The NFL is once again brushing up against controversy, this time with several team owners being named in the latest batch of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice released new materials that included email exchanges and communications linking at least four current NFL owners to Epstein in varying capacities.
Among the names mentioned is New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch. According to the documents, Tisch was in direct email contact with Epstein, with messages suggesting Epstein may have scouted women for him. The nature of those emails raises serious questions, though there is no current evidence tying Tisch to any criminal activity.
The release also referenced three other NFL owners: Woody Johnson of the New York Jets, Josh Harris of the Washington Commanders, and Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots.
Johnson’s name surfaced in an email from Tisch, asking Epstein if he wanted to join him and “Woody” for a walk. While the reference wasn’t explicit, Johnson had previously been named in a November release by the House Oversight Committee, which adds weight to the implication.
Josh Harris, who also owns the Philadelphia 76ers, was identified as having had a business relationship with Epstein. The documents indicate that Harris and Epstein exchanged multiple phone calls, and Harris reportedly visited Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse at least once. Again, no criminal connection has been established, but the association alone is bound to draw scrutiny.
As for Robert Kraft, the Patriots owner came up in a text exchange between Epstein and someone identified only as “Jack.” Kraft, who was arrested in 2019 for solicitation of a prostitute-a charge that was later dropped-was reportedly assisted by Epstein in assembling his legal defense team, according to the documents.
To be clear, none of the four owners have been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein’s criminal activities. There’s no evidence linking them to Epstein’s private island or the more serious allegations that have dominated headlines for years. Still, the optics are troubling.
In a league that has spent years trying to polish its image and hold teams and owners to higher standards, these revelations could have ripple effects. Whether or not any formal investigations follow, the associations alone are enough to spark concern among fans, league officials, and sponsors alike.
The NFL has not issued a statement in response to the document release, and it remains to be seen whether the league will take any action or seek further clarification from the owners involved.
For now, this story is less about guilt and more about proximity-who was in Epstein’s orbit, and what, if anything, that connection meant. In the court of public opinion, even indirect ties to Epstein can be damaging, especially for high-profile figures in one of America’s most visible sports leagues.