Stephen A. Smith has never been shy about stirring the pot, especially when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys. But his latest remarks may have pushed the envelope even further. On a recent episode of First Take, Smith drew a provocative comparison between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and President Joe Biden, hinting that age and decision-making might be catching up with the legendary NFL figure.
Smith, who has made a name for himself criticizing America’s Team, took a more somber tone this time. He expressed genuine concern over Jones’ increasingly erratic public appearances, likening them to President Biden’s struggles with public perception and physical mishaps. “I’m not joking when I say this: I’m getting very, very worried about Jerry Jones,” Smith said, shifting from his usual bombastic style to something more serious. He pointed out that Jones’ rambling press conferences were beginning to resemble Biden’s, particularly during the latter’s more challenging public moments.
Smith’s pointed comments were more than just another jab at the Cowboys. The comparison to President Biden, whose age and cognitive ability have become hot topics in American discourse, added a layer of gravity. Biden, who turned 81 this year, has faced countless instances that fuel speculation about his capacity-from getting lost on stage to stumbling on the steps of Air Force One. Similarly, Jones, who is now 82, has been the subject of questions about whether he’s still the best person to be calling the shots for one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises.
For Smith, the situation is serious enough to question the role of Jones‘ family in his management of the team. “I’m looking at Jerry, and I find myself asking, ‘where the hell is Stephen Jones, where the hell are his family members?'” Smith said, implying that a more significant role for Jones’ son, Stephen, might bring some stability to the Cowboys’ leadership. It’s a sentiment many share when observing President Biden’s tenure and wondering about those closest to him.
Jones’ time in Dallas could be over
The comparison raises an uncomfortable question: is it time for Jones to step back? His grip on the team has been ironclad for decades, but the Cowboys‘ performance this season and his erratic media engagements have brought renewed scrutiny. While it seems unlikely that Jones would relinquish control without a fight, there’s no denying that a less hands-on approach could benefit the franchise, even if only to bring new energy to a team struggling to find its way.
In an industry where age is often seen as synonymous with experience and wisdom, Smith’s remarks challenge that notion. They suggest that, sometimes, stepping back might not only be best for the individual but also for those who depend on their leadership. Whether or not Jones will take that step remains to be seen, but Smith’s pointed comments have reignited the conversation around the Cowboys’ future-and who should be at the helm as the team navigates uncertain waters.