The 2024 season has been nothing short of disastrous for the New York Jets, leaving owner Woody Johnson facing a barrage of criticism from fans and pundits alike. Yet, the harshest judgment has seemingly come from within the organization itself. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has released its annual team report cards, revealing a stark reality: Jets players have given their ownership a resounding F—the only team in the league to receive such a low grade. This resounding censure was underpinned by frustrations that have festered throughout the season, ultimately culminating in a 29th place overall ranking, a significant decline from the 21st position they occupied the previous year.
The report card offered an unvarnished look at perceived leadership failures under Johnson’s stewardship. Numerous players articulated their concerns, pointing to systemic issues that they believe stem from the top. According to the NFLPA, these “top-down problems” highlight a disconnect between ownership and the players, where effective communication and action have seemingly faltered. The decline from a B- to an F in the ownership category reflects not only dissatisfaction with operational procedures but also a significant blow to morale—particularly in the context of building a sustainable team culture.
A glaring miscalculation by Johnson’s administration has been their response to players’ complaints regarding the food program—an area that consistently brought negative feedback from players. Instead of rectifying these issues, the Jets made the questionable decision to cut the food budget, a move that only exacerbated the dissatisfaction within the squad. A respected longtime dietitian left for the Kansas City Chiefs, who promptly enhanced their food program, further underscoring a troubling gap in management practices.
Interestingly, despite the overall discontent with ownership and management, players graded their head coach a B. However, this was only good for a 25th place ranking across the league, suggesting that while the coaching staff may have some support, the negative judgment of ownership has overshadowed any positive sentiments. Johnson’s decision to fire coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas mid-season stands as a pivotal moment in Jets history. This approach to leadership has already been criticized as shortsighted, especially following the team’s failure to secure a respectable record, finishing at 5-12.
Moving forward, Johnson has acknowledged the need for introspection and improvement. “Absolutely, I have to look in the mirror, and I have to be a better owner,” he stated in a recent news conference. This admission indicates an understanding that to move beyond the current turmoil, leadership changes and strategic reevaluation are essential. The Jets must work hard to rebuild trust and sophistication in their management structure if they hope to return to being a competitive force in the NFL. The transition from the depths of dissatisfaction to a more hopeful future relies on clear communication and actionable improvements that address players’ concerns head-on.