Dallas Cowboys kingpin Jerry Jones isn’t worried about all the knocks he’s received in 25 years of owning the team – because all that criticism makes him more money. And he is also comfortable with Tony Romo’s replacement at quarterback.
The Cowboys are valued at about $4bn, making them the most valuable sports franchise in the world – worth more than Real Madrid and the New York Yankees – and Jones told HBO that “criticism of me individually, the criticism of our franchise, the criticism of our activity has enhanced not only the value but the attractiveness of what we have done.”
“Apathy would be my nightmare,” he said on Real Sports, broadcast on Tuesday night.
Jones bought the Cowboys from Bum Bright in 1989 for $140m, and has come in for criticism from many quarters, notably for firing respected coach Tom Landry shortly after purchasing the team. The Cowboys enjoyed success in Jones’ early years, winning NFL championships in 1992, 1993 and 1995, but they haven’t been back to the Super Bowl since, despite Jones’ lavish spending.
Jones also said he’s not fazed by the injury to his star quarterback Romo – because his replacement Brandon Weeden is “a thing of beauty throwing the football”.
Romo broke his collarbone after being sacked by Jordan Hicks in the Cowboys’ defeat of the Eagles on Sunday, and is expected to be missing for about eight weeks. But Jones is confident that Weeden can do the business for the Cowboys, telling 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday morning: “Frankly, you won’t see a more gifted passer.”
Jones reportedly wants to dismiss rumors that the Cowboys are looking to bring in a replacement for Romo. X-rays after Sunday’s game confirmed the break, and Romo had more tests Monday, including a CT scan that did not show ligament or muscle damage. But despite not having to undergo surgery, Romo will miss about seven games.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said the team is looking at all its options before determining Romo’s status on the 53-man roster.
“In the next couple days we’ll try to determine if that’s a worthwhile option for us,” Garrett said.
Weeden completed all seven passes for 73 yards after taking over for Romo against the Eagles, including a 42-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Williams to put the game away.
Garrett said of Weeden: “I do think he has a poise and composure about him,” Garrett said. “He’s not someone who gets overly excited. I just think he plays with a good demeanor and I think the players around him have confidence in him, and he goes in and executes ball plays. He does his job.”
