Brock Purdy’s surge influenced Jets billionaire owner to want his own Mr. Irrelevant

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson wanted his own Mr. Irrelevant after watching Brock Purdy's rise to stardom.

Brock Purdy’s surge influenced Jets billionaire owner to want his own Mr. Irrelevant

Brock Purdy's rise made New York Jets owner Woody Johnson want his own Mr. Irrelevant (Image via Imago/X)

Brock Purdy turned the moniker “Mr. Irrelevant” into a symbol of triumph in the NFL, rising from obscurity to become the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. His meteoric journey, worthy of a future movie or documentary, also left a lasting impression on New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

Brock Purdy came to the limelight when he was tasked to lead the San Francisco 49ers after their first-choice quarterbacks were out injured. His play in those nine games led the 49ers to promote him as their starter.

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He belied his bottom ranking salary to land massive endorsement deals as fans became enamored by his grounded mentality. All of this was turning out to be a story that everyone wanted to be a part of. But as per The Athletic, the billionaire Jets owner wanted his own movie.

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When the Jets traded quarterback Zach Wilson to the Broncos last April, Denver asked Douglas to include the final pick of the draft (257th overall). According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Johnson instructed Douglas to instead trade the 256th pick — which the Jets also owned — so New York could select “Mr. Irrelevant,” the final pick of the draft who is annually celebrated upon his selection.

The Athletic on Woody Johnson
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This move did not turn out to be as Woody Johnson expected it to. Their Mr. Irrelevant was safety Jaylen Key, who is no longer on the roster. Whereas the Denver Broncos used the 256th pick to take offensive guard Nick Gargiulo, who still plays for them.

Woody Johnson and his sons constantly undermined then GM Joe Douglas

In the Brock Purdy scenario, Woody Johnson undermined then GM Joe Douglas to push his interests forward. But that was not just that one incident when it came to the owner wielding his power. The Athletic spoke with sources to learn this about Douglas’ predicament.

Former GM Joe Douglas was always undermined by Woody Johnson and his two teenage sons
Former GM Joe Douglas was always undermined by Woody Johnson and his two teenage sons (Image via X)

‘I answer to a teenager,’ Douglas quipped to people close to him before the season in an acknowledgment of the perceived power dynamic.

The Athletic on Joe Douglas’ struggles

The article went on to reveal that Johnson’s sons, Brick and Jack Johnson, were a part of meetings with Douglas and other front office executives. This revelation from the now former GM indicates he had to listen to them at times.

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It has been revealed before that the combination of the teenage sons, social media and even Madden ratings have had their influence in personnel decisions. The New York Jets, though, have not benefitted from those decisions as they missed the playoffs for the 14th straight season.

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