Report Claims Jets Owner Woody Johnson Rejected Jerry Jeudy Trade Over ‘Madden’ Rating
The New York Jets’ reputation for dysfunction has taken a bizarre turn with a new report suggesting team owner Woody Johnson uses Madden NFL video game ratings to assess potential trades.
During the offseason, the Jets were reportedly searching for a wide receiver to bolster their offense for Aaron Rodgers. Among the names in the mix was Denver Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy, a former first-round pick. According to The Athletic, Jets general manager Joe Douglas and Broncos GM George Paton were close to finalizing a deal for Jeudy. However, the negotiations allegedly hit an unusual snag.
The report claims Johnson vetoed the trade after learning Jeudy’s Madden NFL rating wasn’t high enough. “Douglas told the Broncos that Johnson didn’t want to make the trade because the owner felt Jeudy’s player rating in Madden NFL, the popular video game, wasn’t high enough,” the article states, citing unnamed league sources.
A Questionable Source?
While the story is certainly eyebrow-raising, the context adds layers of skepticism. Douglas was fired as the Jets’ general manager in November, raising questions about whether this account might be coming from a disgruntled former employee. Additionally, anonymous sources and the timing of the report make it feel a little too convenient.
The claims don’t stop there. The report also alleges that Johnson’s reliance on Madden ratings isn’t new. He reportedly pushed back against signing free-agent guard John Simpson due to a low “awareness” rating in the game. However, Simpson was eventually signed by the Jets anyway.
Was It a Joke Gone Too Far?
Given the Jets’ tumultuous history, it’s tempting to believe such a story, but there’s a possibility that Johnson’s comments about Madden were made in jest. Still, the narrative fits the Jets’ ongoing struggles, making it easy fodder for critics.
Jeudy ultimately landed with the Cleveland Browns, signing a three-year contract and delivering a standout season with 70 catches for 1,052 yards. Meanwhile, the Jets remain without a 1,000-yard receiver this season, though Garrett Wilson is on the cusp with 933 yards.
Another Year, Same Results
The Jets have now missed the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year, the longest active postseason drought across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and WNBA. While it’s unclear whether the Madden rating story is fully accurate, it perfectly encapsulates the chaos that seems to define the Jets’ operations year after year.
