JERRY JONES SAYS DALLAS COWBOYS HAVE NO SUCCESSION PLAN

Jerry Jones, who has owned the Dallas Cowboys since 1989, stated in a recent interview that he does not have a succession plan in place. Jones told The Athletic that "one day I just won't be here to toss my two cents in," describing the lack of formal arrangements for the franchise's future. The National Football League requires each team owner to annually file the name of a person designated to assume control should an owner die or become incapacitated.

Multiple sources indicate that Stephen Jones, Jerry Jones's son, is widely expected to assume control of the Cowboys should that become necessary. An article examining potential differences between father and son centred on a significant disagreement during the 2014 draft, when Jerry Jones favoured selecting quarterback Johnny Manziel in the first round whilst Stephen led an effort to select offensive lineman Zack Martin instead. Martin was available when Dallas selected at number 16 overall.

Stephen Jones recalled Jerry's response to the Martin selection in stark terms, quoting his father as saying: "I hope you're happy. You don't do special things in life — I would have never bought the Dallas Cowboys — making middle-of-the-road decisions." Jones stated he believed his father considered the decision mediocre and predicted it would prevent the team from achieving greatness. Martin subsequently became a leading player available at that draft position.