Woody Johnson#Personal life

{{Short description|American businessman, diplomat, and sports team owner (born 1947)}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Woody Johnson

| image = File:Woody Johnson Photo.jpg

| caption = Official portrait, 2020

| office = 66th United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom

| president = Donald Trump

| term_start = November 8, 2017

| term_end = January 20, 2021

| predecessor = Matthew Barzun

| successor = Jane D. Hartley

| birth_name = Robert Wood Johnson IV

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1947|4|12}}

| birth_place = New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Republican

| spouse = {{plainlist|

{{marriage|Nancy Sale|1977|2001|reason=div}}
{{marriage|Suzanne Ircha|2009}}

}}

| children = 5

| parents = Bobby Johnson
Betty Wold

| relatives = Christopher Johnson (brother)

| education = University of Arizona (BA)

| footnotes =

}}

Robert Wood Johnson IV (born April 12, 1947) is an American businessman who is co-owner of the New York Jets and was formerly the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021. He is a great-grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I, and an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune.

In 2000 he purchased the New York Jets football team for $635 million, the highest price for a New York professional sports team at that time, and is currently the Jets co-owner alongside his brother, Christopher Johnson. During his tenure as owner, Johnson was also part of the NFL search committee for a new commissioner.

A longtime Republican Party donor, Johnson was a supporter of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, and was appointed by Trump to the post of United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Events during his tenure included Britain's exit from the EU and the relocation of the United States embassy in London. His brother Christopher took over Jets operations during his post.

Upon his return in 2021, Johnson resumed his role as chairman. In 2023, he pursued Aaron Rodgers, with the Jets finalizing a trade with the Green Bay Packers in April. In 2022, Johnson made a £2 billion bid for Chelsea F.C. but withdrew from the bidding process later that month.

Early life and education

Johnson was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the son of Betty Johnson (née Wold; 1921–2020){{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Ryan |date=2020-05-09 |title=Betty Wold Johnson – in memoriam |url=https://www.hopewellboro-nj.us/betty-wold-johnson-in-memoriam/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Hopewell Borough |language=en-US}} and Robert Wood Johnson III, and the great-grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I, who founded the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company,{{Cite news |author=Richard Sandomir|title=Philanthropist and Fan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/12/sports/man-in-the-news-philanthropist-and-fan.html|work=The New York Times|quote=Robert Wood Johnson IV, whose great-grandfather founded Johnson & Johnson, won the right yesterday to buy the Jets for $635 million, the third-highest price for a professional sports team and the most for one in New York.|date=January 12, 2000|access-date=January 23, 2008}} along with his brothers James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson.Susan Warner, [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/10/nyregion/the-family-behind-the-company.html The Family Behind the Company], New York Times (April 10, 2005). Robert Wood Johnson IV grew up with four siblings: Keith Johnson, Billy Johnson, Elizabeth "Libet" Johnson, and Christopher Wold Johnson, in northern New Jersey, and attended the Millbrook School. He graduated from the University of Arizona.{{Cite news|title=Behind the Jets, a Private Man Pushes His Dream |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/11/sports/football/11woody.ready.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&position= |quote=He grew up in affluent areas of New Jersey, attended the elite Millbrook School in the Hudson Valley and worked menial summer jobs at Johnson & Johnson with the expectation of ascending to the top of the family business.|work=The New York Times |date=November 11, 2004 |access-date=February 10, 2010 | first=Duff | last=Wilson}}[https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/16/new-york-jets-owner-woody-johnson Woody Johnson, New York Jets], Sports Illustrated (July 16, 2018) He worked for J&J for a single summer.{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2022 |title=#318 Woody Johnson |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/woody-johnson/ |access-date=April 17, 2024|publisher=Bloomberg Billionaires Index}}

Career

= The Johnson Company, Inc =

Johnson was the chairman and chief executive of The Johnson Company, Inc., a private investment firm.[https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/robert-wood-johnson-iv-chairman-and-chief-executive-officer-news-photo/94642552 Robert Wood Johnson IV, chairman and chief executive officer], Getty Images (August 1, 2006).

In 2006, a Senate subcommittee produced a 370-page report that said that some prominent figures, including Johnson, purchased capital gain losses as a way to reduce their own income tax bills. Johnson settled with the IRS in 2006, agreeing to pay the owed taxes plus interest.{{Cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/31/AR2006073101097.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=Tax Shelters Saved Billionaires a Bundle |first=Jeffrey H.|last=Birnbaum|date=August 1, 2006}}

Johnson was the committee president of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the {{Sclass|San Antonio|amphibious transport dock|0}} ship USS New York (LPD-21).{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=75484|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904222525/http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=75484|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 4, 2009|title=Navy News Service – Eye on the Fleet|date=September 4, 2009}}

= New York Jets =

In January 2000, Woody Johnson purchased the New York Jets for $635 million, making it the third-highest price ever paid for a professional sports team at the time, and the highest for a New York professional sports team.{{cite news |author=Richard Sandomir |date=January 12, 2000 |title=The Jets Fill One Opening: New Owner at $635 Million |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/12/sports/the-jets-fill-one-opening-new-owner-at-635-million.html |newspaper=The New York Times}} As of December of 2024, Forbes estimated the value of the team at $6.9 billion.{{cite web |title=New York Jets Team Value |url=https://www.forbes.com/teams/new-york-jets/ |access-date=July 26, 2020 |work=Forbes}}

