In the world of the NFL, actions often speak louder than words, and sometimes, those actions reveal a bit of hypocrisy. This is especially true when it comes to the dynamic between team owners and players.
Take, for example, Jets owner Woody Johnson. He made headlines by dismissing the NFL Players Association's report cards as "totally bogus," yet didn't hesitate to publicly critique quarterback Justin Fields during the 2025 season.
Johnson's comments last October at the league meetings were pointed. "It’s hard when you have a quarterback with a rating that he’s got," he said, referencing the Jets' struggles with Fields at the helm.
"If we can just complete a pass, it would look good," he added. Such remarks can sting, especially when they come from the top.
Fields, to his credit, chose not to engage publicly, but it’s likely those words lingered. Now, with Fields suiting up for the Chiefs, he has an opportunity to rewrite his narrative and prove Johnson wrong. And yes, the Chiefs will face the Jets this season, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Whether Fields will see significant playing time in 2026 hinges on Patrick Mahomes' health. If Mahomes is ready to go by Week 1, Fields might have to wait for his moment. The Chiefs could also manage Mahomes’ workload as he returns to full strength, potentially giving Fields a chance to shine.
Fields wasn't as ineffective as Johnson's comments suggested. Last season, he posted a passer rating of 89.5, completed 62.7% of his passes, and threw seven touchdowns against just one interception. Those numbers tell a different story than Johnson's critique.
The Jets’ decision to sign Fields to a two-year deal with $30 million fully guaranteed shows they saw potential in him. Fields has had his moments, and now, with a fresh start in Kansas City, he’s motivated to build a strong foundation for his career.
Who knows? If he excels, maybe the Jets will one day consider bringing him back, much like their recent reunion with Geno Smith.