Jets owner denies alleged 'heated conversation' with HC

Woody Johnson. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jets owner blasts report about alleged 'heated conversation' with HC Robert Saleh

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/29/24

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson took to X on Thursday to refute a story that said he and head coach Robert Saleh got into a confrontation during the NFL owners meetings earlier this week.

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.
— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) March 28, 2024

The primary subject of the pushback was NFL Network personality Colleen Wolfe, who explained during an episode of the NFL’s "Around the NFL" podcast that "there was a very heated conversation between Woody and Robert Saleh" that allegedly occurred on Monday evening.

"To the point where it was a little awkward," Wolfe said, as shared by Michael Dixon of Awful Announcing and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "What were they arguing about?…Hey, who knows? It could have been about anything. Maybe they were disagreeing on how they like their steak cooked. Doubt that, though."

Additionally, fantasy football writer John Frascella of RazzBall later claimed he heard Johnson was "sick and tired of Saleh’s one-sided conversations, solely about defense." Frascella indicated Johnson wants the Jets to bolster their offense via the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, while Saleh hopes to use that asset to improve the club's defense.

But even before Johnson's post, NFL reporter Connor Hughes of SNY poured cold water over the entire narrative.

There is zero truth to any of this
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 28, 2024

There was no verbal argument between Robert Saleh and Woody Johnson at the NFL’s annual meeting reception.

I know because I was at the party where this apparently happened, feet from Saleh & Johnson, before Johnson & Jets contingent left. Woody took them out to dinner.…
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 28, 2024

Robert Saleh’s been grilled after gut-wrenching losses on the podium with fastball after fastball these last three years. Never once has he lost his cool. He receives justified criticism for a lot, but he always keeps composure publicly.

You guys really think he’s gonna blow up…
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 28, 2024

Before Johnson's post, Florio reported on Thursday that individuals within the Jets "strongly believe" Wolfe's report is not "factually accurate." Florio also noted that Wolfe said in the same clip that the "heated conversation" happened on Sunday. It's possible she either misspoke or simply confused the days.

"The Jets aren’t happy about it," Florio revealed. "Especially since they believe the claim is incorrect."

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