Several former Dallas Cowboys players teed off on owner Jerry Jones for another strange business decision that pockets him more money but causes unnecessary distractions for the players.
Jerry Jones, one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL, has come under the microscope for several bizarre statements and incidents this year. From saying he couldn’t afford superstar running back Derrick Henry to saying nobody can fill the GM role like him to threatening to fire radio hosts last week, it has certainly been a testy and drama-filled season for the 82-year-old.
Now, some of Jones’ former star players have exposed him for making a ridiculous business decision that does nothing to help the players. ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler wrote about the fan experience that folks can purchase in AT&T Stadium:
“Players and coaches are in meetings ahead of their walk-through. This is the football staff’s office, a space the 31 other NFL clubs reserve for team employees during the season. The tour guide just reminded his group that this is a work day. So why are fans here?
For $40 a pop, fans can experience what the employee manning the tour information booth that day described as “a day in the life of a Cowboys player.” (It’s $70 for the Ultimate Fan Experience, which includes an Authentic Letter of Fandom from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a souvenir tote, a lapel pin and a dining and shopping coupon to use at The Star, $90 to add on a Q&A session with an AI Jerry hologram.)”
Kahler referenced comments from Houston Texans star tight end and former Cowboy Dalton Schultz (made in an interview with Pat McAfee in Mach), who America’s Team had a culture like “a zoo.”
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Kahler spoke to several former Cowboys players to get their take on this whole “fan experience” thing that Jerry Jones offers.
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Anonymous player: “We have 24/7 access to the facility, and it should be a place of solitude,” said a recent former player who requested anonymity to discuss the topic freely. “I come in for extra work at night, to use the hot and cold tub, and there’s fans walking through, poking out at you.”
Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans running back): “This is more about football, just X’s and O’s,” running back Tony Pollard, who spent five seasons with the Cowboys, says about his new team, the Tennessee Titans. “I’m in a better place mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, just all around.”
Kelvin Joseph (Kansas City Chiefs cornerback): “Over here [in Kansas City] … the point is the football and winning championships. There [in Dallas], it was a lot of football and like, other stuff.”
Jayron Kearse (free agent corner): “You’re on your way to eat lunch and you’re running into tours. You’re on your way to meetings, you’re running into tours. We’re here for football, it’s our job to come in and be able to focus whether we’re in the weight room, or our coach is teaching us something in the meeting room, where you have 30 to 35 people walking by, looking through the glass while you’re in meetings.”
Anonymous player: “”We want to have our own space where we can talk, but it’s either media or fans all day. You never get a break. It’d be one thing if they did the tours like one day a week, but it’s every day.”
And because Jones himself currently employs them, it’s safe to say many Cowboys players share that sentiment. But in Jones’ eyes, all that matters is making money and growing his brand.
Jerry Jones Will Never Accept Responsibility
Jones always talks about wanting to win another Super Bowl, but he certainly doesn’t show that desire. This is the same man who forced Jimmy Johnson out right after a successful Super Bowl repeat, yet kept Jason Garrett as his head coach for 10 years.
Jerry Jones continues to maintain that he’s the best option for the Cowboys’ GM role, even though he always commits to a mediocre roster that hasn’t come close to a Super Bowl appearance.
And that. folks, is why the Cowboys remain mired in mediocrity.
