NY Jets players send clear message to Woody Johnson with harsh reality check

NY Jets fans and players seem to agree on one thing: Woody Johnson is a problem. The NFLPA released its annual team report cards on Wednesday and the Jets ranked 29th out of 32 teams in the overall rankings.

The Jets ranked above 24th in only one category — nutritionist/dietitian. They placed near the bottom of the NFL in every other area, with their lowest scores coming in the owner evaluation section.

Johnson was the only NFL owner to receive an 'F' grade in this year's report cards. Jets players almost unanimously agreed that Johnson "does not contribute to a positive team culture."

Johnson also ranked 32nd in "perceived willingness to invest in [team] facilities" — despite the fact that he's one of the wealthiest owners in the NFL — and 31st in "commitment to building a competitive team."

That's an embarrassing look for Johnson, who told reporters last month that he "needs to be a better owner." It seems Jets players agree with that sentiment.

NY Jets players believe Woody Johnson is the worst owner in the NFL

The remainder of the NFLPA report card paints a grim picture of the Jets' organization. The Jets rank 24th in "treatment of player families," 29th in "food and dining," 26th in overall "locker room" environment, 28th in "training room," 29th in "training staff," 29th in "strength coaches," and 24th in "team travel."

Jets players were critical of the team's facilities, insisting that they "do not have enough space to train effectively" in the weight room. Multiple players also "expressed concern about the training staff’s lack of attention to their needs."

Johnson can be seen as the direct source of most of these issues. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported on Wednesday that in response to criticism he faced last year, Johnson made widespread cuts throughout the organization instead of addressing his players' concerns.

The Jets notably let the NFL's "top-ranked dietician" leave to join the Kansas City Chiefs, per Breer. Johnson received a 'B-' grade on last year's report card. It's safe to say Jets players feel more strongly about their disdain for ownership this time around.

Part of that is likely due to Johnson's impulsive decision to fire former head coach Robert Saleh after the team's 2-3 start to the season. Various reports throughout the year depicting Johnson as an overbearing, egotistical owner likely didn't help his reputation.

Johnson has the resources to invest in the Jets' facilities, so there’s no excuse for the team ranking near the bottom in nearly every category. But when the owner's son treats the locker room like a personal hangout and hands out game balls, this is the result.

The Jets have a culture problem and it starts at the very top. Here's to hoping Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will be able to overcome the Jets' ownership malpractice and instill a new culture moving forward.

More NY Jets news and analysis: