Never let it be said that Jerry Jones doesn’t have a knack for surprising people. While the Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager is well-known for his larger-than-life persona, bold business moves, and often unconventional decisions in the football world, he recently turned heads for something a little more… rustic.
During his weekly radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Jones shared an eyebrow-raising story about his culinary experiences, revealing he’s no stranger to eating raccoon and squirrel — with a particular fondness for the latter.
The unexpected revelation came when the topic of unusual food preferences arose, sparked by recent headlines about wide receiver Xavier Legette admitting he enjoys raccoon meat. Curious hosts turned the question to Jones, asking if the Cowboys’ billionaire owner had ever dabbled in such unconventional cuisine.
Jones, never one to shy away from an anecdote, responded enthusiastically.
“I’ve eaten a lot of raccoon. The answer is yes,” Jones said with confidence, likely catching many listeners off guard. But he didn’t stop there. The 81-year-old went on to describe his surprising love for another woodland delicacy.
“One of my favorites is squirrel. It’s wonderful,” Jones shared. “We all had our favorite pieces… My mom and I would even ask for the brain of the squirrel. Delicious. Seriously.”
The mental image of Jones — an NFL titan known for luxury suites, big-money contracts, and high-profile business deals — reminiscing about eating squirrel brains with his mother sent the sports world into a frenzy.
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Fans React with Hilarity and Shock
As soon as Jones’ comments hit the airwaves, the internet wasted no time turning his unusual admission into a comedy goldmine. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from lighthearted jokes to genuine disbelief.
“Jerry Jones ate WHAT? I’m gonna need a 30 for 30 on this immediately,” one fan quipped on X (formerly Twitter).
Another joked, “Now we know what fuels the man behind America’s Team: squirrel brains and raccoon stew.”
Some fans referenced the Cowboys’ recent on-field struggles, playfully linking Jones’ eating habits to the team’s unpredictable decisions. “This explains a lot about the play calling in Dallas,” one commenter teased.
Others drew comparisons to survival shows and hunting culture. “Jerry Jones out here auditioning for the next season of Man vs. Wild,” another fan wrote.
Of course, a few fans chimed in with their own stories of growing up eating unconventional meats, particularly in Southern households. Squirrel and raccoon have long been staples in certain rural communities, especially for those who enjoy hunting or have roots in areas where wild game is part of the culinary tradition.
A Nostalgic Nod to Jones’ Upbringing
Jones’ comments, humorous as they were, also offered a glimpse into his upbringing and values. Born in Los Angeles but raised in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jones grew up in a time and place where hunting and living off the land were far more common. Squirrel and raccoon would have been a natural part of the diet in his youth, particularly for families that embraced home-cooked meals and creative uses of available resources.
By mentioning that he and his mother would savor specific parts of the squirrel — even the brain — Jones painted a picture of humble origins that stand in sharp contrast to the lavish lifestyle he enjoys today as one of the NFL’s most prominent owners.
Adding to Jones’ Legacy of Stories
This quirky culinary revelation now joins the long list of colorful Jerry Jones anecdotes that have kept fans and media entertained over the years. Whether it’s his insistence on remaining heavily involved in player decisions, his refusal to install curtains in AT&T Stadium to block out blinding sunlight, or his often-cryptic interviews, Jones never fails to make headlines.
While some NFL owners prefer to stay in the background, Jones thrives in the spotlight, leaning into his role as a larger-than-life figure. Whether you love him or hate him, the man knows how to keep people talking — even when the topic is squirrel brains.
What’s Next?
If history is any indicator, this story will stick around for a while, with memes, jokes, and punchlines circulating for weeks to come. Cowboys fans might even bring squirrel-themed signs or raccoon hats to AT&T Stadium as a playful nod to their owner’s adventurous palate.
For Jerry Jones, it’s just another day in the life — blending football, business, and a touch of eccentricity. If nothing else, this story has given the sports world a moment of levity, proving once again that when Jerry Jones talks, people listen — even when it’s about raccoon and squirrel for dinner.
So, next time you think of “America’s Team,” don’t forget its owner’s unique taste for America’s wilderness cuisine.
