The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to drama, but recently the team has found itself at the center of even more headlines—thanks in part to owner Jerry Jones.
Three-time Super Bowl champion Troy Aikman has voiced concern that the team’s focus might be shifting from winning on the field to being constantly in the public eye.
Aikman Questions Jones’ Priorities
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Aikman said Jones’ recent comments made it seem as if media attention sometimes matters more than victories.
“I saw Jerry talk about the fact that having the Cowboys as a discussion point is meaningful to him,” Aikman explained.
“And if people aren’t talking about the Cowboys, then he’ll do things to stir it up.
So he kind of walked into that and has given the impression that that supersedes winning.”
He also acknowledged the frustration that comes from decades without championship success.
“In some ways, I’m sure Jerry and the Jones family and everyone is tired of the fact that they haven’t been to a championship game, let alone a Super Bowl, in 30 years,” Aikman added.
“When attention and drama become the scoreboard instead of wins and losses on the field, that sends a concerning message.”
Cowboys’ Recent Performance
While the Cowboys have managed to maintain a spot tied for the league’s 10th-best record over the past decade, their postseason results tell a different story.
They haven’t reached a conference championship since 1996 and hold a 2-4 record in their last six playoff appearances.
Last season ended 7-10, prompting a coaching change from Mike McCarthy to Brian Schottenheimer.
Jones Embraces the Drama
Jones, 82, doesn’t hide his love for keeping the Cowboys in the spotlight.
At the premiere of Netflix’s docuseries America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys, he made it clear he relishes the team’s off-field drama as much as their on-field performance.
“The Cowboys are a soap opera 365 days a year. When it gets slow, I’ll stir it up,” he said.
“There’s sizzle, there’s emotion, and, if you will, there’s controversy. That controversy is good stuff in terms of keeping and having people’s attention.”
Netflix Spotlight Shines Bright
The eight-part docuseries has drawn rave reviews for giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at Jones’ management, including his clashes with legendary coach Jimmy Johnson and challenges with former player Michael Irvin.
Many are even claiming it surpasses The Last Dance, the iconic series about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Fans Eager for On-Field Results
Despite the off-field excitement, fans remain focused on results.
Jones’ blockbuster trade of linebacker Micah Parsons to the Packers did bring back two first-round draft picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, but the spotlight alone won’t win games.
The Cowboys kick off their new season Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, giving fans a chance to see if drama can translate into success on the field.