For Jerry Jones, three words reign supreme: “I did this!”
Jerry Jones has threatened to file a lawsuit against the NFL. This action comes on the heels of Jerry having conference calls, making himself a part of committees, and taking over owners meetings — all in an effort to take down commissioner Roger Goodell. He’s upset, in part, by Goodell’s ruling of a six-game suspension of star Cowboys’ RB Ezekiel Elliot.
It was widely reported from sources that during a call to Goodell Jones said: “I’m gonna come after you with everything I have. If you think Bob Kraft came after you hard, Bob Kraft is a p—y compared to what I’m going to do.”
Is this Jones’ desperate attempt to get back at Jimmy Johnson? I think it is.
Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys franchise in 1989. Jerry’s first move was to fire legendary coach Tom Landry and longtime GM Tex Schramm. Jerry assumed the GM position and had the perfect candidate in mind to coach the franchise — Jimmy Johnson — who was his college teammate at Arkansas.
After a tough inaugural season–when the Cowboys finished 1-15–Dallas developed quickly and won back-to-back Super Bowls (1992 and 1993). The Cowboys blended success with turmoil along the way.
Courtesy: blacksportsonline.com
Jones and Johnson really never got along. Jimmy developed a reputation for making savvy trades, taking advantage of the free agent system, and finding talent in the draft. But Jerry wanted more say in personnel decisions and Jimmy wasn’t going to give up final say in football matters.
The two eventually parted ways. Jerry wanted credit for the Cowboys’ success. Even when the Cowboys won again in 1995, it was widely recognized that the Cowboys team was comprised of Jimmy’s players. Ever since then, Jerry has been determined to prove one thing: he’s the reason for Cowboys’ success and he alone can build another championship roster.
But, here we are, 20 years later and three Wildcard game wins later ….
… and Jerry appears to have a championship roster again. Dallas was 13-3 last season, led primarily by a dominant O-line and the skills of two draft picks — QB Dak Prescott (Mississippi State) and RB Ezekiel “Zeke” Elliott (Ohio State).
Expectations were high this year … until Goodell’s ruling.
Elliott was investigated in 2016 for a domestic violence allegation made following the end of his junior season at Ohio State. Prosecutors announced they would not be filing charges. But, a year later, the NFL ruled that Elliott would receive a six-game suspension. Jerry was infuriated at the decision because he felt assured that the Commissioner would not suspend Elliot.
That’s where the larger issue comes into play. Zeke figures prominently in Jerry’s quest to win another Super Bowl. Yes, there’s always a ‘next season.’ But Jones is 75 years old. How many ‘next seasons’ does he have left?
Courtesy: Forbes.com
Roger is in Jerry’s way. Jerry had been his long-time supporter — until now — his supporter in the face of many criticisms of Goddell, including when many were calling for Goodell’s firing after the Ray Rice ruling.
But, now, the only issue is getting Zeke back on the field and (it’s clear) that means getting Roger out of the picture. Jerry is trying to thwart Goodell’s contract extension ($50 million a year salary, lifetime use of a private jet, and lifetime healthcare for him and his family).
I’m not sure Jerry will be able to force Roger out. But one thing is for sure: before leaving this earth, Jerry Jones wants to say to you, me, and everyone, including Jimmy, … I DID THIS!
