Jerry Jones Steps Down as Cowboys General Manager After Decades at Helm
In a stunning development, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has officially announced that he will no longer serve as the teamโs General Manager, a role he has held since purchasing the franchise in 1989. The decision marks the end of one of the most influential and controversial eras in NFL management.
Jones, who has often been described as one of the most hands-on owners in professional sports, transformed the Cowboys into both a football powerhouse and a global brand. Under his leadership, Dallas captured three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s, cementing the Cowboys as โAmericaโs Team.โ However, his tenure as general manager has also drawn criticism, with many fans and analysts suggesting that his strong involvement in football operations at times hindered the franchiseโs potential.
Speaking at a press conference at The Star in Frisco, Jones reflected on his decision with a mix of pride and nostalgia. โIt has been the honor of my life to lead the Dallas Cowboys not only as an owner but also as general manager,โ he said. โThe time has come, however, to pass that responsibility on and allow the next chapter of leadership to begin.โ
Although Jones did not specify who would immediately take over the GM duties, reports suggest that internal candidates such as Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay could be front-runners. Jones confirmed that he will remain fully committed as owner and will still have a voice in key organizational matters.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the NFL community, as Jonesโ presence has been a constant in league ownership meetings and media circles for over three decades. Known for his high-profile personality, marketing genius, and relentless pursuit of success, Jones helped elevate the Cowboys into the most valuable sports franchise in the world, worth over $9 billion.
Reactions have poured in from across the league, with some praising his willingness to finally delegate football decisions, while others expressed admiration for the competitive fire that defined his management style.
For Cowboys fans, the news raises hopes that a fresh approach in the front office could push the team closer to ending its nearly three-decade Super Bowl drought. Regardless of what comes next, Jerry Jonesโ legacy as both a visionary owner and a polarizing general manager is firmly cemented in NFL history.