History of Woody Johnson in Timeline
Robert Wood Johnson IV is a prominent American businessman known for being the co-owner of the New York Jets, a professional football team. Additionally, he served as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021, highlighting his involvement in political and diplomatic arenas. Robert is also a great-grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I and an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune, which underscores his significant ties to the business world. His career spans across sports management and international diplomacy, reflecting his diverse interests and influence.
1921: Birth of Betty Johnson
Betty Johnson, mother of Robert Wood Johnson IV, was born in 1921.
1938: U.S. Embassy Established in Grosvenor Square
The United States Embassy was established in Grosvenor Square in 1938, marking the beginning of its presence in that location.
April 12, 1947: Birth of Robert Wood Johnson IV
Robert Wood Johnson IV was born on April 12, 1947.
1977: Marriage to Nancy Sale Johnson
In 1977, Woody Johnson married former fashion model Nancy Sale Johnson.
1988: Daughter Casey Diagnosed with Diabetes
Woody Johnson's daughter, Casey, was diagnosed with diabetes in 1988, leading to his involvement with diabetes charities.
1994: Publication of "Managing Your Child's Diabetes"
Woody Johnson co-authored the book "Managing Your Child's Diabetes" with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Casey, in 1994.
1997: Start of Political Donations
Between 1997 and 1998, Johnson donated to the Republican Party.
1998: Donations to George W. Bush's Campaign
Johnson donated to George W. Bush's gubernatorial re-election campaign in Texas in 1998.
1999: Establishment of the Alliance for Lupus Research
Woody Johnson founded the Alliance for Lupus Research in 1999 after his daughter Jaime's lupus diagnosis, aiming to address the lack of research in the field.
January 2000: New York Jets Purchase
In January 2000, Woody Johnson purchased the New York Jets for $635 million.
2000: Donations to Republican Candidates and Committees
By 2000, Johnson had donated over $1 million to Republican candidates and committees.
2000: Donation to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International
By 2000, Woody Johnson had donated $12 million to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International.
2000: Purchase of New York Jets
In 2000, Robert Wood Johnson IV purchased the New York Jets for $635 million.
2001: Divorce from Nancy Sale Johnson
Woody Johnson and Nancy Sale Johnson divorced in 2001.
2002: Successful Lobbying for Diabetes Research Funding
Woody Johnson successfully lobbied Congress to approve $750 million in funding for diabetes research in 2002.
2003: Settlement with IRS
In 2003, Robert Wood Johnson IV settled with the IRS regarding owed taxes.
2006: Senate Subcommittee Report on Capital Gain Losses
In 2006, a Senate subcommittee released a report alleging that Johnson, among others, used capital gain losses to reduce tax bills.
May 2008: Fundraiser for John McCain's Campaign
Johnson organized a fundraiser in May 2008 that raised $7 million for John McCain's presidential campaign.
2009: Marriage to Suzanne Ircha
Woody Johnson married Suzanne Ircha, a former actress and equities managing director, in 2009.
January 4, 2010: Casey Johnson's Passing
Casey Johnson died of diabetic ketoacidosis on January 4, 2010.
April 10, 2010: Opening of MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium, the new home of the New York Jets, officially opened on April 10, 2010.
2010: Move to MetLife Stadium
In 2010, the New York Jets, under the ownership of Robert Wood Johnson IV, moved to MetLife Stadium.
2010: Death of Daughter Casey Johnson
Woody Johnson's daughter, Casey Johnson, tragically passed away from diabetic ketoacidosis in early 2010.
2011: Endorsement of Mitt Romney
Johnson endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 Republican presidential primaries.
October 24, 2012: Opinion Piece on Diabetes Research Funding
Woody Johnson penned an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal on October 24, 2012, advocating for continued funding for diabetes research.
2012: Support for Mitt Romney's Campaign
Johnson endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 Republican presidential primaries.
September 2013: Fundraiser for the Republican National Committee
Johnson hosted a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee at his home in September 2013.
2014: Sale of Manhattan Apartment
Woody Johnson sold his Manhattan apartment, a duplex at 834 Fifth Avenue, in 2014 for a record-breaking $80 million.
June 2015: National Finance Chairman for Jeb Bush's Campaign
Johnson was named the national finance chairman for Jeb Bush's presidential campaign in June 2015.
May 2016: Endorsement of Donald Trump
After initially supporting Jeb Bush, Johnson endorsed Donald Trump for president in May 2016.
January 19, 2017: Trump's Plan to Nominate Johnson as Ambassador
President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Johnson as US Ambassador to the UK on January 19, 2017.
June 22, 2017: Nomination for US Ambassador to the UK
Trump officially nominated Johnson for US Ambassador to the UK on June 22, 2017.
August 3, 2017: Senate Confirmation
The US Senate confirmed Johnson as ambassador on August 3, 2017.
August 21, 2017: Swearing-In Ceremony
Johnson was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence on August 21, 2017.
November 8, 2017: Presentation of Credentials to the Queen
Johnson presented his credentials to Queen Elizabeth II on November 8, 2017.
2017: Christopher Johnson Takes Over Jets Management
When Woody Johnson became US Ambassador in 2017, his brother Christopher took over as CEO and acting owner of the Jets.
2017: Appointment as US Ambassador to the UK
In 2017, Robert Wood Johnson IV was appointed as the US Ambassador to the UK.
2017: Financial Disclosure Reveals Net Worth
In a 2017 financial disclosure, Woody Johnson reported his net worth as $4.2 billion.
February 2018: Attempt to Move British Open to Trump Turnberry
In February 2018, Woody Johnson, as ambassador, attempted to influence the relocation of the British Open golf tournament to Trump's Turnberry Golf Resort in Scotland, raising ethical concerns.
2018: Visit to University of Birmingham
In 2018, Woody Johnson visited the University of Birmingham to discuss their diabetes research programs.
2018: U.S. Embassy Relocation in London
In 2018, Woody Johnson, as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, oversaw the relocation of the United States Embassy in London from Grosvenor Square to Nine Elms.
March 14, 2019: Private Dinner with Queen Elizabeth II
On March 14, 2019, just two days after the British Parliament rejected Theresa May's Brexit plan, Woody Johnson had a private dinner with Queen Elizabeth II at Winfield House.
March 2019: Advocacy for U.S. Agricultural Products
In March 2019, Woody Johnson advocated for closer agricultural trade between the U.S. and UK, and the deregulation of U.S. food exports to Britain, sparking debate about food safety and trade standards.
June 2019: Post-Brexit Trade Deal Advocacy
In June 2019, Woody Johnson stated that a post-Brexit trade deal between the U.S. and the UK would encompass "all things that are traded," including the National Health Service and agricultural sector.
August 2019: Donations to Trump's Campaign and Inaugural Committee
By August 2019, Johnson had donated $1.5 million to Trump's campaign and inaugural committee.
September 2019: Forbes Valuation of the Jets
As of September 2019, Forbes valued the New York Jets at $3.2 billion.
2019: Opposition to Huawei in UK's 5G Networks
Woody Johnson advised the UK government to ban Huawei from its 5G networks, citing economic and security risks.
January 2020: Clarification on U.S. Interest in NHS
In January 2020, Woody Johnson clarified that the U.S. was never interested in the NHS, but reiterated American interest in a free-trade deal with the UK.
February 2020: Donations to Trump's Re-election Campaign and the RNC
Johnson donated to Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and the RNC in February 2020.
May 2020: Donation to America First Action, Inc.
Johnson donated $1 million to America First Action, Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC, in May 2020.
July 2020: Investigation into Allegations of Inappropriate Comments
In July 2020, the State Department launched an investigation into allegations against Woody Johnson regarding inappropriate comments about race, appearance, and Black History Month.
August 2020: Stalled Investigation and Lukens' Interview
In August 2020, Lewis Lukens revealed that the inspector general's investigation into Woody Johnson's alleged use of his position for personal gain had been halted.
August 2020: Inspector General's Report on Inappropriate Comments
In August 2020, the inspector general's report concluded that Woody Johnson had made inappropriate and insensitive comments that could create a hostile work environment.
2020: Residence in Palm Beach
Since 2020, Woody Johnson has resided in Palm Beach, Florida.
2020: Support for Huawei Ban
In 2020, Woody Johnson welcomed Britain's decision to ban Huawei from its 5G networks.
2020: Death of Betty Johnson
Betty Johnson, mother of Robert Wood Johnson IV, passed away in 2020.
January 8, 2021: Condemnation of the Capitol Attack
Robert Wood Johnson IV released a statement on January 8, 2021, condemning the attack on the US Capitol.
2021: Resumption of Chairman Role
Upon his return in 2021, Johnson resumed his role as chairman of the New York Jets.
2021: Woody Johnson Returns as Chairman
Woody Johnson returned as chairman of the Jets in 2021, with Christopher becoming vice-chairman.
2021: Return to the US and Resumption of Chairman Role
In 2021, Robert Wood Johnson IV returned to the US and resumed his role as Chairman.
March 2022: Johnson Bids for Chelsea F.C.
Woody Johnson made a £2 billion bid to buy Chelsea F.C. in March 2022, but withdrew later that month.
April 2022: $1 Million Donation to Ukraine by the Jets
In April 2022, the New York Jets, under Woody Johnson's ownership, made a significant pledge of $1 million to support Ukraine. This donation was directed to various organizations involved in providing relief and assistance in the wake of the Russian invasion, including Plast Scouting USA and United24.
2022: Bid for Chelsea F.C.
In 2022, Robert Wood Johnson IV made a bid for Chelsea F.C., but later withdrew.
2022: Humanitarian Aid Efforts for Ukraine
In 2022, amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Woody Johnson and his wife Suzanne, who has Ukrainian heritage, spearheaded aid initiatives to support displaced Ukrainians. They traveled to Poland, a primary refuge for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict, visiting community centers, shelters, and orphanages providing aid. Johnson also publicly advocated for increased support for Ukraine from the United States and the United Kingdom.
January 2023: Johnson Emphasizes Need for Quarterback
In January 2023, Johnson stated the Jets need a strong quarterback and pursued Aaron Rodgers.
April 24, 2023: Jets Finalize Trade for Aaron Rodgers
The New York Jets finalized a trade for Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers on April 24, 2023.
2023: Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers and Chelsea F.C. Bid
In 2023, Johnson pursued a trade for Aaron Rodgers, which was finalized in April. In 2022, he made a bid for Chelsea F.C., but later withdrew.
2023: Support for Trump's 2024 Campaign
Woody Johnson donated at least $1 million to a super PAC backing Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
April 2024: Bloomberg Billionaires Index Estimates Net Worth
As of April 2024, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimated Woody Johnson's net worth to be $9.92 billion.
2024: Appearance at Trump's Election-Night Rally
Woody Johnson stood behind Trump at an election-night rally during the 2024 South Carolina primary.