Following his acquisition of the Jets, Johnson moved the team to the newly constructed Meadowlands Stadium, sharing it as an equal partner with the New York Giants. The stadium, later named MetLife Stadium, officially opened on April 10, 2010.{{Cite web |title=On this date: MetLife Stadium opens in 2010 |url=https://www.giants.com/photos/on-this-date-metlife-stadium-opens-in-2010-15078424 |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=www.giants.com |language=en-US}}

In 2017, upon being appointed the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Johnson's brother, Christopher Johnson, assumed the roles of CEO and acting owner of the Jets.{{Cite web |date=January 22, 2021 |title=Woody Johnson returning from London, will resume as Jets CEO |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/woody-johnson-christopher-johnson-jets-1.50127368 |access-date=2021-02-08 |website=Newsday |language=en}} Woody Johnson resumed his position as chairman in 2021 after returning to the United States, with Christopher Johnson becoming vice-chairman.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-21 |title=Woody Johnson to resume principal owner duties with New York Jets |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30755191/woody-johnson-resume-principal-owner-duties-new-york-jets |access-date=2021-02-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rapp |first=Timothy |title=Woody Johnson Returning as Jets Chairman After Serving as US Ambassador |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2927733-woody-johnson-returning-as-jets-chairman-after-serving-as-us-ambassador |access-date=2021-04-13 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

In January 2023, Johnson expressed the need for a strong quarterback to complement the Jets' robust defense, describing it as the "missing piece" in the team's lineup.{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Jets owner Woody Johnson 'absolutely' willing to pay for veteran QB: 'That's kind of the missing piece' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jets-owner-woody-johnson-absolutely-willing-to-pay-for-veteran-qb-thats-kind-of-the-missing-piece/ |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} Subsequently, Johnson pursued four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, stating to ESPN the importance of securing the best possible quarterback to lead the team.{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Jets owner Woody Johnson 'anxious' as anticipated Aaron Rodgers trade drags on: 'I'm not the patient sort' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jets-owner-woody-johnson-anxious-as-anticipated-aaron-rodgers-trade-drags-on-im-not-the-patient-sort/ |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kasabian |first=Paul |title=Jets' Woody Johnson Discusses Possible Aaron Rodgers Interest Amid Trade Rumors |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10065051-jets-woody-johnson-discusses-possible-aaron-rodgers-interest-amid-trade-rumors |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} The Jets also hired Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator, given his strong rapport with Rodgers.{{Cite magazine |last=Koons |first=Zach |date=February 10, 2023 |title=Jets Owner Woody Johnson Was Asked About Aaron Rodgers Rumors |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/02/10/jets-aaron-rodgers-trade-rumors-woody-johnson-packers |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} On April 24, 2023, it was reported that the Jets were finalizing a trade deal with the Green Bay Packers for Rodgers.{{Cite web |title=Packers agree to trade four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers to Jets |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/packers-agree-to-trade-four-time-mvp-aaron-rodgers-to-jets |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}} Johnson has been widely criticized for his handling of the Jets.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-13 |title=Struggles of New York Jets Can Only Be Blamed on One Person |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/news/struggles-of-new-york-jets-can-only-be-blamed-on-one-person |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=New York Jets On SI |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title=SI:AM {{!}} Woody Johnson Is the Worst Type of Sports Owner |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/woody-johnson-jets-worst-owner-in-sports |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=SI |language=en-US}} As of 2025, the team has had the longest active playoff drought in the NFL,{{Cite web |date=2024-12-09 |title=New York Jets Take Lead for Longest Active Playoff Drought in Pro Sports |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/news/new-york-jets-take-lead-longest-active-playoff-drought-pro-sports |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=New York Jets On SI |language=en-US}} with one season above .500.{{Cite web |last=Faria |first=Nick |date=2024-04-23 |title=New York Jets Draft History: Zach Wilson Among 10 Biggest Busts? |url=https://athlonsports.com/nfl/new-york-jets/jets-country/news/new-york-jets-worst-draft-picks-franchise-history-zach-wilson-10-busts |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Athlon Sports |language=en}}

