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Jerry Jones Admits What Everyone's Always Thought About Him

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 12:54 PM ET

Jerry Jones isn't shying away from his love of the public spotlight.

The Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager constantly keeps himself and his team at the center of attention. Jones admitted that's by design.

During a Monday appearance on Stephen A. Smith's SiriusXM show, Jones found common ground with the ESPN personality and vocal Cowboys critic. Like the "First Take" star, Jones isn't afraid to say or do anything brash that will get people talking.

"One of the things that I can be criticized for is doing everything I can do when not catching passes to make us relevant," Jones said. "What you do, Stephen A., is a little bit of my philosophy. Controversy. Controversy. I'm serious. Dead serious."

Jones embraces controversy

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is seen on the field prior to a game between the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Jones noted that the Cowboys have a vast national fan base, but also a heavy contingent of NFL viewers rooting for them to fail. That makes "America's Team" the perfect fodder for Smith and all other debate shows.

The 83-year-old also provides pundits with plenty of material through his public comments. Jones confessed that he's aiming for attention to keep the Cowboys in the news cycle.

"The Dallas Cowboys probably have the kind of interest that we have in no small part because we stay out front and we stay controversial," Jones said. "When it gets slow, I stir that s**t up ... My point is, I just want to be relevant. I just want you to be looking at us."

This approach likely annoys Cowboys fans and detractors alike amid a 30-year Super Bowl drought. Last year, several former players criticized Jones for creating an environment that was unconducive to winning, citing distractions such as selling fan tours of the team's facility.

However, Jones insisted that his polarizing public philosophy hasn't impacted the team's on-field product.

"I know we get our butt kicked," Jones said. "I know we're controversial from time to time. I know that's the fact. But it does not screw, in any way, with making a touchdown, making a tackle, or winning a football game. I believe that."

Stirring the pot may be the only way Jones can keep the 3-5-1 Cowboys relevant for the rest of the season after Monday night's 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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