Daily News 19

Tag: Jerry Jones

  • Calls Grow for Jerry Jones to Relinquish Control of the Cowboys: “He’s selling the fans a fantasy”

    Calls Grow for Jerry Jones to Relinquish Control of the Cowboys: “He’s selling the fans a fantasy”

    The Dallas Cowboys’ latest defensive collapse has reignited scrutiny over Jerry Jones’ grip on the franchise, with Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens arguing the owner must cede football control.

    Jones entered the 2025 NFL season insisting Dallas would field a stronger defense. That confidence evaporated quickly after the Cowboys surrendered 28 points in a season-opening loss to the New York Giants.

    Owens: Jones ‘selling a fantasy’ to Cowboys fans

    Owens criticized Jones following the defeat, saying the owner continues to present supporters with an unrealistic vision.

    “It’s the same old same old,” Owens told Get To The Point. “I mean, Jerry Jones is really selling all these Cowboy fans, he’s selling them a fantasy, he’s selling them a dream.”

    “He needs to relinquish some of the control that he has with the team and allow some other people to kind of step in place.”

    “That’s kind of like a sign of narcissism, in a sense. And at the end of the day, he’s not even really worried about wins and losses.”

    Defensive rebuild fails first test against Giants

    The criticism followed a performance that made Dallas’ defensive overhaul look uncertain. The Giants repeatedly exposed weaknesses, converting nine of 11 third-down attempts—an 81.8% conversion rate representing New York’s strongest third-down showing since 1978.

    Dallas had invested heavily in the unit during the offseason. The Cowboys added veteran pass rusher Von Miller, hired Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, and brought in Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, Dee Winters, and Rashan Gary.

    Despite the personnel influx, Dallas produced only the 21st-best pressure rate in Week 1 despite blitzing at the seventh-highest rate. The defensive struggles placed additional pressure on an offense featuring Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams. Even that star-studded unit could not hide the frailty as Dallas fell 28-20.

    Jones’ dual role contrasts with championship blueprint

    The situation has renewed attention on how Jones operates the Cowboys compared to when he first acquired the franchise. Decades ago, he worked alongside Jimmy Johnson: Jones handled business matters while Johnson directed football operations. That arrangement helped Dallas win two Super Bowls, but the organization’s structure has since evolved.

    Jones has remained deeply involved in football decisions while continuing as owner and general manager—a dynamic critics argue has hampered the franchise. At 83, he has shown little indication of relinquishing control and claims he still has work to do in pursuit of additional Super Bowl success.

    “I don’t have a succession plan, I don’t,” Jones told The Athletic. “One day I just won’t be here to toss my two cents in.”

    Jones is attempting to close the gap to Robert Kraft and the New England Patriots’ six Super Bowl titles. Doing so would require four more championships—a tall order for a franchise that has not reached the NFC Championship Game since the 1995 season.

  • Jerry Jones Gets Major Dak Prescott Boost That Could Silence Critics

    Jerry Jones Gets Major Dak Prescott Boost That Could Silence Critics

    Jerry Jones has received an encouraging prediction about Dak Prescott ahead of the new NFL season, with the Dallas Cowboys quarterback tipped to challenge for the MVP award.

    Prescott has faced persistent criticism over his playoff record and Dallas’ inability to make a deep postseason run. However, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the veteran quarterback could be poised for a huge year.

    Dak Prescott receives bold MVP backing

    Orlovsky went as far as placing Prescott ahead of some of the NFL’s biggest names in his early MVP conversation.

    “If I had to pick an MVP right now, I’d probably pick Dak Prescott,” Orlovsky said.

    That prediction puts Prescott in rare company, with the Cowboys quarterback expected to compete against Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and other elite quarterbacks.

    Orlovsky believes Dallas has enough offensive talent around Prescott to give him a legitimate chance to win the award.

    “I think this offense is going to be really good,” he said. “I think Dak is going to play really well.”

    For Jones, that kind of public backing will be welcome after another offseason filled with questions about whether Prescott can finally turn strong regular-season production into a deeper postseason run.

    Cowboys quarterback still has plenty to prove

    Prescott has already produced MVP-caliber stretches during his career, but the biggest criticism has consistently emerged when the playoffs begin.

    That has not stopped Orlovsky from backing him ahead of Mahomes and Allen in his early projection.

    “I think Dallas is going to score a ton of points,” Orlovsky added.