Johnson fired Robert Saleh during the 2024 season; Saleh finished 20-36 and without a winning season.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=Bill Belichick rips Jets owner Woody Johnson over Robert Saleh firing: 'Just ready, fire, aim' |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-rips-jets-owner-woody-johnson-over-robert-saleh-firing-just-ready-fire-aim-021500126.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}} In January 2025, Johnson hired Aaron Glenn as the team's new head coach and Darren Mougey as the new general manager.{{Cite web |last=Wojton |first=Nick |title=Jets owner Woody Johnson releases statement on Aaron Glenn hired as head coach |url=https://jetswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2025/01/24/new-york-jets-woody-johnson-statement-aaron-glenn-hire-head-coach-nfl/77924075007/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Jets Wire |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-22 |title=Aaron Glenn Has What the Jets Need |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/aaron-glenn-has-what-jets-need |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=SI |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-17 |title=Columns: Hiring Glenn the 'right move' for Jets' Woody Johnson |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/01/23/new-york-jets-aaron-glenn-hire/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Sports Business Journal |language=en}} In his statement on the hiring, Johnson expressed his desire to play a less active role in the team's day-to-day management, stating "I want Aaron Glenn to coach the team and I want the general manager to manage the assets and players and I'll take an owner's position."{{Cite news |last=Rosenblatt |first=Zack |date=2025-02-10 |title=Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey bring the Jets hope — if Woody Johnson stays out of their way |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6093402/2025/01/28/aaron-glenn-darren-mougey-woody-johnson-new-york-jets-future/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Under Johnson, the New York Jets Foundation has funded charitable programs related to youth sports, military veterans, education and medical research.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-25 |title=New York Jets Foundation |url=https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/new-york-grants/new-york-jets-foundation |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=www.insidephilanthropy.com |language=en-US}} The Jets have held walk-a-thons, benefit luncheons, and other events related to the Lupus Research Alliance, which Johnson founded.{{Cite web |title=Walk with Woody, Mike, Rex to Cure Lupus |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/walk-with-woody-mike-rex-to-cure-lupus-4812295 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=www.newyorkjets.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Jets come together at annual Kickoff Luncheon |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/jets-come-together-at-annual-kickoff-luncheon |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}} In 2001, the team partnered with the Public Schools Athletic League.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets Spotlight – Sports Philanthropy Network |url=https://sportsphilanthropynetwork.org/new-york-jets-spotlight/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |language=en-US}} The Jets have also sponsored hundreds of girls' flag football programs, in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.{{Cite web |last=Havsy |first=Jane |title=Jets launch Special Olympics NJ Unified flag football league at Florham Park clinic |url=https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/04/18/nj-flag-football-ny-jets-launch-unified-high-school-league/73327015007/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Daily Record |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=New York Jets launch first girls flag football league in Ireland |url=https://www.irishamerica.com/2025/03/new-york-jets-launch-first-girls-flag-football-league-in-ireland/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=www.irishamerica.com}}{{Cite web |title=New York Jets announce inaugural girls flag football club team |url=https://newjersey.news12.com/new-york-jets-announce-inaugural-girls-flag-football-club-team |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=News 12 - Default}} In 2015, Johnson received the Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Award for NFL owners who engage in philanthropy.{{Cite web |title=Woody Johnson |url=https://blacktiemagazine.com/society_2015_january/Woody_Johnson_Inaugural_Steinberg_DeNicola_Humanitarian_Award.htm |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230204062807/https://blacktiemagazine.com/society_2015_january/Woody_Johnson_Inaugural_Steinberg_DeNicola_Humanitarian_Award.htm |archive-date=2023-02-04 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=blacktiemagazine.com}}

= Other sports ventures =

In March 2022, Johnson made a £2 billion bid to purchase London football club Chelsea F.C. from sanctioned billionaire Roman Abramovich.{{Cite web |last=Debono |first=Matt |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Report: Woody Johnson makes 'big solo offer' for Chelsea as Raine review takeover offers |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/report-woody-johnson-makes-big-solo-offer-for-chelsea-as-raine-review-takeover-offers |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Sports Illustrated Chelsea FC News, Analysis and More |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-07 |title=Sources: New York Jets owner Woody Johnson interested in buying English Premier League club Chelsea |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33446527/sources-new-york-jets-owner-woody-johnson-interested-buying-english-premier-league-club-chelsea |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Johnson, who became a fan of the team during his ambassadorship in London, was considered to have an advantage over other bidders like Saudi Media Group due to his familiarity with London and experience in sports management.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-28 |title=New York Jets CEO Woody Johnson has mixed feelings about unsuccessful Chelsea bid |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33616245/new-york-jets-ceo-woody-johnson-mixed-feelings-unsuccessful-chelsea-bid |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Calcutt |first=Rob |date=March 16, 2022 |title=New York Jets Co-owner Woody Johnson Expected to Make £2BN Bid for Chelsea This Week |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/new-york-jets-co-owner-woody-johnson-set-to-make-2bn-bid-for-chelsea-this-week |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=Sports Illustrated Chelsea FC News, Analysis and More |language=en}} However, by March 25, it was reported that Johnson was no longer in contention to buy Chelsea F.C.{{Cite news |last=Slater |first=Matt |title=Nick Candy and Woody Johnson out of race to buy Chelsea |url=https://theathletic.com/news/nick-candy-and-woody-johnson-out-of-race-to-buy-chelsea/ZHJBowKFjaWC/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}

Johnson also helped the league select a successor to NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.[https://www.nfl.info/nflmedia/News/2006news/COMMISSIONER%20FINALISTS.pdf Search Committee Selects Five Candidates to Succeed NFL Commission Paul Tagliabue], National Football League (July 30, 2006).[https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2534601 NFL's Goodell among five after commish job], Associated Press (July 30, 2006).

= Net worth=

Johnson is a billionaire.[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40378981 Woody Johnson: Trump picks NFL tycoon as UK ambassador], BBC News (23 June 2017). As a fourth-generation descendant of one of the founders of the Johnson & Johnson company, he is one of the heirs of the Johnson family fortune.{{efn|Initially owned entirely by the Johnson family, Johnson & Johnson began to be traded publicly in 1944. Robert Wood Johnson II (Woody Johnson's grandfather) continued to be chief executive until his retirement in 1963.}} In a 2017 financial disclosure form, Johnson listed his net worth at $4.2 billion, with most of his wealth tied to his ownership of the Jets and its stadium; he also reported owning at least 1.56 million J&J shares (a stake then valued at more than $50 million).[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-11/jets-owner-tapped-by-trump-as-u-k-ambassador-joins-500-richest Jets Owner Woody Johnson Is Worth $4.2 Billion], Bloomberg (July 11, 2017). As of April 2024, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index placed his net worth at an estimated $9.92 billion.

