Jerry Jones’ control of Cowboys may have cost Dallas a franchise icon

Jerry Jones’ control of Cowboys may have cost Dallas a franchise icon originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Cowboys’ front office has long been viewed as a family-run operation, as Jerry Jones’ three children, Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr. occupy nearly every major executive role. There has never really been an opening for someone like Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman to step into a prominent leadership position within the organization.

Those front-office titles represent more than just executive jobs, as they are tied closely to the Jones family legacy, and Aikman also admitted he never truly expected the Cowboys’ leadership role.

“I didn’t expect that type of opportunity with the Cowboys,” Troy Aikman told The Dallas Morning News, referring to the Jones’ family having front-office positions. “So I’m not surprised it hasn’t come.”

Stephen Jones currently serves as the team’s Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, and Director of Player Personnel. Charlotte Jones holds the positions of Chief Brand Officer and Executive Vice President, while Jerry Jones Jr. works as the organization’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

As for Aikman's fit in the Cowboys’ front office, he retired with the most regular-season wins by any quarterback during the 1990s, totaling 90 victories. He became one of the NFL’s top broadcasters after his playing career, giving him years of experience evaluating rosters, coaching systems, and organizational philosophies across the league.