Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been among the most quiet central figures around the NFL world regarding the league using its platform to help create social change in the United States.
In the past, Jones has faced criticism from those within his own organization for remaining quiet. In what is a stunning development, the longtime owner released a statement Friday calling for dramatic change and reaching out to those impacted by police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.
Jerry Jones makes shocking statement, calls for change
“I really want to say how our hearts as an organization, individuals in the organization, how our hearts go out to the individuals and the family members who have been affected by these times, these disheartening times that we’ve all seen on television,” Jones said Friday, via 105.3 The Fan. “And I want our team and I want them to be emboldened to be a part of change. The dramatic change isn’t going to happen overnight, but I want our organization and our players to play a part in the movement of making this a better place in this country. I feel confident that our players have a can-do and what-can-I-do participation in it. I want what the Cowboys [can do] to help make this a better place.”
Jones, 77, is not mincing words here. While he did not mention anyone by name, the statement comes less than a week after an African-American man by the name of Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by a Wisconsin police officer.
They also come months after the murder of George Floyd created widespread protests and large-scale support for the Black Lives Matter movement within the NFL community.
National anthem protests during 2020 NFL season?
As for the 2020 NFL season, Dallas is set to open up its slate on the road against the Rams in about two weeks. There’s no word whether the team will take part in protests during the national anthem, like others plan to do. Jones did not touch on that topic in his statement Friday.
Back when Colin Kaepernick started the protests in 2016, Jones and his Cowboys decided to take a knee before the anthem while locking hands when the anthem itself was playing.
Jones’ statement is notable in that the Cowboys remain America’s Team despite a lack of on-field success over the past quarter-century or so. He’s built the organization into a brand since taking over ownership of the legendary team back in 1989. He’s also among the most notable figures in the sports world.