There’s nothing like starting the year with your family, away from all the chaos. And the backdrop is bound to be extravagant when your grandfather is Jerry Jones. Paxton Anderson is Jones’ grandson. And he is making waves over two thousand miles away from Dallas. His Sunday Instagram post from the tropical shores is stirring curiosity among the Cowboys Nation.

Paxton Anderson shared a series of family snapshots on January 12 from the tropical shores of St. Barth’s. The post included photos of family meals. Photos of poolside laughs and a touching moment with Jerry himself. His caption? “Starting the year off strong.” This simple message hinted at more than just a luxurious getaway, as it was paired with the picturesque scenes. It signaled the continuation of a legacy.

Anderson is an undrafted footballer. But he has proven his mettle on the field. He won three consecutive state titles between 2016 and 2018. Paxton won them as a standout player at Highland Park High School. He then joined the Texas Longhorns as a Division I footballer in 2020. Jerry never missed a chance to support his grandson despite the family’s ties to Arkansas. This included him showing up for the senior night in 2023.

The Longhorns’ journey to becoming Big 12 champions was a highlight of Paxton’s collegiate career. Paxton expressed gratitude after his final game in 2024. “Forever grateful for all the memories I have made with my brothers #chapterclosed. Hookem for life,” he wrote. And his transition to working alongside Jerry in the Cowboys organization is as intriguing as it is natural.

From college star to Cowboys insider

Paxton’s connection to the Cowboys isn’t just familial. It’s also strategic. Paxton played a pivotal role in the Cowboys drafting DeMarvion Overshown in April 2023. Overshown was Paxton’s former Texas teammate. Overshown shared how Paxton vouched for him with Jerry Jones. “The words that he passed along to his grandfather was all from him. I didn’t have to persuade him or anything,” he said.

Jerry acknowledged Paxton’s influence too. He called Overshown an A+ recommendation. This close-knit collaboration highlights Paxton’s growing presence in the organization. Paxton joined the Cowboys training camp in August 2024 beyond scouting.

His social media posts with Jerry and his brother, Shy Jr. reflected his hands-on involvement. Paxton’s role may expand further as the Cowboys face a challenging offseason. His unique blend of football knowledge and family ties positions him as a valuable asset.

The Cowboys are navigating a tough road ahead. They finished third in the NFC East with a 7-10 record in the 2024 regular season. And now 20 players are set to enter free agency with limited salary cap space. Strategic decisions are crucial at this point. Paxton’s evolving role could provide fresh perspectives during this pivotal time.

Paxton Anderson’s journey from high school star to Division I player and now Cowboys insider is impressive. His Instagram post may have been a simple vacation update. But it underscores his growing influence. Paxton’s strong start to the year hints at bigger things ahead, whether scouting talent or supporting offseason decisions. The Cowboys may be in the midst of change. But one thing is clear. The Jones family remains at the heart of their story.