An absolutely wild report dropped out of New York today, Jets owner Woody Johnson reportedly vetoed a trade involving now Browns wide receiver Jerry Juedy under the advice of his teenage sons. And what was this sage advice based on one may ask? Because Jerry Juedy’s Madden rating was too low…
Juedy’s rating, 83 overall, would’ve stacked second on the pre-season Jets roster right below Garrett Wilson’s 84.
Johnson also questioned the signing of free agent guard John Simpkins reportedly because his awareness rating in Madden was too low. Simpkins did end up signing with the Jets and by comparison across the league has had an above-average season.
Brick and Jack, the two teenage wonderkids apparently running the show, have received unprecedented access to the team by all accounts.
That access has not come without incident. After interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich’s first win, it is tradition for the head coach to receive the game ball for their first win and quarterback Aaron Rodgers had planned to present him the ball in the locker room.
Before Rodgers could even speak, Brick presented another ball to wide receiver Garrett Wilson and went on to make a profanity-laced speech that badly missed the mark.
One player said, “It was the most awkward, cringe-worthy, brutal experience.”
Their access extended even further into the front office. GM Joe Douglas was fired mid-season but told close friends before the season that, “I answer to a teenager.”
Another Jets executive told the Atlantic, “When we’re discussing things, you’ll hear Woody cite something Brick or Jack read online that’s being weighed equally against whatever opinion someone else in the department has.”
Having all of this come out helps put the 2024 season for the Jets in perspective. The team came into the year with high expectations but have failed dramatically sitting at 4-10. When evaluating the team, it's hard to shine a light on a single player that's progressed from last year.
This chaos will undoubtedly lead to a hard time replacing the holes to fill in leadership. A new head coach and GM both need to be hired and it's widely expected that the Jets will move on from QB Aaron Rodgers after this season.
It remains to be seen if using Madden ratings to base personnel and depth chart decisions on will be a prerequisite to be hired under the new Jets owners.
