Jerry Jones isn’t just holding onto the Cowboys‘ reins-he’s gripping them with the force of a man who knows he’s irreplaceable.
The 81-year-old owner and self-proclaimed irreplaceable GM recently let loose in an interview, making it crystal clear that he’s not planning on stepping aside anytime soon.
In fact, Jones declared that the only way he’s leaving his post is if he gets hit by a car. Even then, he’s confident his kids, Charlotte, Stephen, and Jerry Jr., are ready to pick up the pieces.
Jones, who’s been calling the shots since buying the Cowboys in 1989, didn’t mince words about his role. “I’ve seen it all, done it all, and busted my ass more times than I can count,” he said.
Jones has no doubt that if anyone can keep the Cowboys‘ ship sailing, it’s him. “Ain’t nobody alive who can step in here and do what I do. Not just anybody can handle these contracts or be a GM like I can.”
He’s not just talking the talk-Jones is still the man where the buck stops. If something goes south, he’s the one who’ll be front and center. “When things f**k up, it’s on me. There’s nobody else I’d trust to cover it.”
Despite his age, Jones is feeling healthier than he has in years. “There was a time I wondered what the future held, but I’m in good health, and I’m not ready to pass the torch yet,” he said. He’s still sharp, still making the big calls, and isn’t ready to let anyone else take over as GM.
Jones delivers on offseason promises: Cowboys lock down CeeDee Lamb and bolsters defense
Jones has also been busy this offseason. After a heartbreaking wild-card loss to the Packers, he promised changes, and he delivered.
The Cowboys locked down their star wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, with a four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus.
It’s a deal that makes Lamb the highest-paid wide receiver in Cowboys history, and it came after Jones initially downplayed the urgency to get the deal done.
The Cowboys didn’t stop there, either. They bolstered their defense by acquiring former Giants defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and ex-Jets defensive end Carl Lawson. With those pieces in place, Jones can now focus on Dak Prescott’s contract, with the quarterback entering the final season of his $160 million deal.
As the Cowboys gear up to kick off the regular season against the Browns on Sept. 8, one thing’s for sure-Jerry Jones isn’t going anywhere. He’s still running the show, and he’s making sure everyone knows it.
