Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, recently reflected on the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks as he brought current Jets players to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragedy. This excursion was aimed at ensuring that the team’s younger members fully grasp the significance of that fateful day, not only for New Yorkers, but for the world at large.
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Johnson’s personal connection to 9/11 is deeply rooted, as he lost many friends in the attacks. In the days immediately following, he took several Jets players, including quarterback Vinny Testaverde, to the still-smouldering ruins to pay tribute to first responders. Johnson revealed that it was Testaverde who played a crucial role in convincing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to cancel games scheduled for that weekend. “Vinny really brought it home,” Johnson explained. “He said, ‘I’ve lost 25 friends today—first responders, firemen, and policemen—and I’m not playing on Sunday.’ It was a decision we made before we even knew flights would be grounded.”
On September 9, 2026, as part of the anniversary commemorations, Johnson invited players such as Geno Smith, Demario Davis, and Harrison Phillips to experience the newly unveiled exhibit titled “In Their Honour.” He expressed the importance of this journey, stating, “For the young guys who had never seen it before, it was a real wake-up call about the meaning of what New York stands for.” Johnson sought to instil a sense of pride in the players regarding their city and its significance on a global scale.
During the visit, Johnson was visibly moved by a particular part of the museum tour. “There’s a room I had never been in before, dark with benches, scrolling through the names of the deceased,” he shared. “Videos of their relatives recounting memories really got to me—more than I anticipated. It had a profound impact, and I believe it transformed the players as well.”
Reflecting on the aftermath of 9/11, Johnson recounted how the entire nation came together in unity. “Various states and municipalities were eager to support New York,” he recalled, mentioning how the West Side Highway was lined with 18-wheelers packed with donations. “Eventually, there was no more room for additional trucks,” he added, highlighting the generosity that permeated throughout the nation.
In the tumultuous days following the attacks, Johnson received permission from then-Governor George Pataki to take jets players to Ground Zero. He painted a chilling picture of the scene: “It was hot, smoky, and the responders were sifting through unspeakable horrors.” Despite the grim circumstances, he noted that this experience instilled in the team a sense of hope and resilience.
Moreover, Johnson emphasised the heroism displayed by not only first responders but ordinary citizens who stepped up in the face of adversity. “The average citizen became a hero as well,” he stated. “Countless stories emerged of people helping one another. While the events were tragically sad, they also showcased our resilience.”
Through the years, Johnson’s commitment to honouring those lost on 9/11 has manifested in various ways, including his role on the board of the 9/11 Museum during its formative years. His philanthropic efforts extend to supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a charity founded by Frank Siller that assists first responders and military families.
“The foundation began by constructing homes for critically wounded individuals from 9/11 and military operations worldwide,” Johnson said. “To assist those who have lost limbs, they build smart homes, and they also pay off mortgages for wounded veterans and widows. As Americans, we have a duty to give back if we have the means to do so.”
These reflections underscore Johnson’s unwavering commitment to preserving the memory of those lost on 9/11 and fostering a spirit of resilience and compassion in the face of tragedy. His recent visit to the memorial with Jets players serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of that day and the collective strength of a nation that continues to heal and honour its past.