Jets' Wold Johnson dead at 99

May 9, 2020 at 1:45AM

The Jets announced her death Friday night on their website, but didn't provide details.

Betty Wold Johnson was raised in Minnesota and often attended Gophers games with her father, Karl Christian Wold. She later married Robert Wood Johnson III, the grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I — the co-founder of Johnson & Johnson.

She was often referred to as "The First Lady of the Jets" by players, and called them her "grandchildren." She was renowned for her philanthropic efforts and was a long-time contributor to arts, education and healthcare initiatives in the New York and New Jersey areas.

Christopher Johnson is currently the Jets chairman and CEO, while Woody Johnson is serving as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom. Woody Johnson purchased the team in 2000 and the franchise became an important part of his mother's life.

"There are very few people in this world who live to 99," Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin told the Jets website. "And I'm sure if you go back and look at everything she did for other people, you could probably write a book on her from a philanthropic standpoint. She had such a charitable heart and a charitable way about her."

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