New York Jets owner reportedly killed a trade over a player's Madden rating

Since Madden NFL came onto the scene 25 years ago, many players have been obsessed with their ratings. Too much so, in most cases. But according to a report from The Athletic, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson actually refused to make a trade because a player's Madden rating was too low.

His football people wanted to acquire wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, but Johnson reportedly interjected because of his Madden rating. If you're like me, you're probably wondering when the 77-year-old billionaire has time to play Madden NFL. Does the Johnson and Johnson heir use the Jets in regs? Does he have stick skills?

Apparently the EA Sports input is coming from his teenage sons, Brick and Jack. An unnamed Jets executive told The Athletic that Johnson weighs the boys' opinions equally alongside those of actual NFL personnel.

The poor Jets spokesperson who got to talk to the Athletic about this confirmed Brick and Jack are involved, but said their input is "a reference point, not determinative." Yeah, there's effectively no way to spin this. An alleged professional football franchise is getting info it deems valuable from the owner's two teenage sons- they're getting from a video game.

Sadly, this isn't a one of. According to the same report, Johnson didn't want to sign guard John Simpson because of his "awareness" rating. I've played Madden for 25 years and I can never remember what that rating is supposed to do without looking it up. In case you're curious, on an offensive lineman it would dictate how well they pick up blitzes.

Well Jets fans, maybe the team is good in Brick or Jack's franchise saves on Madden 25. Because in real life, they're one of the biggest laughing stocks in pro sports.