Who is the Owner of the New York Jets?
Who is the Owner of the New York Jets?
By Jocelyn Alano December 05, 2023 03:18
The New York Jets, a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area, are one of the most recognizable franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Founded in 1959 as the New York Titans, the team has undergone several changes over the years, including a change in ownership. In this article, we will delve into the history of the New York Jets' ownership and shed light on the current owner of the team.
The Early Years
When the team was established in 1959, it was owned by a group of five businessmen led by Harry Wismer. However, financial difficulties plagued the team, and Wismer struggled to keep the franchise afloat. He eventually sold the team to Sonny Werblin in 1963. Werblin, a successful businessman and entertainment industry executive, is credited with turning the struggling franchise around.
The Werblin Era
Sonny Werblin's ownership of the New York Jets marked a significant turning point for the team. He not only brought stability to the organization but also made key decisions that would shape the team's future. One of his most notable moves was signing Joe Namath, a highly-touted quarterback from the University of Alabama, to a record-breaking contract in 1965. Namath's arrival brought a new level of excitement and success to the Jets.
Under Werblin's ownership, the Jets achieved their greatest accomplishment to date by winning Super Bowl III in 1969. Led by Namath, the team defeated the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in a historic upset. This victory solidified the Jets' place in football history and further boosted the team's popularity.
The Transition
In 1977, Sonny Werblin sold the New York Jets to a group of investors led by Leon Hess. Leon Hess was the founder and chairman of the Hess Corporation, an American energy company. Hess had been a minority owner of the team since 1963 and had developed a deep affection for the franchise.
Hess took over as the majority owner of the Jets and continued to guide the team through various ups and downs. Although the team did not replicate the success of their Super Bowl-winning season, Hess remained dedicated to the franchise and made several changes, including hiring new head coaches and front-office personnel.
The Hess Family Legacy
Following Leon Hess's death in 1999, control of the team passed to his son, Woody Hess. Woody, who later changed his last name to Johnson, continued his father's legacy as the owner of the New York Jets. As the owner, Woody Johnson made significant investments in the team and worked to improve the overall fan experience.
Under Woody Johnson's ownership, the Jets made several playoff appearances but struggled to reach the same level of success as they did during the Werblin era. Despite the team's on-field performance, Johnson worked tirelessly to enhance the organization's brand and build a strong fan base.
The Johnson Family Continues
In 2017, Woody Johnson was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom by then-President Donald Trump. As a result, control of the New York Jets passed to his brother, Christopher Johnson, who took over as the team's chairman and CEO.
Christopher Johnson continued to oversee the team's operations with a focus on improving the on-field performance. He made significant changes, including hiring a new general manager and head coach. However, the team's fortunes did not improve significantly, and Christopher Johnson announced in 2020 that he would step back from day-to-day operations upon Woody Johnson's return from his ambassadorial role.
The New York Jets have had a rich and varied ownership history since their inception in 1959. From the early struggles under Harry Wismer to the transformative years under Sonny Werblin, the franchise has seen its fair share of ups and downs. The Hess family's stewardship and the Johnson brothers' continued commitment to the team have shaped the Jets' identity and ensured its place in the NFL.
As the team moves forward, under Woody Johnson's leadership once again, Jets fans hope for a return to the glory days and a new era of success for their beloved franchise.
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