Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is continuing to face backlash for comments made in an interview with the Wall Street Journal earlier this week.
Jones openly joked about ignoring the team’s defensive struggles, while sharing his focus and excitement on the $100 billion natural gas industry.
Many took Jones’ off-hand comment as a direct admission that he isn’t committed to running a successful NFL organization, while Jones’ son, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones, said the comments were taken out of context.
MORE: 3 under-the-radar candidates Cowboys must consider at NFL trade deadline
One former Cowboys legend, Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, however, is taking the side of the fans and understands the frustration that has stemmed from Jones’ perceived lack of interest in improving the team.
NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman before a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
“I mean there’s not another general manager in the NFL or in any sport for that matter that would make that comment in light of what’s happening with the team. So I’m not totally surprised by it. But I can certainly understand the frustration by Cowboys fans,” Aikman said during an appearance on “The Musers” on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket, via the Dallas Morning News.
Aikman admits that while Jones doesn’t hold a traditional role like other general managers around the league, he does need to be more careful with his words, because his comments don’t “reflect well on the commitment to the football team,” which is what upset the fans.
MORE: Cowboys coach gives delusional defense of Jerry Jones following controversial quote
“I think when you look at it, as the title of general manager of the football team, I don’t know if Jerry does what most general managers do. Most general managers are traveling around, going to games, watching players,” Aikman added. “They’re certainly not doing oil and gas deals, or sponsorship deals, things of that nature. That’s not news to anyone listening to this.
“It’s unorthodox, it’s not the way it’s done. I think there’s probably other people that handle more of the GM duties than he does, but, yeah it was a comment that I’m sure he’d like to have back, because it doesn’t reflect well on the commitment to the football team.”
Troy Aikman walks the field during the pregame warmups for a game between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. / Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Aikman is spot on. The fans are invested in the team and want to see improvement. Before the season, the tide was already turning against Jones after another public contract negotiation that resulted in Micah Parsons being traded away, and that’s only been amplified by the struggling defense.
Jerry’s comments did nothing to help quiet the noise.
Aikman’s response could lead to an interesting interaction on Monday night when the Cowboys host the Arizona Cardinals in primetime, with Joe Buck and Aikman on the call.
MORE: Cowboys’ Stephen Jones vows to upgrade roster on defense at NFL trade deadline
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on the sidelines before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. / Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Jerry Jones was discussing the “$100 billion” untapped natural gas industry and his investment in Comstock Resources when making the comment that caused an uproar.
“There’s $100 billion present value with gas out there,” Jones said at the time. “That’s why I’m talking to you on the telephone rather than trying to fix our defense with the Dallas Cowboys.”
Let’s hope that Jerry decides to make things right and attempts to win the fanbase back over by making a move at the NFL trade deadline to bolster the unit.
— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
3 keys to victory for Dallas Cowboys in pivotal Week 9 matchup vs. Cardinals
Cowboys’ injury report adds another starter ahead of Week 9 vs Cardinals
Cowboys could catch massive break as Kyler Murray’s status suddenly in doubt
Cowboys ignore defensive needs for offensive playmaker in new NFL mock draft
Meet Kleine Powell: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix docuseries