Robert Wood Johnson IV, known as Woody Johnson, has long been a prominent figure in the world of sports and business. As the owner of the NFL’s New York Jets and a recent investor in English Premier League club Crystal Palace, Johnson’s influence in the global sports industry continues to grow. His ventures reflect a blend of inherited wealth, strategic investments, and a passion for sports, underpinned by his family’s legacy as heirs to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune. This article explores the sports businesses under Johnson’s ownership, highlighting his vision and impact on the industry.
Johnson’s most notable sports asset is the New York Jets, which he purchased in January 2000 for $635 million, a record-breaking sum for a New York professional sports team at the time. The acquisition marked the third-highest price ever paid for a professional sports franchise, underscoring Johnson’s ambition to cement his legacy in the NFL. Since then, the Jets’ value has soared, with Forbes estimating the franchise at $6.9 billion as of December 2024. Johnson’s stewardship saw the team relocate to the state-of-the-art MetLife Stadium, opened in 2010, which he shares as an equal partner with the New York Giants. The 82,500-seat venue has hosted major events, including Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, showcasing Johnson’s ability to leverage his investments for global exposure. “The vision was always to create a world-class facility that elevates the fan experience and drives the team’s success,” Johnson said during the stadium’s opening, reflecting his commitment to modernizing the Jets’ infrastructure.
Beyond the NFL, Johnson has recently expanded his portfolio into European football with a significant investment in Crystal Palace. In June 2025, he acquired a 43% stake in the Premier League club from American businessman John Textor for approximately $254 million, a deal finalized in July 2025 after approval from the Premier League and Women’s Super League. This acquisition marks Johnson’s entry into the world’s most popular sport, aligning with his strategic interest in the UK market, where the Jets hold NFL international marketing rights. “I am honored and privileged to be joining the ownership group of Crystal Palace Football Club,” Johnson stated, emphasizing his enthusiasm for the club’s potential. The move positions him alongside fellow American investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who each own 18% of Palace, and chairman Steve Parish, signaling a growing trend of transatlantic sports ownership.
Johnson’s involvement with Crystal Palace also has implications for the club’s European aspirations. The sale resolved concerns over UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, which had threatened Palace’s eligibility for the Europa League due to Textor’s majority stake in French club Lyon. Johnson’s purchase, subject to the Premier League’s Owners and Directors’ Test, ensures Palace’s compliance and strengthens their position in European competitions. His prior bid to buy Chelsea FC in 2022, though unsuccessful, highlights his long-standing interest in English football, fueled by his time as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021.
In addition to his ownership stakes, Johnson has invested heavily in sports-related infrastructure and philanthropy. The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, a 224,000-square-foot facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, reflects his commitment to providing top-tier resources for players and staff. The New York Jets Foundation, under his leadership, supports youth sports, education, and health initiatives, including partnerships with the Public Schools Athletic League and the sponsorship of girls’ flag football programs in the U.S., UK, and Ireland. “Sports have the power to transform communities and inspire the next generation,” Johnson has noted, underscoring his broader vision for social impact through his ventures.
Despite his successes, Johnson’s tenure as Jets owner has faced criticism, with the team missing the playoffs for 14 consecutive years and undergoing multiple coaching and management changes, including the high-profile dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh and quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2024. Critics have described Johnson as an impulsive owner, with some pointing to decisions influenced by unconventional factors, such as player ratings in the “Madden NFL” video game. Nevertheless, his recent hires of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey in January 2025 signal a shift toward a less hands-on approach, with Johnson stating, “I want Aaron Glenn to coach the team and the general manager to manage the assets and players, and I’ll take an owner’s position.”