Jerry Jones is no stranger to controversy, and the latest criticism surrounding AT&T Stadium has clearly struck a nerve with the Dallas Cowboys owner. Amid growing complaints about one of the stadium’s more contentious design features, Jones did not hold back in defending his beloved venue.
The Cowboys were soundly defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles, 34-6, on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Beyond the scoreline, one moment stood out and sparked a heated debate: a failed touchdown catch by wide receiver CeeDee Lamb that was blamed on sunlight streaming directly into the building.
The missed opportunity came during the second quarter when Lamb, wide open in the end zone, failed to secure what could have been a crucial three-yard touchdown. Immediately after the drop, Lamb gestured towards the glaring sunlight, suggesting it was the culprit for his botched catch. Instead of taking a potential 10-7 lead, the Cowboys settled for a field goal, trimming the Eagles’ lead to 7-6. Unfortunately for Dallas, that would be their final score of the game.
AT&T Stadium’s design—a product of Jones’ vision—has been controversial since its debut.
Unlike most stadiums, which align their fields North-South to avoid issues with direct sunlight, AT&T Stadium runs East-West, making it susceptible to blinding sunlight during afternoon games. Despite repeated complaints, Jones has stood by the design choice, emphasizing its uniqueness and the aesthetic benefits that the massive glass end zones bring to the venue.
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After the latest loss, questions arose about whether the team would consider installing curtains or other modifications to mitigate the issue. Jones’ response was anything but subtle.
“Well let’s tear the damn stadium down and build another one? Are you kidding me?” Jones said with obvious frustration. “Everybody has got the same thing. Every team that comes in here has the same issues. I’m saying, the world knows where the sun is. You get to know that almost a year in advance. Someone asked me about the sun. What about the sun? Where’s the moon?”
Jones’ fiery reaction underlined his unwillingness to entertain the idea of any major changes. The owner’s passionate defense of the stadium suggests that, in his view, players simply need to adapt.
To him, sunlight is just another factor of the game—no different from weather conditions or field conditions that both teams must face.
This is not the first time Jones has been forced to address complaints about AT&T Stadium’s design. Earlier this season, similar concerns were raised after a Cowboys loss to the Detroit Lions, where players also struggled with the bright sunlight cutting across the field.
Despite the backlash, Jones has remained steadfast in his belief that the stadium’s unique features are part of what makes it special.
Based on Jones’ animated response on Sunday, it seems unlikely that any changes are on the horizon. Fans and players may have to come to terms with the quirks of AT&T Stadium, as it appears the sun will continue to play a role in games for the foreseeable future.
For Jerry Jones, the iconic design—sunlight and all—is here to stay.
