Christopher Johnson fosters culture
Christopher Johnson walked up to every player in the pre-game locker room, looked each in the eyes and asked the same question: Can I join you? The Jets acting owner could have been pulled in two directions by a complicated matter created by incendiary remarks from the leader of the free world. Johnson chose the exact right path. Real leadership requires grace in the face of ignorance. On a powerful day that included freedom of expression across the NFL landscape, the man in charge of the team that everybody loves to lampoon exhibited a compassion that galvanized all of them.
The Jets came out of an emotional team meeting the night before their home-opening 20-6 win over the Dolphins Sunday with a plan to show everyone that unity will always triumph. President Trump’s divisive remarks over the weekend designed to quell free speech rallied much of the NFL world.
Johnson was in the most precarious position of all. A crisp performance from Josh McCown and no turnovers were the highlights. But the Jets averaged 3.0 yards per carry. Gang Green shut out the Dolphins until the final play of regulation and allowed just 30 rushing yards.
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Terrence Brooks made a poor decision when he opted to intercept a pass on a fake punt instead of knocking it down. The Jets lost over 20 yards of field position. Chandler Catanzaro also missed a 45-yard field goal attempt.
His older brother, after all, works for the Trump administration as the UK Ambassador. But the new guy navigated through the moment with an admirable touch.
Johnson locked arms with a 38-year-old white man and 21-yearold black man during the national anthem.
“I was incredibly honored,” Johnson said outside the winning locker room.
Trump’s divisive words admonishing players kneeling during the anthem set in motion a tidal wave of emotion across the league Sunday. Some players knelt during the anthem. Some teams refused to come out until after the anthem was over. Players, coaches and owners spoke out against the President’s sad commentary.
The Jets chose to lock arms after an important Saturday night meeting led by Todd Bowles.
“We had a big talk,” Bowles said. “Obviously it bothered some guys. We had a long talk about it. Everybody aired their differences. We came out as a team today united.” Players exchanged ideas. The organization respected everyone’s freedom of choice, but the goal was clear: Let’s stay together.
“The emotions were high,” cornerback Morris Claiborne said. “You have different guys that feel a different way about that. It’s a touchy subject.”
Jets players and coaches came out of that meeting with a feeling that they had reached a smart resolution. What sense would it make to further divide people?
They decided that there would be no divisive rhetoric. They were very different than Trump. They behaved liked adults rather than children.
“Whatever problems that we face, we have to face them together,” linebacker Demario