Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith delivered a scathing critique of New York Jets owner Woody Johnson during an ESPN broadcast, condemning Johnson’s public criticism of quarterback Justin Fields as “cowardly” and blaming the team’s prolonged struggles on dysfunctional ownership. Smith’s remarks, made on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, came in direct response to Johnson’s recent comments singling out Fields for the Jets’ 0-7 start, sparking a broader discussion about accountability and leadership in professional sports.
Johnson had earlier expressed frustration with the team’s performance, stating, “It’s hard when you have a quarterback with a rating that he’s got. I mean, he has ability, but something just is not jiving,” and adding, “If we can just complete a pass, it would look good.” These remarks drew immediate backlash from analysts and fans alike, with Smith leading the charge in highlighting what he sees as a pattern of deflection from the owner. Smith, drawing on his 16-year NFL career, asserted that such behavior from ownership creates an insurmountable hurdle for any team.
During his passionate rant, Smith emphasized that “it is impossible to overcome dysfunctional ownership, and this is the definition of it,” pointing to the Jets’ 14-season playoff drought—the longest in the NFL—as clear evidence of systemic failure. He questioned Johnson’s track record since taking over in 2000, noting the high turnover of nine head coaches and numerous quarterbacks, and contrasted this with the success of former Jets personnel like Sam Darnold, Robert Saleh, and Aaron Rodgers elsewhere. Smith argued that this pattern suggests the root issue lies with Johnson’s leadership rather than individual players.
Smith specifically labeled Johnson’s actions as “cowardly,” accusing him of unfairly targeting Fields, a 26-year-old quarterback who remains the team’s starter. “I don’t think Justin Fields has played great at all this season. You’re telling me he’s the only problem? You don’t have a win. It’s everywhere,” Smith stated, underscoring that the Jets’ issues extend beyond quarterback performance to include a struggling offensive line, limited receiving talent, and defensive deficiencies. The defense, for instance, ranks 16th in yards allowed and 26th in points per game this season.
The former quarterback also raised concerns about the impact of such public criticism on team morale, questioning how Johnson could look Fields in the eye in the locker room. Smith’s analysis resonated with other sports commentators, who have echoed the sentiment that the Jets’ problems are holistic, involving coaching, roster construction, and organizational culture. This incident has amplified calls for Johnson to reflect on his role and adopt a more supportive approach to player development.
As the Jets prepare for their next game, the fallout from Smith’s comments highlights ongoing tensions within the franchise and the broader NFL community regarding owner accountability. The team’s 173-238 record under Johnson’s ownership further illustrates the depth of the issue, with fans and analysts alike hoping for a shift in strategy to break the cycle of failure. Smith’s outburst may prompt internal reviews or changes, but for now, it serves as a stark reminder of how leadership flaws can perpetuate organizational dysfunction in professional sports.