Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
Jerry Jones' Ego Under Fire as Troy Aikman Backs Son Stephen to Lead 1
The Dallas Cowboys closed out their preseason with a 27-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints on August 28, a game that meant little for the scoreboard but plenty for roster battles. Yet even as those battles played out, the bigger story about this team’s future was unfolding off the field. Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman has weighed in publicly on how Jerry Jones‘ leadership style compares with his son and heir apparent.
Troy Aikman rarely comments on the Cowboys’ front office, but he made an exception recently while discussing Jerry Jones’ eventual successor. Speaking about Stephen Jones, the team’s co-owner and CEO, Aikman drew a clear line between father and son.
“Stephen doesn’t have the ego his father has,” Aikman said.
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(L to R) Dallas Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones, head coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones speak to the media at a press conference at the Star. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Aikman also praised Stephen’s people skills, noting how the younger Jones has a knack for making everyone around him feel valued, something he considers an underrated leadership trait.
He then addressed what Dallas might look like once Jerry eventually steps back from day-to-day control, in remarks to The Athletic.
“I’m not pushing Jerry out by any means,” Aikman said. He added that the transition, whenever it comes, could benefit from a less credit-hungry approach at the top.
The comments land at a time when Stephen has already shown a willingness to check his father’s instincts. He has reportedly reined in his father’s free agency spending in recent years, and he gave a blunt reality check on the team’s 2025 record. Analysts are watching closely to see how the succession plan unfolds.
Jerry Jones Still Defends the Micah Parsons Trade
Jones’ own recent comments add more context to this leadership conversation. Discussing last year’s decision to trade Micah Parsons to Green Bay, Jones stood firmly behind the move rather than softening his stance.
“That was purpose,” Jones said. He argued the trade forced the Cowboys into bigger changes across the roster and coaching staff, a philosophy that echoes his hands-on style.
Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones (left) and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones (center) and owner Jerry Jones during training camp opening ceremonies at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsDallas Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones (left) and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones (center) and owner Jerry Jones during training camp opening ceremonies at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones (left) and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones (center) and owner Jerry Jones during training camp opening ceremonies at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It is the same instinct for control that Aikman referenced, and one Jones has shown in other moments too, including his handling of Ring of Honor decisions that have drawn criticism from former players.
How that contrast in temperament plays out will be tested soon, as Dallas turns its attention to the regular season.
Dallas enters 2026 with more scrutiny than usual on the Jones family. The Cowboys open the season on the road against the New York Giants on September 13, the first test of this dynamic under center.
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