Woody Johnson Net Worth & Biography

A member of the founding family of Johnson & Johnson, American businessman and sports tycoon Woody Johnson has built upon his family’s legacy of achievement as a prosperous billionaire go-getter, compassionate philanthropist, and diplomat. The owner of the National Football League’s New York Jets which he purchased in 2000 for $635 million, Johnson established his commitment to success built on the key elements: passionate players, loyal fans, and a new stadium. Under his leadership, the team entered their new home ground, MetLife Stadium, an award-winning field that has ranked as one of the highest-grossing globally for over 10 years. He was confirmed as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 2017. In his capacity as ambassador, Johnson negotiated a bilateral United States-United Kingdom trade deal that advocated for closer agricultural trade between the two countries. He also promoted robust cybersecurity policies as an ambassador, intending to safeguard the exchange of United States intelligence with international partners. The ambassador has also been active in philanthropy and civic affairs over many years, including past roles as a board member of the Peregrine Fund and as an Honorary Trustee of the Wildlife Conservation Society, in addition to others. He has also served as a Trustee Emeritus and a Trustee of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the largest philanthropic organization in the United States devoted exclusively to promoting healthcare for Americans.

Early Life: Childhood, Education

Robert Wood Johnson IV was born on April 12, 1947, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States. He is an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical empire which was founded by Robert Wood Johnson I, his great-grandfather. His parents are Betty (Wold) and Robert Wood Johnson III.

His father was the president of Johnson & Johnson for four years. He grew up with four siblings, Christopher Wold Johnson, Elizabeth “Libet” Johnson, Billy Johnson, and Keith Johnson, in northern New Jersey.

For his studies, Johnson attended the Millbrook School and later graduated from the University of Arizona.

Professional Life: Business Career

When he purchased the New York Jets for $635 million in January 2000, Woody Johnson was paid what was the third-highest price for a pro sports team and the highest price for a New York pro sports team. He outbid Charles Dolan’s $612 million offer to claim the National Football League franchise. Dolan owns the New York Rangers, New York Knicks, and the Madison Square Garden. Nineteen years later, the Jets was estimated by Forbes magazine to be worth over $3 billion.

In 2017 while Johnson was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, his brother Christopher took over as chief executive officer and acting owner of the Jets until 2021 when Johnson returned to the United States and claimed his position as Jets chairman, while Christopher was made vice-chairman.

Johnson was the chief executive and chairman of a private investment firm The Johnson Company, Inc. He was the committee president of the commissioning Unit for the San Antonio-class ship.

Personal Life: Relationships, Private Interests

Woody Johnson was formerly married to a fashion model named Nancy Sale Johnson. After their separation, he married Suzanne Ircha Johnson in 2009. He has had five children, although one of his daughters, Casey Johnson, passed away due to diabetic ketoacidosis.

He has given more than a million dollars to Republican candidates and committees. He also helped John McCain raise more than 7 million dollars in one night. Not to forget, he has provided financial support for the Republican National Convention.

After his late daughter was discovered to be diabetic, Johnson started the Alliance for Lupus Research.

He has been accused of participating in a shady tax shelter and settled with the IRS in 2003.

Woody Johnson Net Worth: Salary, Income Sources, Assets

This American businessman is best known for his roles in businesses, for his philanthropic works, and for being an ambassador of the United States. As it stands, Woody Johnson’s net worth is estimated at $3.5 billion. Despite that he was born into wealth, Mr. Johnson created a path for himself and went on to make his wealth through his position as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Johnson Company Inc., in addition to being the chairman of the New York Jets of the National Football League. The University of Arizona Alumnus also served as the president of the committee set for the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the USS New York. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has fought on Capitol Hill to increase backing for research regarding lupus and diabetes. His fight was later intensified after his daughter Casey was diagnosed with diabetes