Woody Johnson Net Worth. Woody Johnson is an American businessman and philanthropist with a net worth of $3.5 billion. Born on April 12, 1947, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Johnson is an heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune. He has built his wealth through his role as the Chief Executive and Chairman of the Johnson Company, Inc., and through his ownership of the New York Jets.
Net Worth Breakdown:
- New York Jets: Purchased in 2000 for $635 million. The team is now valued at $5.4 billion.
- Johnson & Johnson: Heir to the family fortune.
Early Life and Education:
Woody Johnson, born Robert Wood Johnson IV, is the son of Robert Wood Johnson III and Betty Wold. His paternal great-grandfather, Robert Wood Johnson I, founded Johnson & Johnson. Johnson grew up with three brothers and a sister and attended the Millbrook School in Stanford, New York, and the University of Arizona.
Career:
Johnson served as the Chief Executive and Chairman of the Johnson Company, Inc., a private investment firm. In 2006, he settled with the IRS after being involved in a tax avoidance scheme. He has been a significant political donor, particularly to Republican candidates and committees.
New York Jets:
Johnson purchased the NFL’s New York Jets in 2000 for $635 million. He served on the NFL search committee that selected Roger Goodell as commissioner. After his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, he returned as the Jets’ chairman.
Ambassador to the United Kingdom:
Johnson served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021, overseeing the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in London and advocating for a post-Brexit trade deal. His tenure included controversial moments, including allegations of making inappropriate comments and trying to influence the location of the British Open golf tournament.
Personal Life:
Johnson married Nancy Sale in 1977, and they had three children before divorcing in 2001. Their daughter Casey passed away in 2010 from diabetic ketoacidosis. Johnson married Suzanne Ircha in 2009, and they have two children together. Suzanne’s family has Ukrainian roots, and the couple has been actively supporting Ukrainian refugees.
Philanthropy:
- Alliance for Lupus Research: Founded in 1999 after his daughter Jamie was diagnosed with lupus.
- Support for Ukraine: The Jets donated $1 million to Ukrainian relief efforts in 2022.
- Juvenile Diabetes Foundation: Previously served as chairman.
- Real Estate: Sold a NYC condo for $77.5 million in 2015 and purchased a home in Palm Beach, Florida, for $32.2 million in 2020.
Legacy:
Woody Johnson’s legacy includes his influential roles in both business and politics, his ownership of the New York Jets, and his significant philanthropic contributions, particularly in the fields of health and humanitarian aid.
