A week after a heated exchange in which he threatened the jobs of radio hosts, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones returned to the airwaves on Tuesday, this time with a more composed demeanor but without offering a direct apology for his previous outburst.
“I don’t have anything to say about last week,” Jones remarked during his appearance on 105.3 The Fan. “But I’m surprised that last week got the attention it got.”
The incident Jones was referring to happened when he became visibly frustrated by repeated questioning regarding his role as both owner and general manager, particularly his decisions in assembling the Cowboys’ roster.
With the team currently sitting at a disappointing 3-3 record, including a series of blowout losses at home, Jones was pushed on whether his offseason moves adequately addressed the team’s weaknesses. His frustration boiled over, and he went so far as to scold the hosts, suggesting he would “find other people” to conduct his weekly radio spot if the line of questioning continued.
In his return to the show this week, Jones struck a more measured tone, though he stopped short of issuing an apology. Instead, he reflected on the nature of his long-running relationship with the radio station and emphasized the privilege he believes it is for the station to host him on air.
“The fact we’ve been doing this show for 15 years… at some point, we got comfortable in our skin,” Jones said. “And I’m tickled to death that we have as much interest as we do. I have no issue getting questions and answering them. I like the way we do this show. I love the job that y’all do. I don’t see any harm in showing emotion.”
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Although he didn’t explicitly say “sorry,” Jones appeared to be making an effort to mend the relationship with the hosts, acknowledging the value of their long-standing partnership. His comments suggested a desire to move past the previous week’s tensions while emphasizing his belief that passion and emotion are inherent to his role.
However, Jones didn’t entirely sidestep the critical discussions surrounding the Cowboys’ season. When asked about the team’s decision not to pursue free-agent running back Derrick Henry, Jones addressed the topic directly, explaining why Henry wasn’t a fit for the Cowboys’ system, despite the veteran running back’s impressive performances elsewhere.
“Derrick is having a career year. I don’t know if he’d be having a career year in our situation… We don’t run that type of offense at all,” Jones explained, referencing the Cowboys’ offensive scheme that prioritizes versatility over power running. “Derrick didn’t fit, principally due to managing the cap.”
This statement offered insight into the Cowboys’ strategic decisions during the offseason, as Jones acknowledged the financial and tactical considerations that led the team to pass on acquiring Henry. Though Henry has found success elsewhere, Jones implied that his skill set and salary demands wouldn’t have aligned with the Cowboys’ current structure.
Jones’ comments during the broadcast reflected both his ongoing pressure as the face of the franchise and his complex role as the decision-maker behind the Cowboys’ roster. While the team’s season is far from over, the 3-3 record and the scrutiny that comes with it have clearly taken a toll, both on and off the field.
Although no formal apology was given, it seems Jones is attempting to recalibrate his relationship with the media, acknowledging the intensity that comes with the Cowboys’ struggles while also reinforcing his commitment to the team’s future direction.
For now, fans and commentators will continue to analyze both his words and actions as Dallas looks to turn its season around.