Political fundraising and endorsements

By the year 2000, Johnson had given more than $1 million to various Republican candidates and committees. Between 1997 and 1998, he donated $130,000 to the Republican Party, along with donating $22,583 to George W. Bush's 1998 gubernatorial re-election campaign of Texas. He was later a major New York fundraiser for Bush's 2000 presidential campaign.{{Cite news|last=Sandomir|first=Richard|date=2000-01-12|title=Man in the News; Philanthropist and Fan|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/12/sports/man-in-the-news-philanthropist-and-fan.html|access-date=2021-03-24|issn=0362-4331}}

In May 2008, he orchestrated a fundraiser in New York City that brought in $7 million in a single evening for John McCain's presidential campaign, by far the largest amount collected up to that point by a campaign that had been struggling to raise money. Johnson also provided significant funding to 2008 Republican National Convention host committee; from a $10 million shortfall, Johnson contributed personally and solicited friends to assist in covering the convention deficit.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/us/politics/05donate.html?ex=1378353600&en=dbdf949f33dd115e&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink | work=The New York Times | title=Convention Limelight Shines on a Big Donor | first=Michael | last=Luo | date=September 5, 2008}} In 2011, Johnson endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in the 2012 Republican presidential primaries.{{Cite news |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65660.html | work=Politico | title=Woody Johnson says Chris Christie's Mitt Romney endorsement a game-changer | first=Maggie | last=Haberman | date=November 11, 2011}} In September 2013, Johnson hosted a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee (RNC) at his home in New York City.{{cite web|title=GOP stars to headline party fundraiser|url=https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/26/gop-stars-to-headline-party-fundraiser/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827071258/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/26/gop-stars-to-headline-party-fundraiser/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 27, 2013|publisher=CNN|date=August 26, 2013}}

By 2016, Johnson had known Donald Trump for about 30 years, with the two men having social connections.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/27/us/politics/trump-woody-johnson-fundraising.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 27, 2016|title=Woody Johnson Takes On Role as Fund-Raiser for Donald Trump|author=Maggie Haberman}} Nevertheless, in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, Johnson initially endorsed Jeb Bush over Trump. In June 2015, Johnson was named the national finance chairman for Bush's campaign.{{cite news |last1=Reinhard|first1=Beth|last2=O'Connor|first2=Patrick|title=Jeb Bush Picks Woody Johnson as Finance Chairman |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2015/06/24/jeb-bush-picks-woody-johnson-as-finance-chairman/|access-date=July 27, 2017 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=June 24, 2015}} On several occasions, Trump singled out Johnson in a speech attacking Bush for accepting "special interest" money from donors.{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 24, 2016|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/24/us/politics/donald-trump-woody-johnson-fundraising.html|title=Donald Trump Meets With Woody Johnson, Jets Owner and G.O.P. Fund-Raiser|author=Maggie Haberman}} In May 2016, after Trump became the presumptive nominee, Johnson endorsed Trump for president.{{cite news|last1=Cosentino|first1=Dom|title=Jets owner Woody Johnson backs Donald Trump, per reports |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/05/jets_owner_woody_johnson_backs_donald_trump_per_re.html|access-date=May 25, 2016 |work=nj.com|date=May 24, 2016}} He met with Trump at Trump Tower and was named one of the RNC's six finance vice chairmen, responsible for an effort to raise $1 billion on behalf of Trump's campaign.

Johnson had by August 2019 donated $1.5 million to Donald Trump's presidential campaigns and inaugural committee.{{Cite web|last1=Pramuk|first1=Jacob|last2=Schwartz|first2=Brian|date=2019-08-12|title=Trump's money ties to NFL owners go much deeper than Dolphins' Stephen Ross|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/12/trump-ties-to-nfl-owners-go-deeper-than-stephen-ross-bob-kraft.html|access-date=2020-07-26|website=CNBC|language=en}} In February 2020, Johnson gave $575,000 to a fundraising committee for Trump's 2020 re-election campaign, and $355,000 to the RNC.{{Cite web |author1=Jennifer Hansler |author2=Kylie Atwood |author3=Nicole Gaouette |date=July 22, 2020 |title=NFL owner and Trump ambassador to UK sparks watchdog probe over alleged racist and sexist remarks and a push to promote Trump business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/22/politics/woody-johnson-oig-report/index.html |access-date=2020-07-23 |publisher=CNN}} In May 2020, he gave $1 million to America First Action, Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC.

On January 8, 2021, Johnson released a statement condemning the 2021 United States Capitol attack.{{cite web |title=Woody Johnson Calls Storming of Capitol, a 'Dark Day' for the U.S. |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/government-trade/woody-johnson-calls-storming-of-capitol-a-dark-day-for-the-u-s-1234692453/ |website=WWD |date=2021-01-08}}

In 2023, Johnson gave at least $1 million to a super PAC backing Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.{{Cite news |date=2023-07-31 |title=DeSantis-Allied PAC Tops Trump in Money Race With $131 Million |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-31/wall-street-opens-wallets-for-super-pacs-behind-2024-republicans |access-date=2024-02-06 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}Rebecca Davis O'Brien, [https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/15/us/politics/trump-biden-fundraising.html Trump, Trailing Biden in Cash, Relies on Big Donors to Try to Catch Up], New York Times (April 15, 2024). He stood behind Trump at an election-night rally during the 2024 South Carolina primary.[https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/16/us/politics/trump-finances-money-fundraising.html How Trump Is Scrambling to Raise Cash], New York Times (March 16, 2024).

