{
  "id": 5537477,
  "title": "Former Jets Star Delivers Fiery Response to Fans Hoping Team Tanks for Draft Pick",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/former-jets-star-delivers-fiery-response-to-fans-hoping-team-tanks",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T10:48:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-jets-star-delivers-fiery-104812572.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New York Jets commence the 2026 season grappling with considerable uncertainty. Following a lackluster year and major roster alterations, some supporters have begun to focus on the franchise's future. Numerous believe a subsequent underwhelming season could elevate the team's draft placement. Former New York Jets player Damien Woody disputes this notion, vehemently opposing the concept of intentionally losing games. Now, the Jets are faced with a decision: should they prioritize looking forward or attempt to turn their fortunes around this year? Woody advocates for the Jets to cease losing. The Jets concluded the 2025 season with a dismal 3-14 record, failing to score enough points and lacking in defensive performance, ranking among the least productive teams in the league. This left fans with little reason to anticipate a swift turnaround in 2026. Fans have started to view another losing season as a potential avenue for the franchise to enhance its draft position. In August 2025, during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Woody addressed this sentiment on his social media platform X, stating, \"Been seeing 'tanking' among some in the #Jets fan base and it's the dumbest thing I've seen.\" He emphasized that building a winning culture, particularly with a young roster, is far more crucial than the ceaseless cycle the organization has experienced. For Woody, the issue extends beyond where the Jets pick in the draft. He argued that the organization has been too preoccupied with losing seasons, coaching changes, and constant rebuilding for too long. In his opinion, a young roster must learn how to compete, and that process carries more weight than being preoccupied with draft position. The Jets now confront an important season, armed with a youthful roster, several new additions, and a new head coach, Aaron Glenn. The question remains whether these changes will lead to meaningful improvement on the field. Aaron Glenn must motivate the Jets, a team that finished 3-14 last year, while ensuring the 2026 season remains competitive from the outset. The Jets have bolstered their roster with new faces. They selected edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 pick. Veteran linebacker DeMario Davis also joins the defense, providing a young group with much-needed experience. The impact of these additions will depend on how swiftly they adapt to their new roles. Bailey is anticipated to make an impact on rushing the passer, while Mitchell provides another option on the outside. Davis can help stabilize a defense that is filled with younger players. If these players make an immediate impact, the Jets will have a better chance of remaining competitive throughout the season. However, if the losses continue, the discussion surrounding the 2027 draft will only intensify. Glenn recognizes that continued struggles would only heighten the attention on the team's draft outlook. Simultaneously, he must persist in developing the roster while maintaining the emphasis on winning games. The Jets do not require an immediate playoff breakthrough to support Woody's stance. What they require is clear progress and evidence that the organization is finally moving in the right direction.",
  "summary": "The New York Jets enter the 2026 season facing plenty of uncertainty. After a disappointing year and major changes to the roster, some fans have already shifted their attention toward the franchise’s long-term future. Many believe another difficult season could improve the team’s draft position. Former Jets player Damien Woody does not see it that […] The post Former Jets Star Delivers Fiery…",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Jets player Damien Woody criticizes fans hoping team tanks for better draft pick.",
    "Woody emphasizes importance of building winning culture over losing seasons.",
    "Jets begin 2026 season with new roster, including edge rusher David Bailey."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}