures last fall—firing coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the season—marked an unprecedented move in his 25-year ownership tenure. However, the results were disastrous; the Jets stumbled to a 5-12 finish, leading to increased unrest within the organization’s structure as reports emerged of players feeling micromanaged by an owner stepping far beyond traditional boundaries. Curiously, while players rated the new head coach a B, reflecting some internal respect for the leadership, this ranking still cemented Johnson’s issue of misalignment in management strategies.
In the wake of the damning report card, Johnson has stated his intent to take a hard look in the mirror and improve as an owner. His acknowledgment of the need for development is a start, but the question remains: can he transition from acknowledgment to actionable changes swiftly enough to mend the fractured rapport between ownership and the players? As the Jets face an important off-season ahead, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see if Johnson can realign his approach and regain the trust that has been so thoroughly eroded.
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