Ambassador to Britain (2017-2021)

File:Woody Johnson official portrait.jpg

On January 19, 2017, President-elect Donald Trump announced that he planned to nominate Johnson to become United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom.{{cite news|last1=Borger|first1=Julian|title=New York Jets owner Woody Johnson to be US ambassador to UK|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jan/19/new-york-jets-owner-woody-johnson-to-be-us-ambassador-to-uk |access-date=January 20, 2017|work=The Guardian|date=January 19, 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Schouten |first1=Fredreka |title=President Trump's ambassador picks sit in limbo|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/05/17/president-trump-ambassador-picks-sit-limbo-woody-johnson/101802086/|access-date=May 18, 2017|work=USA Today|date=May 17, 2017}} On June 22, 2017, Trump nominated Johnson for the position.{{cite news|title=Woody Johnson nominated as US ambassador to Britain|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jun/23/woody-johnson-nominated-as-us-ambassador-to-britain|access-date=July 17, 2017|work=The Guardian|date=June 22, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/115th-congress/691|title=PN691 – Robert Wood Johnson IV – Department of State|work=Congress.gov|date=August 3, 2017|publisher=United States Congress}}{{cite news|last1=Zurcher|first1=Anthony|title=Woody Johnson: Trump picks NFL tycoon as UK ambassador|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40378981|access-date=June 24, 2017|work=BBC News|date=June 23, 2017}} Prior to becoming ambassador, he had no diplomatic experience.{{Cite news|last1=Landler|first1=Mark|last2=Jakes|first2=Lara|last3=Haberman|first3=Maggie|date=2020-07-21|title=Trump's Request of an Ambassador: Get the British Open for Me|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/21/world/europe/trump-british-open.html|access-date=2020-07-26|issn=0362-4331}}

Following a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee,{{cite news|title=Tracking how many key positions Trump has filled so far |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/trump-administration-appointee-tracker/database/|access-date=July 27, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post|date=July 14, 2017}} Johnson was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 3, 2017,{{cite news |last1=Bieler|first1=Des|title=Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed as ambassador to the U.K. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/08/03/jets-owner-woody-johnson-confirmed-as-ambassador-to-the-u-k/ |access-date=August 9, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 3, 2017}} by voice vote. He was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence on August 21, 2017, in the Oval Office. Johnson presented his credentials to Queen Elizabeth II on November 8, 2017.{{Cite news |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/donald-trumps-man-in-london-presents-credentials-to-queen-36301787.html |title=Donald Trump's man in London presents credentials to Queen |date=2017-11-08 |newspaper=Belfasttelegraph |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119155535/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/donald-trumps-man-in-london-presents-credentials-to-queen-36301787.html |archive-date=2019-11-19 |access-date=November 30, 2017}}{{Cite web|last=Onyanga-Omara|first=Jane|title=New $1 billion U.S. Embassy in Britain: Things to know|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/12/15/new-u-s-embassy-london/954882001/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}}

In 2018, Johnson oversaw the relocation of the United States Embassy in London from Grosvenor Square, where it had been since 1938, to a new location in Nine Elms.{{Cite web|last=Onyanga-Omara|first=Jane|title=New $1 billion U.S. Embassy in Britain: Things to know|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/12/15/new-u-s-embassy-london/954882001/|access-date=2022-01-23|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}}

= Brexit =

During Johnson's tenure, Britain withdrew from the EU. Johnson advocated for a bilateral US-UK trade deal post-Brexit, in line with President Trump's hopes during that time.{{Cite news|date=2018-12-31|title=Brexit: US ambassador to UK Johnson warns on trade deal|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46720323|access-date=2021-03-31}} Johnson had a private dinner with Queen Elizabeth II at Winfield House on March 14, 2019, just two days after British Parliament rejected Theresa May's Brexit plan.{{Cite web|last=Webster|first=Ashley|date=2019-03-12|title=Brexit dinner for Queen Elizabeth and Woody Johnson on the books: Report|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/queen-elizabeth-and-woody-johnsons-brexit-dinner-on-the-books-report|access-date=2021-03-31|website=FOXBusiness|language=en-US}}

In June 2019, he further stated that a post-Brexit deal between the US and the UK would cover "all things that are traded", including the National Health Service and agricultural sector.{{Cite news|title='If the British people like it, they can buy it'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-48489524|access-date=2021-03-31}} In January 2020, Johnson stated that the US was never interested in the NHS, but reiterated American interest in a free-trade deal with the UK.{{Cite web|date=2019-06-02|title=US wants access to NHS in post-Brexit deal, says Trump ally|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/02/us-wants-access-to-nhs-in-post-brexit-deal-ambassador-to-uk-says|access-date=2021-03-31|website=the Guardian|language=en}}

