Woody Johnson Net Worth

When you hear Woody Johnson, you might think of the New York Jets or the famous Johnson & Johnson company. But there’s more to this businessman than just his family name and the football team he owns. People often wonder about Woody Johnson net worth. How much is he really worth?

From his family’s long business history to his smart investments, Woody Johnson has built up quite a fortune. His story is not just about inheriting wealth but also about growing it.

Let’s take a closer look at how this heir to a famous family business became one of the wealthiest people in America and explore the question on everyone’s mind: How much is Woody Johnson worth?

Who is Woody Johnson?

Woody Johnson, born Robert Wood Johnson IV, is a prominent figure in business and sports. He is best known as the owner of the New York Jets and as the great-grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I, the co-founder of Johnson & Johnson. Over the years, Woody Johnson has carved out a significant presence in various fields, from managing family investments to owning one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world.

How Old is Woody Johnson?

Woody Johnson was born on April 12, 1947, and is 77 years old as of 2024. Throughout his life, Johnson has been deeply involved in his family’s business and his own ventures, building a legacy that aligns with the family’s wealth and influence.

Where Does Woody Johnson Live?

Woody Johnson has lived in Florida, where, in addition to his Florida home, Johnson also owns a property in Bedminster Township, New Jersey. Johnson was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and connected. Previously, he owned a luxurious duplex apartment in Manhattan, which he sold in 2014 to billionaire Leonard Blavatnik for a record-setting $80 million.

Being a renowned American businessperson and philanthropist, Woody is a billionaire and a prominent figure in the Johnson & Johnson family legacy. As a fourth-generation descendant of Robert Wood Johnson I, one of the co-founders of Johnson & Johnson, Woody is an heir to the family fortune. The net worth of Woody Johnson is significantly tied to his ownership of the New York Jets and its stadium and his substantial holdings in Johnson & Johnson.

In a 2017 financial disclosure, Johnson reported Woody Johnson’s net worth at $4.2 billion, with at least 1.56 million shares in Johnson & Johnson, then valued at over $50 million. Recent estimates vary slightly, with the Bloomberg Billionaires Index placing net worth of Woody Johnson at $6.43 billion, while other reports suggest it could be as high as $9.92 billion as of April 2024.

How Did Woody Johnson Make His Money?

The Johnson Family Legacy

Woody Johnson’s wealth is deeply connected to his family’s storied history. The Johnson family, one of the most affluent in the United States, traces its wealth back to Robert Wood Johnson I, who co-founded Johnson & Johnson in 1886. The family’s fortune has grown over generations, and as a fourth-generation descendant, Woody inherited significant shares in the company, contributing significantly to the net worth.

The Johnson Company, Inc.

Woody Johnson serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive of The Johnson Company, Inc., a private investment firm that manages the family’s assets. This role has allowed him to grow and diversify the family’s wealth through strategic investments in various sectors.

Early Business Ventures

Before taking the reins of his family’s investment firm, Woody Johnson made his mark in the business world through early ventures such as American Video Corp., a cable provider in Florida during the 1970s. His ability to successfully navigate these ventures set the stage for his later success in managing the Johnson family’s wealth.

Settlement with the IRS

In 2006, a Senate subcommittee report highlighted that Woody Johnson and other prominent figures had purchased capital gain losses to reduce income tax bills. Johnson settled with the IRS in 2003, agreeing to pay the owed taxes plus interest. This incident underscored wealthy individuals’ complex financial strategies to manage their fortunes.

Investment Strategies and Philanthropy

Woody Johnson is known for his business ventures and philanthropy. He has contributed significantly to healthcare initiatives, particularly through his work with the Alliance for Lupus Research, which he founded after his daughter Jaime was diagnosed with lupus. His broader investment strategies have also included significant real estate transactions and other diversified investments managed through The Johnson Company, Inc.

When Did Woody Johnson Buy the Jets?

In January 2000, Woody Johnson made headlines when he purchased the New York Jets for $635 million. This acquisition was notable for the high price, which was the third-highest ever paid for a professional sports team at the time, and also for making the Jets the most expensive New York sports team ever sold. Under Johnson’s ownership, the value of the Jets has soared, with Forbes estimating the team’s worth at $3.2 billion as of September 2019. Johnson also oversaw the Jets’ move to MetLife Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility they share with the New York Giants.

Personal Life of Woody Johnson

Woody Johnson’s Wife

Woody Johnson’s personal life has seen both triumph and tragedy. In 1977, he married former fashion model Nancy Sale Johnson, with whom he had three children. The couple divorced in 2001. In 2009, Johnson married Suzanne Ircha, a former actress and equities managing director. Suzanne comes from a Ukrainian-American background, and they have two children together.

Woody Johnson’s Kids

Woody Johnson has five children from his two marriages. With his first wife, Nancy Sale Johnson, he had three children: Jaime, Casey, and Daisy. His daughter Casey tragically passed away in 2010 due to diabetic ketoacidosis, prompting him to focus more on healthcare philanthropy, mainly through the Alliance for Lupus Research, inspired by Jaime’s lupus diagnosis. In 2009, Johnson married Suzanne Ircha, with whom he has two children. Suzanne’s Ukrainian heritage has also influenced their family life.

Residences and Real Estate

Woody Johnson’s real estate holdings are impressive, reflecting his wealth and status. His current residence includes a Palm Beach, Florida home, and another in Bedminster Township, New Jersey. His previous Manhattan duplex, sold for $80 million, set a record for the most expensive co-op ever sold in New York City.

Final Words

Woody Johnson’s net worth shows us that success can come from many places. He started with family money, but he didn’t stop there. By buying the New York Jets, making smart investments, and even getting into politics, Johnson has grown his wealth in big ways. His story isn’t just about having lots of money. It’s about using that money to make a difference, whether in sports, business, or helping others through charity work. As Jets owner Woody Johnson continues to make headlines, Woody Johnson net worth will likely change. But one thing’s for sure – Woody Johnson has made his mark as more than just an heir to a family fortune. He’s become a powerful businessman and public figure in his own right.