Speaking at the NFL Owners’ Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson revealed he’d been impressed with newly signed free agent quarterback Justin Fields since his college days at Ohio State. Johnson’s praise has drawn sharp criticism from FS1 host and longtime Jets fan Craig Carton, who questioned the timing and intent behind Johnson’s statement.
Woody Johnson’s Praise of Justin Fields Causes Disbelief and Laughter
Johnson’s glowing assessment of Fields came weeks after the Jets signed the 26-year-old quarterback to a two-year, $40 million contract to replace Aaron Rodgers. “I think Justin Fields is going to be a total winner for us,” Johnson said. “I’ve been impressed with him since his college days. It was he or Trevor Lawrence, and I think he is going to be really good”.
Carton’s co-host on “Breakfast Ball” Danny Parkins called Johnson’s statement, “The quote of the year!” Carton knocked Johnson, exclaiming, “We drafted a quarterback, you moron!”
.@craigcartonlive can't believe Jets owner Woody Johnson said this about being impressed with Justin Fields since his college days… 😂
"It's the quote of the year!" 🤣 — @DannyParkins@markschlereth: "They were the #2 pick. What happened?" 🤣
"We drafted a QB!!" 🤦♂️ — Craig pic.twitter.com/dhyw73IqmG
— Breakfast Ball (@BrkfstBallOnFS1) April 2, 2025
The Jets passed on Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft when they held the No. 2 overall pick, opting instead for Zach Wilson—a decision that ultimately proved disastrous. Wilson struggled mightily in New York and is now a backup for the Miami Dolphins after a one-year stop with the Denver Broncos.
Carton’s Criticism of Woody Johnson’s Comments Echoes Jets Fans’ Frustration
Carton didn’t hold back in his critique of Johnson’s remarks during Tuesday’s episode of *Breakfast Ball*. “Why bring this up now?” Carton asked rhetorically. “If you were so impressed with Justin Fields back then, why didn’t you draft him? This is exactly the kind of revisionist history that drives Jets fans crazy.”
Carton also questioned whether Johnson’s comments attempted to deflect blame from the franchise’s past failures. “Jets fans don’t need to hear about how much you liked Fields four years ago,” he added. “They need to see results on the field now.”
Will Justin Fields Live Up To Woody Johnson’s Flattery?
Johnson’s remarks inadvertently reopened old wounds for Jets fans still reeling from years of quarterback instability. The decision to draft Wilson over Fields in 2021 has been widely criticized as one of the franchise’s biggest missteps. The pressure is on Fields and new head coach Aaron Glenn to deliver results and end the Jets’ 14-year playoff drought—the longest active streak in major American sports.
Fields struggled during his time with the Chicago Bears but showed flashes of promise last year in Pittsburgh. Now, he gets a fresh start with the Jets. Glenn has expressed confidence in Fields’ ability to thrive under his system, emphasizing his dual-threat capabilities as a passer and runner.
When the Jets first signed Fields in free agency, Carton gave his take on “Breakfast Ball”, positing, “Fields is an athlete; I’ll give him that. But can he be an NFL quarterback? That’s still up for debate.”
Carton’s Demands For Jets Owner Woody Johnson
Johnson’s comments also highlight ongoing frustrations with his franchise leadership. Since purchasing the team in 2000, Johnson has overseen just six playoff appearances and two AFC Championship Game losses. The last decade-plus has been marked by frequent coaching changes, poor draft decisions, and mounting fan discontent.
Carton has been one of Johnson’s most vocal critics, suggesting in the 2024 season that it might be time for him to sell the team. “Jets fans deserve better,” Carton said at the time. “Maybe it’s time for Woody to pocket $8 billion and move on.”
Hey @woodyjohnson4 perhaps it’s time to take the best offer, pocket $8 Billion move to London and give Jets fans the hope that a new owner would change things. We deserve so much better than this and maybe roll back those ticket price increases for next year as well.
— Craig Carton (@craigcartonlive) November 10, 2024
As the Jets prepare for the 2025 season, Fields will aim to stop the revolving door of Jets quarterbacks. For Johnson, however, his comments about Fields may have done more harm than good—reminding fans of past mistakes rather than instilling confidence in the future.
For Carton and many other long-suffering Jets supporters, actions will speak louder than words.