=Agriculture=

Johnson advocated for closer agricultural trade between the US and UK, and the deregulation of US food exports to Britain.{{cite web |title=Trump's UK ambassador hits out at US farming 'smears' |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-trade-agriculture-uk-ambassador-hits-out-at-us-farming-smears/ |website=politico.eu |date=2019-03-02}} In March 2019, Johnson wrote an article in the Daily Telegraph saying that chlorinated chicken was a "public safety no-brainer" and that health fears over hormone-fed beef were "myths".{{cite news|title=UK-US trade deal: Envoy attacks 'myths' about US farming|work=BBC News|date=March 2, 2019|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47426138|access-date=22 March 2019}} This came after he urged the UK to open up to the US agriculture market after the British exit from the European Union and ignore the "smear campaign" of those with "their own protectionist agenda".{{cite web|last1=Doward|first1=Jamie|date=2 March 2019|title=US ambassador to UK under fire over defence of chlorinated chicken|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/02/us-ambassador-to-uk-woody-johnson-under-fire-over-defence-of-chlorinated-chicken-post-brexit-jay-rayner|access-date=22 March 2019|website=The Guardian}} Johnson was criticized by several British agriculture standard boards, such as the Red Tractor Assurance whose CEO, Jim Moseley stated the UK's food standards were "now under threat from ... the United States food lobby".{{Cite web|last=Visram|first=Talib|date=2020-08-26|title=American chickens covered in chlorine have become a hot-button Brexit issue in Britain|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90543095/american-chickens-covered-in-chlorine-have-become-a-hot-button-brexit-issue-in-britain|access-date=2021-02-08|website=Fast Company|language=en-US}} Minette Batters, president of the UK National Farmers Union, agreed with Johnson's claims that chlorine-rinsed chicken was safe for consumption, but stated that factors such as animal welfare and environmental protection also had to be considered.{{Cite web|date=2019-03-02|title=US ambassador to UK slams critics of American agriculture|url=https://apnews.com/article/0aee60da878e472a91a9e52c4f617265|access-date=2021-02-08|website=AP NEWS}} Batters commented that accepting US agricultural products produced in ways that would be illegal in the UK would "put British producers out of business". The US National Farmers Union maintained that US methods of meat production were "safe", describing criticism as "fear-mongering".

= Huawei =

Johnson advised the UK government to ban Huawei from being used in the nation's 5G networks after departing Prime Minister Theresa May approved the company in early 2019.{{Cite web|title=Huawei building UK 5G 'like letting a kleptomaniac into your house', US ambassador says|url=https://news.sky.com/story/huawei-building-uk-5g-like-letting-a-kleptomaniac-into-your-house-us-ambassador-says-11748944|access-date=2021-05-05|website=Sky News|language=en}} Johnson said that Huawei could represent an economic and security risk, comparing it to "letting a kleptomaniac move into your house."{{Cite news|author=Steven Swinford, Deputy Political|title=Don't open door to Huawei, says US ambassador Woody Johnson|newspaper=The Times|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/don-t-open-door-to-huawei-says-us-ambassador-woody-johnson-nkh7hv9kn|access-date=2021-05-05|issn=0140-0460}} In 2020, after Britain decided to ban Huawei from its 5G mobile networks, Johnson welcomed the decision as a victory for human rights and fair trading practices.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-huawei-us-diplomacy-idCAKCN24F26M UK's Huawei block protects its security, trade and rights-U.S. envoy], Reuters (July 14, 2020).

=Allegations of "inappropriate or insensitive comments" to embassy staff =

In July 2020, the State Department investigated allegations made by some current and former staff members that accused Johnson of making inappropriate comments about issues concerning race, personal appearance, and Black History Month.{{Cite news |date=2020-07-23 |title=Woody Johnson: US ambassador to UK denies making racist comments |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53509482 |access-date=2024-06-26 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Gaouette |first=Jennifer Hansler,Kylie Atwood,Nicole |date=2020-07-22 |title=NFL owner and Trump ambassador to UK sparks watchdog probe over alleged racist and sexist remarks and a push to promote Trump business {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/22/politics/woody-johnson-oig-report/index.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Landler |first1=Mark |last2=Jakes |first2=Lara |last3=Haberman |first3=Maggie |date=2020-07-24 |title=Woody Johnson Was a Loyal Trump Supporter in 2016. As an Ambassador, He May Be Too Loyal. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/24/world/europe/woody-johnson-trump.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Johnson denied the allegations, asserting that the claims were inconsistent with his values and record. The State Department and the U.S. Embassy in London stood by Johnson, highlighting his professional conduct and dedication to U.S.-UK relations. While an Inspector General report on the matter was pending, Johnson maintained that he had always followed ethical guidelines and that the accusations did not reflect his long-standing principles.{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |last4= |first4= |date=2020-07-23 |title=Diversity group 'troubled' by alleged racist Woody Johnson remarks |url=https://nypost.com/2020/07/23/diversity-group-troubled-by-alleged-racist-woody-johnson-remarks/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}

After the investigation, the inspector general issued a report in August 2020 that said that Johnson "sometimes made inappropriate or insensitive comments on topics generally considered Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-sensitive, such as religion, sex, or color" that could "create an offensive working environment" and violate EEO (antidiscrimination) laws.* Lara Jakes & Mark Landler, [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/12/us/politics/trump-woody-johnson-london-embassy.html Woody Johnson Asked State Dept. Auditors to Delete Claims of Offensive Remarks From Report], New York Times (August 12, 2020).

Courtney McBride, [https://www.wsj.com/articles/woody-johnson-u-s-envoy-to-london-made-insensitive-remarks-watchdog-finds-11597255218 Woody Johnson, U.S. Envoy to London, Made Insensitive Remarks, Watchdog Finds], Wall Street Journal (August 12, 2020).

The inspector general's office recommended that the State Department's Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR) coordinate an investigation into Johnson's conduct. S/OCR did so, and found that allegations against Johnson were unsubstantiated.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-20 |title=Trump's ambassador to UK cleared of making inappropriate comments about race and gender |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/woody-johnson-trump-ambassador-comments-b1869134.html |access-date=2021-06-25 |website=The Independent |language=en}}

= British Open at Trump Turnberry =

In February 2018, Johnson as ambassador sought to have the lucrative British Open golf tournament moved to Trump's Turnberry Golf Resort in Scotland, raising the idea with Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell. The New York Times reported, and the former deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in London Lewis Lukens later confirmed, that Trump had asked Johnson to seek British government influence in obtaining the Open for Turnberry.Chris Ryan, [https://www.nj.com/jets/2020/08/former-us-official-says-jets-owner-woody-johnson-asked-uk-to-move-british-open-to-trumps-resort.html Former U.S. official details Jets' Woody Johnson's request to have U.K. move British Open to Trump's resort], NJ Advance Media for NJ.com (August 6, 2020). At the time Lukens warned Johnson not to raise the question with the UK government, saying that an attempt to further the president's personal financial interests in this way would be unethical and probably illegal. Johnson did so anyway, unsuccessfully.

