Woody Johnson Reportedly Ordered Jets to Refer to Him as 'Mr. Ambassador' in 2019

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson hasn't worked for the government since 2020, but that hasn't stopped him from distinguishing himself from the rest of the team's executives.

According to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, Dianna Russini and Michael Silver, Johnson set a precedent in 2019 while serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom in the Trump administration that everyone should refer to him as "Mr. Ambassador." Johnson has reportedly maintained that requirement after returning to his role as Jets chairman in January 2021.

"I guess that's what you'd call him," one assistant coach said. "I'd never been around royalty before."

The obligation to refer to Johnson as "Mr. Ambassador" reportedly created "a discordant tone among those who believe the organization has long been plagued by mismanagement."

After remaining behind the scenes for the past few years, Johnson made his presence felt more than ever this season, firing head coach Robert Saleh after New York's 2-3 start and firing general manager Joe Douglas last month.

Now at 4-10, the Jets will miss the playoffs for the 14th straight year, which is the longest active postseason drought in any of the four major North American sports leagues.

New York will be hosting the Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.