Ever wondered how deep the pockets of New York Jets owner Woody Johnson really go? The man behind the Jets is not just a major player in the NFL but also a big-time business mogul. From groundbreaking investments to global deals, Woody’s journey to billionaire status has been nothing short of fascinating. But how exactly did he amass his insane wealth? Spoiler alert: It wasn’t just from football. Let’s break down how Woody Johnson went from being a part of one of America’s wealthiest families to building a fortune worth billions.
When Did Woody Johnson Inherit The Johnson & Johnson Empire?
Woody didn’t start from scratch. He’s the great-grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I, one of the three brothers who founded the massive pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson in 1886. Originally a small company producing medical products like first aid kits and dental floss, Johnson & Johnson evolved into a global healthcare powerhouse valued at $384.03 billion today.
Woody’s wealth largely stems from this family empire. Though he only worked for the company one summer, his connection to the Johnson & Johnson legacy is undeniable. The company’s success across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical sectors continues to fuel his fortune. Johnson & Johnson’s wealth and his ventures positioned him as one of the richest NFL owners.
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Building His Wealth With The Johnson Company
Before becoming the owner of the Jets, Woody wasn’t just relying on his inheritance. He was the chairman and CEO of The Johnson Company, Inc., a private investment firm. Through this firm, Johnson expanded his wealth by making strategic financial investments. His business acumen in managing the firm further contributed to his impressive financial portfolio, keeping his fortune on the rise.
Political Influence And Ambassadorship
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Woody Johnson isn’t only a businessman and NFL owner. He’s also a politically active figure who played a role in international diplomacy. A longtime donor to the Republican Party, Johnson supported vital figures such as George W. Bush, John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Donald Trump.
In 2017, after Trump became president, Johnson was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, a prestigious role he held until 2021. His diplomatic position added to his influence and status on the global stage, proving his wealth was matched by his political reach.
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The Johnson Family’s Legacy: Worth $16 Billion
While Woody’s net worth stands at $3.4 billion, the Johnson family as a whole is worth a staggering $16 billion. Ranking as the sixth-richest owners in the NFL, the Johnsons are more than just football enthusiasts—they’re financial powerhouses. The family’s wealth primarily comes from the enduring success of Johnson & Johnson, but their savvy business ventures and investments have ensured the fortune keeps growing.
Becoming The Owner Of The New York Jets
While the Johnson family fortune significantly boosted him, Woody made waves when he entered the sports world. In 2000, he made headlines by purchasing the New York Jets for $635 million—a record-breaking figure. The team has since increased in value significantly and is now worth an estimated $5.4 billion.
Although the Jets haven’t yet appeared in a Super Bowl under his ownership, Woody’s investment has undeniably paid off, solidifying his position among the NFL’s elite.
The New York Jets Under Woody Johnson
Woody Johnson has owned the New York Jets since 2000, overseeing the team for over two decades. During his tenure, the Jets have experienced a mix of performances, with a combined record of 170-222 as of Week 5 of the 2024 season. Despite his efforts and significant financial investments, the team has yet to reach a Super Bowl under his ownership. The closest the Jets came to championship glory was during the 2009 and 2010 seasons when they reached the AFC Championship Game in consecutive years, only to lose to the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively.
Since those playoff runs, the Jets have struggled to maintain consistency, with numerous seasons ending in disappointment. Johnson’s tenure has been marked by coaching changes, roster overhauls, and attempts to rebuild, yet postseason success has largely eluded the franchise. Notable seasons, such as the 10-6 finishes in 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2015, showed promise but ended without playoff glory. On the flip side, in seasons like 2020, the team went 2-14.
In 2023, Johnson made a high-profile move by acquiring veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to revitalize the team. Despite the Jets’ struggles on the field, their value has skyrocketed under Johnson. Moving the team to share a stadium with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, was an important business decision that further increased the franchise’s financial worth.
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