Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones talks about receiving death threats when he bought the team and fired coach Tom Landry

Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones is no stranger to spectacle, his penchant for which has made him arguably the most recognizable team owner across all professional sports. In the new Netflix documentary series, America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys, Jones gives the masses a peek at what was happening behind the scenes throughout his tenure with the team, starting with when he bought the Dallas Cowboys in February 1989.

Upon ultimately gaining ownership, Jerry’s first order of business was to fire fan-favorite coach Tom Landry, before Jones installed himself as the team’s new president and general manager (something unheard of in the league at the time). Both moves, happening in quick succession, drew the ire of Cowboys Nation. In the Netflix docuseries, he recalls,

“I was Darth Vader.”

Jones told lawmakers in his home state of Arkansas that he had received multiple death threats at the time:

“They’re serious about their football in the state of Texas, almost as much as we are in Arkansas.”

Jerry Jones opens up about firing Tom Landry, and more

In retrospect, Jerry Jones admits certain moments in his tenure could have been handled better, starting with his decision to fire head coach Tom Landry as soon as he acquired the Cowboys franchise. He says in the docuseries,

“The firing of Coach Landry was certainly one of the great PR missteps, maybe of all time. Because I still wear that.”

Although he wasn’t ready for the backlash he received, nor did he have a concrete way forward, Jerry Jones knew he had to continue to push forward and forge his own path:

“With all that hate, I could stop and cry or I could just keep going. But I’m not gonna take my marbles and go home. I can’t, I burned all my ships when I landed."

Interestingly, Jerry Jones is currently dealing with another high-leverage situation that is sure to alienate part of his fanbase, regardless of his decision. The team’s best defensive player, Micah Parsons, is holding out from team activities due to issues with his contract, and Jones needs to act quickly.

Not having Parsons on the field would hinder the Dallas Cowboys' chances at winning it all greatly, but if they cannot agree on compensation, Jones might be forced to trade away the young phenom.

Trending

For more on this story or other news, check out SoapCentral.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback