ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back when addressing Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ latest comments about the team’s playoff hopes. Following the Cowboys’ 2-3-1 start, Jones declared that Dallas was “still in it,” which drew immediate fire from Smith, who openly questioned the 83-year-old owner’s mind.
“I think Jerry Jones is off his rocker. And I have told him this,” Smith said on ESPN’sFirst Take.
"I think Jerry Jones is off his rocker."
—@stephenasmith on the Cowboys' owner saying Dallas is "still in it" 😅 pic.twitter.com/pRu287lYRt
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 15, 2025
Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Jerry Jones’ Confidence
Jerry Jones and Stephen A. Smith | Credits: Imagn
Smith’s sharp criticism came after Jones tried to justify his team’s struggles, insisting the Cowboys’ defense was among their strengths despite the numbers saying otherwise. Dallas currently ranks near the bottom of the league defensively, allowing over 1,189 passing yards and tying for the most passing touchdowns (10) given up. Still, Jones pointed to his pass rush as the team’s best unit,saying Dallas had “the most capable pass rushers we’ve had” and the depth to rotate players effectively.
That statement didn’t sit well with Smith, who accused Jones of ignoring reality after trading star edge rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay this offseason.
“This man will double down with the best of them, You traded Micah Parsons. Clearly, it was not the wisest thing to do. Of course it was going to compromise your pass rush… Total yards dead last. .”Smith said.
Smith went further, claiming he had personally confronted Jones about his decision-making, describing the billionaire owner as someone who refused to admit mistakes. “Something’s wrong with him,”Smith added bluntly. The ESPN host emphasized that Dallas’ defensive collapse and continued inconsistency make Jones’ optimism sound detached from on-field reality.
Fans quickly joined the debate online.
Onefan wrote, “Jerry’s confidence never wavers even when reality does. Belief is great but results talk louder than press quotes. Time to back the words with wins.”
Othersdefended Jones: “Technically, they’re only a game and a half out of first place. If they beat Washington on Sunday, they’ll be second in the division.”
Not everyone was amused by the constant speculation around Jones’s mindset.
One user scolded commentators for their tone, posting, “Can you STOP saying Jerry is ‘staring at his own mortality’? That is cruel and insensitive.”
Still, the conversation reflects a familiar pattern every time Dallas struggles, Jones’ words spark national debate.One fan wrote, “When it’s a slow day, let’s talk about the Cowboys.”
Whether Jones’ unwavering confidence will age as loyalty or delusion depends entirely on how Dallas responds on the field in the coming weeks.