Eccentric Billionaire Pays Cash for Jets, in Negotiations for Floundering Devils
New hope for New Jersey's teams?
In a move straight out of fiction, Billionaire Entrepreneur Jason Mathews purchased the New York Jets from Woody Johnson for $959,000,001. Who knows why the $1 on the end, but it has happened. What was first a rumor on twitter, the NFL confirmed the sale of the team via a short statement.
We are happy to welcome Jason Mathews to the NFL ownership fraternity. With his purchase of the New York Jets, we welcome him and hope for a long and prosperous relationship.
Little is known how Mathews made his money, but he burst onto the scene in 2010 when he was spotted with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Could there be a connection to the eccentric Cuban who at one point tried to purchase the Chicago Cubs?
Below is a statement released by Mathews shortly after the NFL released their own:
I grew up in New Jersey, and have found it a shame that teams such as the Jets, and Giants who both work and play in New Jersey have been labeled "New York". The Jets are now New Jersey's team. I love the Jets, and have been a season ticket holder since 2000. I will do everything within my power to put a winner on the field.
No expense will be spared. I promise the people of New Jersey, a Super Bowl champion. It may not be this year, but you will get one. J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets!
Jets Announce Schedule as Questions Swirl
Who will Start at QB for Jets?
2013 is a transition year for the New York Jets, and Rex Ryan could be a casualty of that upheaval. New GM John Idzik has put a leash on the once boisterous Ryan, and with the sale of the team by Woody Johnson to Jason Mathews, a lot of uncertainty surrounds the Jets.
The Jets will play a brutal schedule, with a Sunday night game at New England, and a Monday night game at Atlanta within the first month and a half of the season. They will also travel to Super Bowl Champion, and former Rex Ryan employer, Baltimore in late November. The Jets will need to get solid play from either "Captian Buttfumble" Mark Sanchez, or this year's second round pick Geno Smith if they want to be competitive.
Although they lost future Hall of Famer Darrelle Revis in the offseason, the Jets defense should be better, at least upfront with both Quinton Coples and Muhammed Wilkerson entering their second seasons. If Kyle Wilson can step up his play, the Jets won't miss Revis as much, but teams will look to test the fourth year corner.
Realistically, 6-10 is generous for this squad, but this is professional football. If they Jets can get consistent quarterback play they could make a run at a winning record.
A forgettable day for Mark Sanchez, who was clearly outplayed by rookie Geno Smith. Sanchez completed just 23% of his passes and threw an interception, while Smith completed 66% for 158 yards. In another surprise, veteran running back Michael Turner had a slow day, while being outplayed by Chris Ivory, and no other back got a carry.