Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones knows good business, and he’s “very impressed” with the work Jay-Z and Roc Nation put forth to close the deal for Dez Bryant’s contract.
According to Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News, Bryant’s management team worked tirelessly to set up the framework for the monumental deal, prompting Jones to offer this ringing endorsement:
“I must emphasize, Roc Nation, Jay-Z, the key people in Roc Nation did a marvelous job of convincing us that managing Dez and managing him with his off the field, with his marketing opportunities, with his finances, that they’re a group that will really make a contribution to Dez,” Jerry Jones said during a Wednesday conference call. “They were very significant in us doing this deal with Dez.”
For those unfamiliar with the details of the contract, Spotrac has you covered, along with some context:
Dez Bryant Deal:
$70M: 27th in the NFL, 2nd among WR
$14M per year, 28th in the NFL, 2nd among WR
$45M g’teed: 13th in the NFL, 2nd among WR— Spotrac (@spotrac) July 15, 2015
Bryant had previously threatened to hold out of training camp and even games if such a deal was not reached before Wednesday’s deadline, and the contract was signed at the 11th hour to avoid such a standoff.
It’s interesting to note Jones credits Jay-Z as a positive influence for Bryant. He credits the mogul for helping Bryant navigate the pitfalls of falling into so much money at such a young age.
“They sold me on their commitment to have an associate in Dez that makes them proud, that makes Dez proud to be associated with them, and that makes Roc Nation proud,” Jerry Jones said. “I see that. I see they have a lot to gain and a lot to lose by giving good advice and by helping not only athletes but having entertainers reach their goals and, if you will, keep the money they earn. They’re good at it. They have the perfect textbook. It’s called their book. So they’re good at it. They’re genuine at it and I’m very, very impressed.”
With a growing list of superstars under its banner, including Bryant, Kevin Durant, Ndamukong Suh, Victor Cruz and many others, Roc Nation is blossoming into a true force in the world of sports agencies.
After successfully negotiating with one of the most powerful men in the sports world, this is another big win for Jay-Z’s growing venture.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports