Denzel Washington, the Oscar-winning actor and long-time Dallas Cowboys fan, has publicly criticised team owner Jerry Jones during a recent appearance on ESPN's First Take. His comments came amid the escalating contract dispute involving star linebacker Micah Parsons, a situation that has gripped NFL fans and sports media alike. Washington questioned Jones' priorities, suggesting the owner was more focused on profits than the team's success.
'All Money Ain't Good Money, Jerry!'
During the broadcast, Washington did not hold back. 'He's not thinking about us, the fans. He's thinking about his pockets... All money ain't good money, Jerry'! he said, addressing Jones directly. As reported by Fox News, Washington framed Jones's approach to the Parsons situation as a disservice to the fanbase.
"All money ain't good money, Jerry."
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 12, 2025
Denzel Washington is not pleased with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys 😯 pic.twitter.com/u9odJDHKQt
The actor revealed he has supported the Cowboys 'since the 1960s', making his criticism both personal and passionate, as reported by Heavy.com. His remarks came during a wider discussion on the franchise's leadership challenges, with the high-profile Parsons standoff dominating headlines.
Clips of the segment quickly went viral, sparking debate across social media and drawing responses from fans, sports commentators and entertainment outlets alike.
Micah Parsons Contract Dispute Intensifies
Micah Parsons, regarded as one of the NFL's most dominant defensive players, has officially requested a trade after stalled negotiations over a long-term extension. Both sides remain at an impasse, and Jones has publicly expressed uncertainty over whether Parsons will take the field in Week 1.
Breaking: Micah Parsons has requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys, he announced on social media. pic.twitter.com/GZ4xjRy63E
— ESPN (@espn) August 1, 2025
At just 26 years old, Parsons is considered the cornerstone of the Cowboys' defensive strategy. His potential departure would mark a major setback for the team and has fuelled broader discussions about player-owner dynamics in the NFL.
Cowboys' Three-Decade Super Bowl Drought
Washington's criticism also touched on a sore spot for Dallas fans: the team's prolonged championship drought. The Cowboys last appeared in the Super Bowl in the 1995 season, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX.
Since then, the franchise has suffered repeated playoff disappointments, falling short of the NFC Championship Game despite fielding talented rosters. Critics have pointed to inconsistent coaching, questionable roster decisions and an overemphasis on brand and marketing over on-field results.
Fan and Media Reaction
Reaction to Washington's comments was swift and divided. Many supporters praised him for voicing long-standing frustrations over the team's leadership, while others defended Jones, citing his financial investments in the franchise and facilities.
At the Hollywood premiere of the Netflix docuseries America's Team, fans told Jones to 'create some championships or shut up', underscoring the depth of dissatisfaction with the Cowboys' prolonged struggles, as reported by The Times of India.
Sports media outlets noted that Washington's remarks were a rare example of a Hollywood figure directly challenging an NFL owner, particularly one as high-profile as Jones. Analysts on ESPN added that the timing of the comments, during the Parsons dispute, only amplified their impact.
Celebrity Influence in Sports Discourse
Washington's involvement underscores the growing crossover between celebrity culture and sports commentary. While athletes and former players regularly weigh in on league matters, actors publicly criticising franchise management is far less common.
In recent years, a handful of entertainment figures have spoken out about teams they support, but Washington's pointed remarks, combined with the Cowboys' ongoing championship gap, have given this story unusual staying power in both sports and entertainment media.
