Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, emphatically refuted a reported “heated conversation” with Coach Robert Saleh. According to the NFL Network, the dispute was said to have taken place at the NFL owner’s meeting. The New York Jets are coming off another disappointing season, finishing 7-10 on the year.
Hopes for a Super Bowl-contending season came crashing down when Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 against Buffalo. However, they did finish their season with a Week 18 17-3 win against the New England Patriots. 2023 was also New York’s fourth consecutive season with ten losses.
How Did Woody Johnson Respond to The Report?
Johnson refuted the report, addressing it on X, saying, “All this nonsense about a heated argument between Coach Saleh and me at the League Meeting is absolutely false. It is yet another irresponsible report from NFL Network. Please disregard.”
Woody Johnson disputed the story circulating on NFL Network. Host Colleen Wolfe revealed the alleged argument on the “Around the NFL program.” She said, “From a very reliable source, at the owners’ meetings, there was a very heated conversation between Woody and Robert Saleh.”
In addressing the report surrounding Woody Johnson, Wolfe apologized on X. “Regarding my comments surrounding the Jets on the @AroundTheNFL: no, I was not at the Annual Meeting, and yes, I was told of the exchange between head coach Robert Saleh and Woody Johnson by someone in attendance.”
She also said, “Others on-site Sunday night have since reached out and described the interaction differently. My intent wasn’t to break news; I leave that to the insiders. My sincerest apologies to the Jets organization for the unnecessary distraction during such a crucial part of their offseason.”
Who Else Addressed The Report?
The report surrounding Woody Johnson and Robert Saleh has seemed to ignite the flames of Saleh’s position with the Jets. The 2024 season will be Saleh’s fourth campaign with New York, a team that has yet to fare better than a 7-10 record. Additionally, he is 18-33 with his time in the Big Apple.
Also, much like Woody Johnson, Connor Hughes of SNY refuted that any exchange occurred between Woody Johnson and Robert Saleh. He said, “There was no verbal argument between Robert Saleh and Woody Johnson at the NFL’s annual meeting reception. I know because I was at the party where this apparently happened, feet from Saleh & Johnson, before Johnson & Jets contingent left. Woody took them out to dinner. I Checked in with two sources at the dinner. Confirmed nothing happened there, either.”
Woody Johnson and the Jets are seeking to improve their offense this offseason, which was very lackluster in the 2023 season. Guard John Simpson and tackle Tyron Smith can help the struggling offensive line. Additionally, adding Mike Williams from the Chargers could be another weapon on offense besides Garrett Wilson.
Since Rodgers’ season-ending injury, the spotlight remains on Woody Johnson’s Jets after another disappointing season.
Johnson Wants More From New York
Zach Wilson took over for Rodgers and finished his season with a 77.2 passer rating in 12 games. Although he had flashes of potential, Wilson was so bad that he got benched twice for Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian. While the defense held up their end, the offense could not get any momentum going, which was glaring in a 15-10 loss to the Patriots.
With Rodgers back in the lineup, the Jets have a shot at contending for the playoffs, which Woody Johnson and Robert Saleh badly need.
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