The Jets' Unusual Decision-Making: The Madden Factor

The New York Jets are no strangers to unconventional tactics, and a recent report by TheAthletic. com sheds light on one of their more bizarre decisions. It turns out that team owner Woody Johnson vetoed a potential trade for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy simply because Jeudy's Madden rating was too low. This wasn't an isolated incident either; Johnson also hesitated to sign guard John Simpson due to his low "awareness" rating in the game. The influence of Madden ratings on the Jets' decisions comes from an interesting source: Woody Johnson's teenage sons, Brick and Jack. These youngsters are known to share their online findings during team discussions, which are then considered equally with the opinions of other team executives. An anonymous Jets executive described how Woody Johnson often cites information his sons find online. The Jets acknowledged the involvement of Johnson's sons in their decision-making process. A team spokesperson explained that the sons' input is merely a reference point and not the final say in decisions. They also defended the practice, stating that it wouldn’t replace the opinions of experienced staff. Despite not having official roles, the sons have already made their presence felt. For instance, Brick was seen handing out a game ball after a rare victory, an experience that one unnamed player described as "awkward, cringe-worthy, and brutal. " The Jets under Woody Johnson's leadership seem to be constantly stirring up unusual and often uncomfortable situations. While the involvement of his sons might not be determinative, it certainly adds a unique layer to the team's dynamics.