In one of the strangest stories you’ll hear, an NFL owner reportedly made team decisions based on player ratings in EA Sports Madden NFL. According to a new report from The Athletic, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson vetoed trades and questioned potential free agent signings due to various ratings in the game.
In one particular instance, Johnson nixed an offseason trade for former Denver Broncos wide receiver (WR) Jerry Jeudy because his Madden rating “wasn’t high enough”. Jeudy ended up being traded to the Cleveland Browns instead. In his first season in Cleveland, he has put up 1,052 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Another example was Johnson questioning the signing of guard John Simpson. The report states that Johnson didn’t like Simpson’s awareness rating in the game, leading to push back. Luckily for the Jets, General Manager Joe Douglas signed Simpson who has been one of the better players at his position this season.
As far as why Johnson is using Madden ratings to make real-life decisions, it stems from his sons Jack and Brick after they were including in meetings.
“When we’re discussing things, you’ll hear Woody cite something that Brick or Jack read online that’s being weighed equally against whatever opinion someone else in the department has,” an anonymous Jets executive told The Athletic.
For what it’s worth, a spokesperson for the Jets declined the claims.
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