If I had a nickel for every time the NY Jets have been connected to the 2024 presidential election over the last 8 months I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice.
From Aaron Rodgers' rumored vice presidential candidacy to Woody Johnson's perpetual ties to the White House, the Jets have found themselves in political sphere headlines more often than most sports franchises. That trend seems to be continuing too.
Following Donald Trump's election win this week, there is belief that Johnson, the Jets' owner, will once again step aside to rejoin the political world. Johnson previously served as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom during Trump's first term as president.
SNY's Connor Hughes reported on Wednesday that those he touched base with believe Christopher Johnson will run the team during Trump's second term. The transfer of power within the Jets organization isn't finalized, but it seems to be trending in that direction.
NY Jets might switch owners again after Donald Trump election win
This wouldn't be the first time that Christopher Johnson had served as the head honcho in Florham Park. Johnson became the CEO and chairman of the Jets in 2017 when his brother left to join the Trump administration.
The younger Johnson oversaw the hiring of both former Jets head coach Adam Gase and current general manager Joe Douglas. Johnson made the decision to hire Gase after receiving a vote of confidence from Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who worked with Gase in Denver.
That decision was widely panned at the time and ultimately set the organization back years. According to Hughes, "many feel learned from" his mistakes and "will be better prepared if given an opportunity again."
It should be noted that Johnson is well respected by players and coaches, especially compared to his brother who has rubbed some the wrong way. Hughes went on to state "Those I’ve talked to stress how much they feel he cares for them."
The dark cloud of the Gase era still hangs over Johnson's head, but he might be given an opportunity to right his wrongs this time around. The Jets will be looking for a new head coach this offseason and very well could be looking for a new GM too.
Woody Johnson has taken charge this season, overruling Douglas to fire Robert Saleh before helping orchestrate the Davante Adams trade and resolve the Haason Reddick situation. His impact on the organization is greater now than it has been in years.
That could be set to change, however, following the election results. Don't be surprised if the Jets return to the younger Johnson as their acting owner in the near future.