The New York Jets unexpected success has thrilled Gang Green fans, but it's done little to ease the pain of owner Woody Johnson whose oldest daughter tragically died just before the playoffs began.
Johnson spoke out for the first time Thursday about coping with the untimely death of his daughter Casey Johnson while simultaneously riding the wave of positive emotions brought on by the Jets unexpected playoff run.
"It's two different worlds," Johnson told reporters Thursday, according to the Daily News. "That's the way you can handle it. One really doesn't help the other."
Casey Johnson, 30, was found dead in her West Hollywood home on Jan. 4. The Johnson & Johnson heiress had spent years in and out of rehab for drug and alcohol abuse and was recently cut off financially by her wealthy parents.
Johnson told reporters he was overcome with emotion after Jets head coach Rex Ryan gave him a game ball after New York beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the playoffs.
"After Cincinnati, when I got the ball, too many things hit me at once," he said. "But that's part of it. When you have a major loss, you show your emotions."
The Jets went on to upset the San Diego Chargers last Sunday to move one win away from their first Super Bowl appearance since 1969. However, the team's success on the field has done little to numb the pain Johnson has felt since losing his daughter.
"The other is reality — I lost a daughter," Johnson said. "There's no way to bring her back."
