Damien Woody criticizes Jets fans for supporting a tanking strategy

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 2:25 PM

Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Damien Woody criticizes Jets fans for supporting a tanking strategy
Summary

Former New York Jets player Damien Woody publicly criticized fans who advocate for the team to lose games to secure a higher draft pick. Writing on social media, Woody stated that prioritizing a winning culture is essential for a young roster, regardless of draft positioning. The New York Jets currently hold the longest playoff drought among major North American professional sports leagues, having failed to reach the postseason since the 2010 season. While some fans argued that a top draft selection is necessary to acquire a franchise quarterback, others echoed Woody's call to focus on development and winning. The team is positioned for the upcoming draft with three first-round selections obtained through previous trades involving Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Woody spent his professional career with the New York Jets and now monitors the organization from outside the team.

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By the Numbers
  • Damien Woody played for the New York Jets until his retirement in 2010.
  • The New York Jets hold the longest current playoff drought in major North American sports.
  • The team holds three first-round selections for the 2027 NFL Draft.
  • Fans remain split on the value of losing games to secure top draft prospects.
  • Woody advocates for building a winning culture over pursuing a higher draft position.
Latest Updates
  • 2:25 PMYahoo Sports‘Dumbest thing I’ve seen’: Former ESPN star rips NFL fanbase for ‘tanking’ mindset
What they're saying
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Damien Woody retired from the NFL following the 2010 season, where he helped the New York Jets reach the AFC Championship game for the second year in a row. Since then, Gang Green has failed to make the playoffs, the longest drought in the four major North American professional men’s sports leagues. From 2011-25, while…

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