Woody Johnson is an American businessman and philanthropist who is best known for his ownership of the New York Jets, a professional football team in the National Football League (NFL). Johnson's involvement with the Jets began in 2000 when he purchased the team for $635 million.
Prior to his ownership of the Jets, Johnson had little involvement in football. He was primarily known for his work in the pharmaceutical industry, where he served as the CEO of Johnson & Johnson from 1996 to 2004. However, Johnson was a lifelong fan of the sport and saw the opportunity to invest in a team as a way to combine his passion with his business acumen.
Under Johnson's ownership, the Jets have had a mixed record of success on the field. The team has made several playoff appearances, including two trips to the AFC Championship game in 2009 and 2010, but has yet to win a Super Bowl. Johnson has been known for his hands-on approach to team management, often making personnel decisions and working closely with the coaching staff.
Off the field, Johnson has been an active philanthropist and political donor. He has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes, including medical research and education. Johnson has also been involved in politics, serving as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021 under the Trump administration.
In recent years, Johnson has faced criticism for his handling of the Jets. The team has struggled on the field, with several high-profile coaching and personnel decisions failing to produce results. Johnson has also been criticized for his involvement in politics, with some fans calling for him to focus more on the team and less on his political ambitions.
Despite these challenges, Johnson remains committed to the Jets and to football. He has expressed a desire to bring a Super Bowl championship to New York and has continued to invest in the team's success. With a new coaching staff and a promising young quarterback in place, Johnson and the Jets are hoping to turn their fortunes around and bring glory to the franchise.
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