Jets owner Woody Johnson denies report he and Robert Saleh had 'a very heated conversation'
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson watches his team warm up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 11, 2022. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Jets owner Woody Johnson vehemently denied an NFL Network report that he and coach Robert Saleh had “a very heated conversation” earlier this week at the league meetings.
The meetings were held in Orlando on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The NFL Network report by Colleen Wolfe said the “heated discussion” happened Sunday night at an event and that it “was super- awkward.” It led to speculation on social media about what sparked it.
Johnson responded on X on Thursday and blasted the report.
“All of this nonsense about a heated argument between Coach Saleh and me at the League Meeting is absolutely false,” Johnson wrote. “It is yet another irresponsible report from NFL Network. Please disregard.”
Wolfe released a statement on X on Thursday, backtracking on what she reported and apologizing to the Jets.
She said she was not at the meetings and that “someone in attendance” told her of the exchange between Johnson and Saleh.
Wolfe added, “Others on-site Sunday night have since reached out and described the interaction differently. My intent wasn’t to break news, I leave that to the insiders. My sincerest apologies to the Jets organization for the unnecessary distraction during such a crucial part of their offseason.”
Saleh is entering a critical season with the Jets. This is his fourth year as their coach and Johnson expects the team to win. The Jets have missed the playoffs for 13 straight years.
They should be improved from last year’s 7-10 team, especially if Aaron Rodgers can play a full season.
The Jets have made additions in free agency and trades that have upgraded their offensive line and receiver room. They acquired left tackle Tyron Smith, right tackle Morgan Moses, left guard John Simpson and receiver Mike Williams.
“I’m pretty impressed,” Johnson said. “We’ve been very attentive to what we need. I think we’ve got some great players. The team is definitely better. There’s no question.”
The Jets still have more moves to make on the defensive line, wide receiver, quarterback and safety. They have financial flexibility and seven draft picks to keep building a roster that they hope ends the NFL’s longest playoff drought.
“All the feel-good stuff of the offseason doesn’t matter,” Saleh said at the meetings. “Gotta win football games, and when you win football games, all the narratives will change.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
