When NFL legends let loose, you know things are about to get real. And when those words target Big D’s owner, Jerry Jones? Boy, that’s sure to shake up the whole league! So, what exactly went down?

On First Take, Shannon Sharpe didn’t hold back when he aimed at Jones following Dallas’ loss to Detroit. With frustration bubbling over, Sharpe’s comments zeroed in on the Cowboys’ owner’s recent outburst on the Shan & R.J. Show on 105.3 The Fan. The former Broncos TE’s words were loaded all hot and heavy: “I hate, I detest, I despise someone who plays on the weak. Because Jerry Jones has the power in this situation, he would actually say that publicly? That tells me a lot about that man. He’s abusing that power… See, Jerry wants all the credit—any deal that’s ever happened, I either sign that or I get notified of it. And when the team loses, you don’t want any part of it.” For Sharpe, Jones crossed a line when he used his position to intimidate journalists instead of owning up to his team’s struggles.   

Here’s what happened: Jones’ tirade erupted when he was asked if there’s a leadership void in Big D’s locker room. Instead of staying cool, the 82-year-old snapped, telling host Shan Shariff to “just shut up and let me answer.” Oof. As the exchange continued, Jones doubled down, denying any issues with team leadership—and pushing the narrative that his word’s final in all things Cowboys-related. 

The three-time Super Bowl TE Sharpe was quick to point out Jones’ hypocrisy. He recalled his earlier statement: “‘I would want someone to be here and ask me favorable questions’—that is absolutely that guy’s job. That is to ask.” 

NFL journalists weren’t about to let him off the hook. When Jones boldly claimed, “Everyone thought I was dumb and an idiot for buying the team, but look how it turned out,” senior reporter Charles Robinson was quick to push back, reminding him that not everyone’s buying what he’s selling. Robinson didn’t fail to pinpoint that acing tests from 1989 to 1996 doesn’t excuse failing many from 1997 to 2024. NFL Network’s Jane Slater added her perspective, pointing out that Jones’ defensiveness often masks his frustration, and predicted that he’ll likely apologize once he cools down (he’s done that dance before).

Guess Dallas’ owner’s clearly feeling the pressure. The Cowboys are sitting at a piteous 2-5 record (after falling to Detroit). Adding to the frustration, his team’s been hit hard with injuries. Dak Prescott? Right ankle. Tyron Smith? Hamstring. La’el Collins? Right toe ligament. Jones did remind everyone that 40% of the team’s salary caps tied up in injured players—not exactly something we wanted to hear. 

If all of this feels like déjà vu, it’s because Jones had a similar blow-up. 

Jerry Jones lost his cool in a 2019 radio rant

Back in 2019, Big D’s owner’s took aim not just at his underperforming team but also at the radio hosts of his twice-weekly appearance. In the midst of a 6-7 season (and 31-24 loss to the Bears), Dallas looked far from the contenders they were expected to be. 

When the hosts dared to ask if the organization was embarrassed by this performance, Jones snapped. “Hey, get your damn act together yourself,” he fired back on 105.3 The Fan. “We’re going to have a good visit this morning, but settle down just a little bit. We have a lot to go over, go on with your questions, but I’m going to give you the answers I want to give you this morning, and I don’t like your attitude to come in.” Vintage Jerry. 

When the conversation shifted to kicker Brett Maher, who had a rough stretch with missed kicks and failed onside attempts, Jones had enough. “I’m giving you my answer,” he said, making it clear he wasn’t budging on the decision to keep Maher, adding, “You go ahead and ask your questions, and I’ll give you my answers this morning.”

Looking back, this 2019 outburst was just another reminder of Jerry Jones’ fiery personality. Even then, it was clear that when it comes to his Cowboys, patience has never been his strong suit. Old habits don’t die that easy.