Jets owner Johnson says team is no 'circus'

The Jets have been dominating headlines all offseason long. Again.

Lee S. Weissman /Landov

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- New York Jets owner Woody Johnson disputes the "circus" label many fans and media have used to describe his team, instead saying "we're deadly serious here."

Johnson echoes comments Thursday by coach Rex Ryan, who says the "circus thing is kind of a little old for me." The Jets have been in the headlines all summer - and in previous years - as much for off-field issues. Certainly, acquiring Tim Tebow drew attention.

Johnson says the team's home opener Sunday against Buffalo is not sold out, but "we will not be blacked out."

The owner also expressed confidence in Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum, saying the success the coach has had in his first three seasons - including two trips to the AFC championship game in 2009 and 2010 - is "unparalleled in our history."

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