The NY Jets have been a disaster this season, stumbling their way to a 2-6 record. Despite owner Woody Johnson forcing the Jets to go all-in on Aaron Rodgers and the baggage that comes with him, New York continues to lose games. It’s a situation that stems from the top of the organization. Yet with losing games, the Jets are also losing something much more valuable – its fans.
The NY Jets are destroying their own fandom
For most NFL franchises, season-ticket holders are the lifeblood. They live and breathe through their team, and are willing to pay to show their support. However, it seems as if the Jets are trying to agitate the one niche of fans they should be looking to keep – their season-ticket holders.
This year, the Jets announced that they would be increasing season-ticket prices by 23.2 percent. Last year, after Rodgers tore his Achilles, the organization raised prices by 24 percent. Through that time, the Jets hold a 9-16 record, and are likely to add another year to their NFL-leading playoff drought.
With no head coach and a team that lacks accountability at all levels, fans are starting to see through the charade. And with the organization demanding payments for 2025’s PSL’s on November 15, it’s safe to say many fans have had enough.
After the team’s most recent loss to the New England Patriots, many season-ticket holders are canceling – and it’s hard to blame them.
One Jets fan went to Reddit to share his disgruntled email to his ticket rep, informing them that he would not be renewing his season tickets for the upcoming year.
“I will not be renewing my season tickets for next year regardless of whether the price stays stagnant or there is an increase … Honestly the Jets organization should be ashamed of itself. The product they have put on the field year after year is absolutely horrifying and you have drained so much money out of such diehard fans.”
The loss to New England seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back on a forgettable season for many NY Jets fans, however. After the loss, an outpouring of diehard Gang Green fans would also go on to cancel their status as season-ticket holders.
Had a very pleasant conversation with my ticket rep just now. I’m officially out for next season pic.twitter.com/8pz9oKAeXt
— nicole esther (@njrealtornic) October 28, 2024
I also spoke to a season-ticket holder about his thoughts on the team’s increase in sales, and their performance on the field. He did not mince words on his thoughts about the team.
“The way they treat their fans are like poverty. They give us armbands, wrist bands, while other teams get bobbleheads and t-shirts. We don’t get anything but an increase in tickets. They’ve reinvested in the team, but they don’t care about the fan base. Having to drive two hours to watch this product – the fans care more about the team than the ownership.”
What do the Jets do now?
At this point, it’s tough to say how the Jets can fix their image. Sure, winning games helps. But there’s a level of disdain for owner Woody Johnson that’s rarely seen at this level of animosity.
Many believe Johnson’s antics as an owner have been a detriment to the team; from his handling of Eric Mangini, deciding to share a stadium with the New York Giants, the Adam Gase hiring, and now the Rodgers-Saleh saga.
Unfortunately, it’s unrealistic to see Johnson sell the Jets. After all, owning an NFL franchise is an easy money-maker. However, with fans canceling their season-tickets en masse, perhaps it forces Johnson rethink how he handles the organization going forward. And while that may not be what Jets fans are looking for, it could be a step in the right direction.
