At 83, Jerry Jones has seen it all – three Super Bowl championships, decades of dominance, and countless controversies that have defined one of the most recognizable franchises in sports.
But as another disappointing season looks set to repeat itself, the Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager has shown rare self-reflection about his time in charge and the urgency he feels to finish his football legacy the right way.
Cowboys fans rocked by Jerry Jones’ boldest move yet
“I have a natural urgency because of my age,” Jones said, via 105.3 The Fan. “My immediate tomorrows are a big thing to me.
“I’ve made some bad decisions, obviously, being trite. I am supremely responsible for where we are right now. There is no question about that. I accept that.
“That doesn’t deter me from wanting to get it done and get it done now this year.”
Those words carry particular weight for a man who has spent 35 years overseeing every major decision for the Cowboys.
Jones has long been both celebrated and criticized for his hands-on approach – a trait that has helped make Dallas the world’s most valuable sports franchise, even as the team’s championship drought has stretched nearly three decades.
The frank tone of his comments marks a noticeable shift for a figure who rarely concedes regret. By acknowledging mistakes and responsibility, Jones is openly confronting the challenge of balancing his age, his influence, and the Cowboys‘ future.
Owning his mistakes on defense
In the same interview, Jones addressed one of his biggest regrets in recent years – his handling of the Cowboys‘ defensive staff.
After multiple coordinator changes since 2022, he admitted that a lack of continuity has hindered the team’s progress: “I’ve errored over the last three years with the changing of defensive coordinators or defensive philosophies or the adjustments there,” Jones said, via 105.3 The Fan.
“When I look back, if I see one thing that I had to do over again, I would’ve tried to not change out our coordinator every year over the last three years. Continuity, I know better.”
That honesty underscores Jones‘ evolving perspective. While he remains as competitive as ever, he now appears more aware of how frequent change has slowed the Cowboys‘ ability to establish an identity.
Under current head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas is once again adjusting its system, hoping the latest configuration – featuring new additions like Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark – can finally produce the consistency Jones has been chasing.
Legacy and unfinished business
The Cowboys‘ owner made clear that his sense of urgency comes not from fear, but from conviction. As he reflected on his age, his comments revealed the drive of a man determined to ensure his final seasons at the helm produce something meaningful – not just financially, but competitively.
Behind the scenes, Jones continues to play a central role in every aspect of the organization, working alongside executive vice president Stephen Jones and vice president Charlotte Jones Anderson.
Those closest to him say he remains deeply involved in roster construction and day-to-day decisions, with the same energy that has defined his decades in charge.
As the Dallas Cowboys navigate another season filled with expectation, Jones‘ words stand as both a confession and a mission statement. If his remarks this week are any indication, though, he won’t step away quietly.
The drive to “get it done now this year” still burns as fiercely as it did when he first bought the Cowboys back in 1989 – and until that fire fades, he’ll continue doing what he’s always done: betting on himself, on Dallas, and on the pursuit of one last championship.