In a statement, the British government said that Johnson "made no request of Mr. Mundell regarding the British Open or any other sporting event"; the statement did not say whether Johnson had raised the subject of Turnberry. Johnson did not deny the episode, saying only that he complied with "the ethical rules and requirements of my office"; Trump denied that he had ever spoken to Johnson "about Turnberry."Peter Baker, [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/us/politics/trump-turnberry-british-open.html Trump Denies Talking to Ambassador About Moving British Open to His Resort], New York Times (July 22, 2020). Lukens documented his concerns to State Department officials. Johnson forced out Lukens several months later, before the scheduled end of his tenure in London. The report that Johnson used his position as ambassador to promote the president's personal business interests sparked an inquiry by the State Department inspector general's office. In an interview in August 2020, Lukens said that the inspector general's report had halted without a public report being issued, which he considered unusual.

Personal life

File:President Trump & the First Lady's Trip to Europe (41574867950) (cropped).jpg]]

In 1977, Johnson married former fashion model Nancy Sale Johnson. They had three children before divorcing in 2001. In early 2010, daughter Casey Johnson died of diabetic ketoacidosis.{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/02/04/casey.johnson.cause.death/index.html?hpt=T2 |work=CNN |title=Coroner: Casey Johnson died of natural causes – CNN.com | date=February 4, 2010}} He started a research foundation, the Alliance for Lupus Research, after his daughter Jaime was found to have lupus.{{cite web|last1=Halligan|first1=Tom|title=NY Jets' Woody Johnson Shares Insights At LCT Show East|url=http://www.lctmag.com/people/article/43024/ny-jets-woody-johnson-shares-insights-at-lct-show-east|access-date=June 3, 2014|publisher=LCT}}

In 2009, Johnson married Suzanne Ircha, a former actress and equities managing director at Sandler O'Neill & Partners.{{Cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/sept11/2002/01/26/back-to-work.htm | work=USA Today | title=Wall Street firms vow to rebuild | date=January 25, 2002}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bittenandbound.com/2008/10/15/woody-johnson-dials-erika-mariani-while-suzanne-ircha-gives-birth/ |title=The Hollywood Gossip – Celebrity Gossip and Entertainment News |date=February 12, 2015 |publisher=Bittenandbound.com |access-date=July 30, 2015}} They have two children.{{cite news |last1=Grant Cumberbatch |first1=Aimee |title=Who Is Robert Wood 'Woody' Johnson? The U.S. Ambassador Is A Personal Friend Of Trump |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/who-is-robert-wood-woody-johnson-the-us-ambassador-is-a-personal-friend-of-trump-9574293 |access-date=12 March 2019 |publisher=Bustle |date=June 25, 2018}} Suzanne's father emigrated from Ternopil, Ukraine after World War II, and her mother was a first-generation Ukrainian American.{{Cite news|author=Dennis Waszak Jr.|work=Associated Press News |title=Jets Owner and Wife Donating $1 Million to Aid Relief Efforts in Ukraine |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-new-york-jets-nfl-sports-business-35ff8f4737fed4b01739639ca0403405 |date=April 5, 2022}} She grew up in a Ukrainian neighborhood in Greenwich Village.{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |title=New York Jets to Wear Ukraine Flag Helmet Decals for Week 3 Game vs. Bengals |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10044520-new-york-jets-to-wear-ukraine-flag-helmet-decals-for-week-3-game-vs-bengals |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

Johnson has homes in Bedminster Township, New Jersey,{{Cite news|title=The Jets Fill One Opening: New Owner at $635 Million |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0CE6DB173AF931A25752C0A9669C8B63 |quote=Johnson, who is 52 years old, has homes in Manhattan and Bedminster, N.J. |work=The New York Times |date=January 12, 2000 |access-date=February 10, 2010 | first=Richard | last=Sandomir}} and Palm Beach island in Florida, residing in the latter since 2020.{{Cite web|last=Hofheinz|first=Darrell|title=More billionaires than ever in Palm Beach, our analysis of new Forbes data shows|url=https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/news/2021/04/06/more-billionaires-than-ever-palm-beach-analysis-forbes-data-finds/7105351002/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=Palm Beach Daily News|language=en-US}} He formerly had an apartment in Manhattan, but sold the unit (a two-floor duplex at 834 Fifth Avenue) in 2014 to billionaire Leonard Blavatnik for $80 million, setting a record for the costliest co-op ever sold in New York.Dana Schulz, [https://www.6sqft.com/its-official-jets-owner-woody-johnson-sells-fifth-avenue-co-op-for-a-record-setting-80m/ It's Official: Jets Owner Woody Johnson Sells Fifth Avenue Co-op for a Record Setting $80M], 6sqft (October 21, 2014).

