If you’ve ever turned on a PS5 or Xbox Series X, booted up Madden, and played Franchise Mode, you’re no different than a real NFL owner.
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, apparently a gamer, reportedly made some big decisions this offseason based on Madden ratings, refusing to trade wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (Jerry Jeudy), because his numbers in the game were not high enough, CompetitorDiana Russini reports Thursday.
The Jets and Broncos were reportedly in advanced trade talks to send Jeudy to New York, but the deal was scrapped at the last minute due to video game ratings issues.
The 25-year-old Jeudy eventually transferred to the Cleveland Browns and posted the first 1,000-yard receiving season of his five-year career. His previous high was 67 receptions for 972 yards in 2022 with the Denver Broncos.
The former Alabama receiver may not be the most used player in Madden 24, but his 83 overall rating is still the third-best player on last year’s version of the Broncos. In case you were wondering, his rating in Madden 25 is still 83, which would rank third among wide receivers behind Davante Adams if he were traded to the Jets ’s 90 points and Garrett Wilson’s 86 points.
How Johnson became so accustomed to the sport can only be speculated, but the owner reportedly has two teenage sons. Competitorinfluenced their boss’s decision-making and provided their father with team-building advice.
Additionally, the report notes that this isn’t the first time Johnson has referenced the popular video game’s ratings when evaluating players.
Unfortunately, Madden’s team-building mode didn’t work out well for Johnson, dashing the hopes of many from players to bosses. The Jets currently have a record of 4-10, ranking third in the AFC East and out of playoff contention. Extending their playoff drought to 14 seasons, the longest active streak in the NFL.
In addition to a lack of success on the field (and screen), the Jets overall have had a tumultuous year. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who signed a three-year, $112.5 million contract before the 2023 season, has looked his age, passing for 3,255 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Quarterback rating of 53.9, ranking 21st in the NFL. Additionally, they fired head coach Robert Saleh on October 8, when the team was 2-3. Since then, they have gone 2-7 under interim coach Jeff Ulrich.
