Jets Owner Claps Back at Report That He and Head Coach Robert Saleh Fought at League Meeting

The NFL world was turned a bit upside down when a rumor came out that New York Jets owner Woody Johnson had gotten into a fight with current head coach Robert Saleh. The initial report came from NFL Network host Colleen Wolfe.

Wolfe indicated on the "Around the NFL" podcast that she heard Saleh and Johnson had gotten into a fight from a "very reliable source." The fight allegedly occurred during the NFL cocktail reception during the NFL league meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

She stated the fight occurred on Monday on the podcast, but changed the timeframe to Sunday night, but provided no details that would indicate either instance was true. The report became huge, warranting a response from Johnson.

Johnson indicated on his own X page that, "All this nonsense about a heated argument between Coach Saleh and me at the League Meeting is absolutely false. It is yet another irresponsible report from NFL Network. Please disregard."

The pushback from Johnson also lent its hand to Wolfe responding herself. She posted on her X page that she heard about the interaction from someone in attendance. She also apologized for having caused an "unnecessary distraction" during the Jets' important offseason.

The news of a disagreement between Johnson and Saleh is not out of the realm of possibility. The Jets ended the season with a 7-10 record and lost Aaron Rodgers to a torn Achilles in the very first game of the season.

While Saleh has been good for the franchise, his results have not made Johnson all that happy, which makes sense. Johnson spoke to reporters during the NFL Honors ceremony, according to ESPN staff writer Rich Cimini, stating that Saleh and GM Joe Douglas "[had] seen me about as mad as I can be with what was going on."

Saleh responded to those comments during the league meetings, stating that Johnson always provides "good insight."

The Jets' defense is one of the best in the league, but their offensive prowess needs to catch up. The team is getting Rodgers back and has also signed former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams to help bolster its chances on that side of the field.

Williams is coming off a torn ACL but should be ready by Week 1. Even if Saleh and Johnson argued, it was likely just a motivating speech for Saleh to take the talent the team has and turn it around in the 2024 season. They certainly have the talent not to be an afterthought in the AFC.