Jerry Jones Responds to Being Called the NFL’s Biggest Star

Joe Buck recently stirred up a debate when he claimed that Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is the biggest star in the NFL.

During an interview with 96.7 The Ticket, Buck explained his reasoning, tying Jones’ influence to the Cowboys’ unmatched ability to captivate audiences regardless of their record.

“I would do them every week,” Buck said, referring to broadcasting Dallas Cowboys games. “I would come to Dallas, enjoy my time in the greater area, and enjoy being in that stadium. They get eyeballs. They’ve got the biggest star in the NFL. His name is Jerry Jones. They get people to watch on their television sets. I don’t care what their record is. I’m always excited to go to Dallas.”

The statement, while bold, isn’t far-fetched when looking at the numbers. Even a so-called low-profile Thanksgiving game against the New York Giants drew over 38 million viewers—a testament to the Cowboys’ unparalleled draw. Buck’s remarks highlight how much of this fascination is tied to the man at the helm, Jerry Jones, who has turned America’s Team into a global brand despite the franchise’s nearly three-decade Super Bowl drought.

Naturally, Jones was asked about Buck’s comments during an interview with 105.3 The Fan as the Cowboys prepared for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. True to form, Jones downplayed the notion of being the NFL’s biggest star, emphasizing his gratitude and passion for the game.

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“Well, I don’t feel that way and I don’t think that way,” Jones responded. “I’m proud to be on the team or lucky to be in the band. I mean that. Certainly, getting to be a part of this thing for 35 years, we’re beyond what I could have imagined. I really had a big imagination when I came in.”

Jones reminisced about his early days as owner, reflecting on the risks he took when purchasing the Cowboys. “I actually paid and committed resources that I did not have. I was just wing in a prayer that I could meet the task financially,” he admitted. “But, more important, I just wanted to be involved in the game.”

For Jones, owning the Cowboys has been far more than a business venture; it’s been a life-defining passion. “I really haven’t worked a day since I bought the Cowboys,” he said. “It’s been a labor of love.”

While Jones deflects the title of the NFL’s biggest star, his influence on the league is undeniable. He has been instrumental in turning the Cowboys into a media and merchandising powerhouse, ensuring their status as one of the most valuable franchises in all of sports. The team’s consistent presence on marquee broadcasts like Monday Night Football reflects Jones’ savvy in maintaining the Cowboys’ relevance, even during seasons without championship success.

Buck’s comments also reignite the debate about what makes someone a “star” in the NFL. Is it talent on the field, or is it the ability to command attention and shape narratives off it? For Jones, it’s a combination of both. His larger-than-life persona, business acumen, and deep involvement in league affairs make him a central figure in the NFL’s ecosystem.

As the Cowboys head into their matchup against the Bengals, the team’s performance will again be under the microscope. However, one thing remains clear: whether they’re contending for a title or battling through a rebuilding season, the Dallas Cowboys remain must-watch television.

Jones’ humility in deflecting Buck’s praise speaks volumes about his love for the game. While he might not see himself as the NFL’s biggest star, the numbers—and Buck’s sentiments—tell a different story. In many ways, Jones embodies the Cowboys’ mystique: polarizing, unrelenting, and undeniably influential.

Even without a Lombardi Trophy since the 1995 season, the Cowboys continue to dominate headlines and ratings. For fans and critics alike, much of that enduring appeal can be traced back to Jones’ relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to keep America’s Team front and center on the NFL stage.