Report: Woody Johnson nixed Jerry Jeudy trade because of his Madden rating

Dysfunctional teams actually do dysfunctional things.

The latest evidence of dysfunction at the New York Jets comes from TheAthletic.com. Among the many interesting pieces of information contained in the #longread is the claim that owner Woody Johnson failed a trade with the Broncos for receiver Jerry Jeudy because Johnson believed Jeudy’s Madden rating was too low.

According to the report, this wasn’t the only time Johnson cited Madden ratings in connection with football decisions. Johnson reportedly turned down the signing of guard John Simpson because his name recognition was too low compared to Madden. (Maybe even lower than Woody’s.)

The Madden factor apparently comes from Woody’s teenage sons Brick and Jack.

“When we discuss things, you will hear Woody quote something that Brick or Jack read online and that is equally weighed against the opinions of others in the department,” an unnamed Jets executive told TheAthletic.com.

The Jets actually issued a statement to TheAthletic.com acknowledging and defending the teens’ involvement.

“It is used as a reference point; “It’s not critical,” a Jets spokesperson said, referring to Brick and Jack’s input. “It’s really sad that an adult would use a misleading anecdote about teenagers to make his father look bad. Frankly, it’s ridiculous that this has been used to influence the opinions of senior leaders. . . . (The sons) have no role in the organization. It is completely ridiculous to suggest that outside information is intended to replace the opinions of (Woody Johnson’s) employees.”

You may not have an official role, but let’s be honest. At some point they will. And one of them will probably inherit the team unless Woody sells it.

And while there’s no official role yet, Brick handed out a game ball after a rare victory.

“It was the most embarrassing, frightening and brutal experience,” an unnamed player told TheAthletic.com.

It feels like the Jets under Woody Johnson constantly trigger this reaction.