Philanthropy

Johnson is known for philanthropy, especially donations to medical research. He raised money and lobbied to increase federal funding for lupus and diabetes.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-26 |title=Trump's man in London: Woody Johnson jets in as ambassador to UK |url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/26/woody-johnson-trump-uk-ambassador-new-york-jets |access-date=2021-03-24 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} Johnson is also a trustee of the Robert Wood Johnson Jr. Charitable Trust. He is the only member of the Johnson family to be invited to join the board of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.{{Cite web |title=Johnson IV, Robert Wood – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Nothernland [sic] Ireland – June 2017 |url=https://www.state.gov/johnson-iv-robert-wood-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-nothernland-ireland-june-2017/ |access-date=2021-04-13 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}}

= Diabetes research =

Johnson was the chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International. He and his wife became involved with diabetes charities after his daughter Casey was diagnosed with diabetes in 1988. In 1994, he co-wrote the book Managing Your Child's Diabetes with his wife Nancy, and Casey.{{Cite web |title=Ambassador to the United Kingdom: Who Is Woody Johnson? |url=http://www.allgov.com/news?news=860080 |access-date=2021-04-19 |website=AllGov}} As of 2000, he had donated $12 million to the foundation. Johnson was a chairman on the Council on Foreign Relations, and successfully lobbied Congress to approve a five-year, $750 million package for funding diabetes research in 2002.{{Cite web |last=Wikler |first=Joshua |title=Watching an owner with heart in the AFC Championship… |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/331226-watching-an-owner-with-heart-in-the-afc-championship |access-date=2021-04-19 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

Casey died of diabetic ketoacidosis on January 4, 2010.{{cite web |date=2010-02-05 |title=Heiress death tied to diabetes |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/feb/05/heiress-death-tied-to-diabetes/ |website=spokesman.com}} On October 24, 2012, Johnson wrote an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal titled "The Folly of Defunding Diabetes Research", which urged Congress to approve long-term funding for the Special Diabetes Program.{{cite news |author=Woody Johnson |date=2012-10-24 |title=The Folly of Defunding Diabetes Research |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444897304578046344272531744 |publisher=The Wall Street Journal}} He visited the University of Birmingham in 2018 to discuss the university's diabetes research and research library.{{Cite web |title=US Ambassador visits Birmingham to learn more about University research and global engagement |url=https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2018/06/us-ambassador-visits-birmingham.aspx |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=University of Birmingham |language=en}}

= Lupus research =

Johnson is the founding chairman of the Lupus Research Alliance (formerly the Alliance for Lupus Research), which grants funding for research on improved diagnostics, treatments and prevention of lupus.{{Cite web |last=By |date=2005-10-26 |title=ONE MAN'S TIRELESS CHASE TO HELP HIS DAUGHTER |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2005/10/26/one-mans-tireless-chase-to-help-his-daughter/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US}} He founded the legacy organization, Alliance for Lupus Research, in 1999 after his daughter Jaime{{Cite web |date=2017-12-02 |title=Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV |url=https://www.lupus.org.uk/celebrities-with-link-to-lupus/2019/5/28/robert-wood-woody-johnson-iv |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Lupus Trust UK |language=en-GB}} was diagnosed with lupus. Johnson stated that the organization was meant to encourage public and scientific interest in lupus, which was understudied in comparison to many other chronic diseases.{{Cite web |title=Jets owner funds lupus research - UPI.com |url=https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2002/05/08/Jets-owner-funds-lupus-research/22611020883580/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=UPI |language=en}} In 2023, the LRA partnered with the FDA to establish the Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium, which works to improve the efficacy of clinical trials for lupus treatments.{{Cite journal |last=Research |first=Center for Drug Evaluation and |date=2024-08-09 |title=FDA launches Lupus Treatment Consortium in partnership with the Lupus Research Alliance |url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-launches-lupus-treatment-consortium-partnership-lupus-research-alliance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329175313/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-launches-lupus-treatment-consortium-partnership-lupus-research-alliance |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |journal=FDA |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cueto |first=Isabella |date=2023-03-29 |title=New lupus partnership with FDA aims to end drug trials' history of failure |url=https://www.statnews.com/2023/03/29/lupus-research-treatments-fda-partnership/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=STAT |language=en-US}}

= Ukraine =

During the ongoing 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Johnson and his wife Suzanne, who comes from a Ukrainian background, have organized aid efforts for Ukraine.{{Cite web |title=Jets donating $1 million to Ukraine relief efforts |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jets-donating-1-million-to-ukraine-relief-efforts |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}} Their family visited Poland, which is the primary destination for Ukrainian refugees displaced by the crisis.{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Robert Wood |date=2022-08-05 |title=Britain and America must save Europe from humanitarian disaster |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/08/05/britain-america-must-save-europe-humanitarian-disaster/ |access-date=2022-08-21 |issn=0307-1235}} While in Poland, they made visits to community centers, shelters, and orphanages housing Ukrainian refugees. In an article for The Telegraph, Johnson urged the United States and the United Kingdom to aid Ukraine.

In April 2022, the Jets pledged a $1 million donation to Ukraine, to be distributed to various organizations, including Plast Scouting USA and United24.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets pledge $1 million to Ukraine amid ongoing Russian invasion: 'People are suffering' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/new-york-jets-pledge-1-million-to-ukraine-amid-ongoing-russian-invasion-people-are-suffering/ |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=CBSSports.com |date=April 6, 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Deshaun Watson settles case with NFL: QB suspended 11 games and hit with hefty fine after working out deal |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/deshaun-watson-settles-case-with-nfl-qb-suspended-11-games-and-hit-with-hefty-fine-after-working-out-deal/ |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=CBSSports.com |date=August 18, 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=New York Jets plan Week 3 tribute to Ukraine to raise awareness for relief efforts |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/new-york-jets-plan-week-3-tribute-to-ukraine-to-raise-awareness-for-relief-effor |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}