Many have viewed Johnson's time overseeing the Jets in place of his brother as a success GETTY IMAGES
NFL Jets Chair & CEO Christopher Johnson said he hopes to "have a larger role" with the organization than he did previously when his brother, Woody, returns from his U.K. ambassadorship, according to Brian Costello of the N.Y. POST. Woody is expected to return in '20, and his brother said of an expanded role, "I think [Woody would] welcome that. I know he would. I think I have a new perspective at this point that would be valuable for the franchise after that point.” Costello notes since Woody left last summer, Christopher has "made a seamless transition into the owner’s chair." He "handled the national anthem controversy last season very well, winning over his players." He also "OK’d the trade this March to move up in the draft," which netted the team QB Sam Darnold. Meanwhile, Johnson said that the early returns on ticket sales for this season are "good." Johnson: “They’re well ahead of where we were last year." He said Sunday's home opener against the Dolphins is "trending toward a sellout.” He "limited his comments about the national anthem issue because the NFL has asked owners not to comment on it." Johnson: “I obviously feel very strongly about this, but I’m hopeful that the Players Association and the league will come up with something in the end that respects the players and the fans and the flag" (N.Y. POST, 9/13).
SMOOTH OPERATOR: On Long Island, Bob Glauber writes Christopher Johnson has "deftly fostered a healthy environment in which to work." He is a "hands-off owner on major decisions," and last year "drew praise from his players and coaches for his handling of the controversy over protests during the national anthem." His "patient handling of a team in transition -- there is no playoffs-or-else edict -- has created an atmosphere conducive to building a winning team" (NEWSDAY, 9/13).
