The man that Bill Belichick once refused to work for is no longer afraid of the spotlight.
Ten years into a 80-80 run as Jets owner, Woody Johnson has been front and center since Rex Ryan came aboard, selling his team (and his PSLs) to fans and prospective free agents.
“Everybody wants to play here now,” Johnson says.
In a candid interview with Rich Cimini of ESPNewYork.com, Johnson shows that Ryan’s confidence has rubbed off on him. He was asked about possibly falling short of the team’s high expectations.
“I’m not going to speculate [on not making the Super Bowl.] I think we’re going to make it,” Johnson said. He’s certainly come out of his shell.
“It’s very refreshing to be able to tell your players and your fans what you want to do and not have to hide it. I like that. It’s liberating. You can actually tell people where you want to take them, where they want to go. Do you want to jump aboard a team that comes in 15th? That’s not what we’re shooting for. That isn’t why we’re here,” Johnson said.
We find nothing wrong with the approach. The Jets are going to raked over the coals if they disappoint this year, no matter how Johnson sets expectations publicly.
They may as well have some fun along the way.