Despite being the most valuable franchise in all of professional sports, the Dallas Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl since 1996, leading many to question whether their owner, Jerry Jones, is more concerned with financial gain than on-field success. However, Jones has recently addressed these accusations, stating that he would gladly trade a significant portion of the Cowboys' worth for a Super Bowl victory.
Jerry Jones, the enigmatic owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has long been a subject of both admiration and criticism. Under his leadership, the Cowboys have become the most valuable franchise in professional sports, with a valuation exceeding $10 billion. However, despite this financial success, the Cowboys have not hoisted the Lombardi Trophy since 1996, leading many to question whether Jones's priorities lie more in the realm of making money than in winning Super Bowls.
In a recent interview on "The Stephen A. Smith Show," Jones addressed these accusations head-on. "What's missing here is the fact that maybe someone thinks that because I don't want to win a ballgame, I don't want to win a Super Bowl, as much as I don't want to make a buck. That's bull stuff, that really is," Jones said.
Jerry Jones's True Motivations: Winning Super Bowls or Making Money?
Jones elaborated on his sentiments, stating that he would gladly trade a substantial portion of the Cowboys' wealth for a Super Bowl victory. "Anybody [that] really knows me is that I'd trade two-thirds, or a third, whatever percentage you want to call of what the Cowboys are supposed to be worth, to get us one of those Super Bowls."
For Jones, the allure of football transcends monetary considerations. "I told my team, we just finished training camp, but we opened training camp, and I told my team and coaches, 'Yeah, I could be anywhere in the world I want to be. I could be. I don't want to be anywhere else. I want to be right here, with y'all. I want to be out here, and I want to be agonizing with us vicariously — not in your shoes, guys. I don't want any of that,'" Jones said.
Jerry Jones's True Motivations: Winning Super Bowls or Making Money?
"But I want to agonize with you on your pursuit to become an NFL player and be a part of the Cowboys. Because I want to be a part of that feeling when we walk out there together and win it.' Now money is not that, that's different, Stephen. Much different than that."
Jones's comments seem to suggest that he is not content with simply being the owner of the most valuable team; he wants to be the owner of a Super Bowl-winning team. However, actions often speak louder than words.
Jerry Jones's True Motivations: Winning Super Bowls or Making Money?
The Cowboys recently extended the contract of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for $136 million over four years. While this move demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a high level of talent on the field, it also raises questions about the Cowboys' financial flexibility. Quarterback Dak Prescott is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, and he could command a salary in the range of $55 million to $60 million per year on the open market.
Jones and Prescott have reportedly been engaged in contract negotiations, but there have been no indications that a deal is imminent. Prescott's 73-41 regular-season record is impressive, but his 2-5 playoff record is a concern.
Jerry Jones's True Motivations: Winning Super Bowls or Making Money?
Whether Jones is willing to pay Prescott what he wants remains to be seen. The Cowboys' pursuit of a Super Bowl will hinge on their ability to retain Prescott, as well as their ability to build a supporting cast around him.
Only time will tell whether Jones's words will translate into actions, and whether the Cowboys can finally break their Super Bowl drought and restore the franchise to its former glory.