    The Cowboys will need that optimism to translate into results if Prescott is to remain in the NFL MVP conversation throughout the season.

    Jones has continued to put his faith in the quarterback despite the scrutiny surrounding both Prescott and the franchise.

    An MVP campaign would go a long way toward changing the tone around Dallas, particularly if it came alongside another playoff appearance.

    Prescott will not silence every critic simply by putting up big regular-season numbers. But if Orlovsky’s prediction proves accurate, Jones may finally have the kind of answer he has been waiting for after years of debate over whether Prescott is truly capable of leading the Cowboys back among the NFL’s elite.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Jerry Jones Sends Dak Prescott a Clear Message About His Backup After Cowboys Preseason Games

    Jerry Jones Sends Dak Prescott a Clear Message About His Backup After Cowboys Preseason Games

    Since 2010, every NFC team except the Dallas Cowboys has appeared in the NFC Championship Game at least once. Dallas, the world’s most valuable sports franchise, has not reached the doorstep of the Super Bowl since winning its last championship during the 1995 season.

    As the Cowboys confront that frustrating drought, which includes a recent two-year playoff absence, quarterback Dak Prescott has declared that the current season is strictly “Super Bowl or bust.” Prescott noted that outside criticism will always follow the franchise, making a trip to the Super Bowl the clearest way to silence the doubters.

    Dallas Cowboys Focus on Defense and Dak Prescott’s Legacy

    Dallas’ biggest weakness in recent seasons has been its defense. The unit ranked last in franchise history last year for points allowed per drive, prompting the front office to hire defensive coordinator Christian Parker and use seven draft selections on defensive talent.

    On offense, the Cowboys remain anchored by Prescott, but the quarterback’s biggest challenge arrives in January. His 2-5 postseason record contrasts sharply with his regular-season production.

    Following the 2026 season, Prescott could further cement his legacy as arguably the greatest regular-season quarterback in Cowboys history. He is already the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards with 35,989. Prescott also trails Tony Romo by only eight touchdown passes, with Romo holding a 248-243 advantage, while Prescott’s 83 victories leave him 11 wins behind the franchise record of 94 shared by Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach.

    Jerry Jones Hints Cowboys Could Keep Sam Howell and Joe Milton

    With Prescott firmly established as the starter for his 11th professional season, one of Dallas’ most difficult 53-man roster decisions concerns the backup quarterback competition between Sam Howell and Joe Milton.

    Because injuries can disrupt a season without warning, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones offered insight into the team’s thinking after the preseason finale, hinting to ESPN that Dallas may avoid choosing between the two quarterbacks.

    “That’s one that we may just split the difference and have two backup quarterbacks here,” Jones remarked.

    Howell held a narrow advantage during the early training camp workouts under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, but both quarterbacks delivered strong summer performances. Their close competition prompted Schottenheimer to describe the battle as completely “neck and neck”.

    The Cowboys therefore appear positioned to keep both quarterbacks on the active roster, providing additional emergency depth behind Prescott as they pursue a return to the playoffs and their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1995.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Jerry Jones’s Cowboys Succession Plan Has a Sad Ending, Leaving Son Stephen in a Difficult Situation

    Jerry Jones’s Cowboys Succession Plan Has a Sad Ending, Leaving Son Stephen in a Difficult Situation

    Jerry Jones has made clear that he has no plans to step away from the Dallas Cowboys anytime soon. At 83, the longtime owner intends to remain involved for as long as he is able, creating an unusual succession challenge for his son, Stephen Jones.

    Jones purchased the Cowboys for $140 million in 1989 and transformed the franchise into one of professional sports’ biggest commercial forces. Dallas is now valued at approximately $15.5 billion, according to Sportico, while Jones continues to hold the uncommon combination of owner, president and general manager.

    “I don’t have a succession plan, I don’t,” Jones told The Athletic. “One day I just won’t be here to toss my two cents in.”

    Despite acknowledging that he has “no succession plan,” Jerry Jones has already positioned the person most likely to inherit significant control. Stephen Jones has spent decades preparing for greater responsibility, overseeing contracts, personnel and salary-cap strategy.

    Stephen has become one of the most influential figures in the Cowboys’ front office while working alongside his father and developing his own approach to running the team. Eventually, he will have to follow one of the most recognizable and influential owners in NFL history.

    Stephen Jones could usher in a different Cowboys era

    Former Cowboys stars Troy Aikman and Darren Woodson both expect Dallas to look noticeably different once Stephen becomes the organization’s primary voice.

