Jets CEO Christopher Johnson has always made it a point to take care of his players in the short time he’s been running the team.
That’s why it comes as no surprise that Johnson gave his cell phone number to every player on the team, according to Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley, who spoke with reporters over Zoom on Wednesday. Johnson informed the team that he was willing to listen if players wanted to reach out and talk about social and racial injustice with the topic at the forefront of America’s focus.
The Jets had already released a statement in which the organization vowed to take action and be part of meaningful conversations and positive change following the death of George Floyd. Johnson, however, wanted to make sure that his team heard him beyond the statement made on behalf of the organization.
Statement from the New York Jets: pic.twitter.com/HXdDUItKyf
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 3, 2020
This isn’t the first time that the Jets CEO has made it a point to listen to his players’ concerns regarding off-the-field matters. When the NFL originally proposed fining players who kneeled during the national anthem in 2018, Johnson backed players’ right to protest by offering to pay any fines they accumulated. Johnson has also gotten involved in community efforts organized by Jets players.
Like Mosley, former Jets Jermaine Kearse and Kelvin Beachum and former head coach Todd Bowles have expressed gratitude for Johnson’s willingness to listen and his ability to resonate with the organization.
Two years later, it appears that hasn’t changed.