    “I’m not pushing Jerry out by any means, but when that day comes, it’s going to feel a lot different,” said Aikman.

    The Hall of Fame quarterback believes Stephen’s lower-key personality could work in his favor. Unlike his father, Stephen does not appear to seek the same level of attention, a quality Aikman believes could benefit him.

    Woodson anticipates another potential change. The former Dallas safety believes Jerry’s personal relationships with players can sometimes influence football decisions, giving certain veterans more room than they might receive elsewhere.

    He expects Stephen to be less forgiving when difficult decisions must be made. That difference could become increasingly important when Stephen eventually takes charge, as he may be more likely to base decisions strictly on football and financial considerations rather than sentiment.

    Such an approach could change how the Cowboys handle contracts, roster turnover and personnel decisions. However, Stephen’s biggest challenge may have little to do with football operations.

    Jerry Jones has been the face and voice of the Cowboys for almost 40 years, making his eventual absence impossible to overlook. He has also rejected suggestions that the franchise could simply be sold, despite occasional speculation about outside investors.

    The Cowboys are expected to remain within the Jones family, giving Stephen the opportunity to put his own stamp on the team. The transition, however, could be sudden.

  • Jerry Jones and Son Stephen Jones Nearly Came to Blows Over Two of the Cowboys’ Most Important Decisions

    Jerry Jones and Son Stephen Jones Nearly Came to Blows Over Two of the Cowboys’ Most Important Decisions

    Some of the most consequential decisions in Dallas Cowboys history were made during heated confrontations rather than calm discussions around a conference table. On at least two occasions, disagreements pushed Jerry Jones and his son Stephen into arguments that became deeply personal—and, in one instance, physical.

    The first clash came in 1995, when Jerry Jones was determined to sign Deion Sanders despite Stephen Jones’ concerns about the financial impact. Nearly 20 years later, another major dispute erupted when Johnny Manziel remained available in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

    Both incidents exposed the central fault line within the Cowboys organization: Jerry’s desire to pursue bold, headline-making moves versus Stephen’s willingness to challenge him when he believed the risks were too high.

    Deion Sanders signing led to physical confrontation

    According to The Athletic, the argument over Sanders became so heated that Stephen shoved his father against a wall.

    “You really gonna do this?” Stephen shouted, pressing his arm into Jerry’s chest. “What are you gonna do, hit me?” Jerry responded.

    Jerry ultimately got his way. Dallas signed Sanders to a $35 million deal, and the star cornerback helped the Cowboys win the Super Bowl later that season.

    The confrontation also confirmed something Jerry had already begun to understand about Stephen: his son was not going to agree with him automatically.

    Johnny Manziel sparked another explosive Cowboys argument

    That dynamic resurfaced during the 2014 NFL Draft. Manziel had fallen to Dallas at No.16, giving Jerry the chance to select one of the country’s most famous and polarizing quarterbacks.

    Stephen opposed the move and helped guide the Cowboys toward Notre Dame guard Zack Martin instead. Jerry was furious over what he viewed as a conservative decision.

    “I hope you’re happy,” Stephen remembers his father telling him that night, face red, jaw clenched. “You don’t do special things in life, I would have never bought the Dallas Cowboys, making middle-of-the-road decisions. And what you just did is down the middle. You’ll never be great.”

    The years that followed strongly supported Stephen’s position. Martin became a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best offensive linemen of his era.

    Manziel, meanwhile, played only two NFL seasons. He appeared in 14 games, throwing seven touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

    Jerry and Stephen Jones’ power struggle shaped the Cowboys

    The Sanders and Manziel episodes illustrate why the relationship between Jerry and Stephen Jones has never been a straightforward hierarchy. Jerry’s decision to pursue Sanders was vindicated almost immediately, while Stephen’s opposition to Manziel proved equally important.

    That tension between bold ambition and calculated restraint has helped define the way Dallas has operated for decades.

    “There’s a belief that sometimes Stephen is part of the mistakes Jerry makes,” former Dallas mayor and longtime Jones family friend Mike Rawlings said. “There’s also the belief that sometimes he saves Jerry’s ass.”

    The Cowboys have made many controversial decisions under the Jones family, but these two moments stand out because the disagreements came so close to boiling over.

    One gamble helped produce a championship. The other decision helped Dallas avoid a potential disaster. Both confrontations left a lasting mark on the franchise.