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The Hollywood premiere of Netflix’s documentary America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys drew national attention after Emmitt Smith publicly defended Jerry Jones’ role in the Cowboys’ thirty-year Super Bowl drought.
Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, sparked debate with his comments on player responsibility and management, standing up for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a figure often criticized by fans for the team’s prolonged absence from the Super Bowl.
What did Smith say about Jerry Jones in the Netflix Premiere?
Asked about Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, Smith was direct: “Jerry never caught a pass. He never ran the ball. And he damn sure didn’t throw it.” Many Dallas fans echoed Smith’s view, pointing to the team’s three-decade Super Bowl drought as a call for improvement on the field.
Smith also addressed what the team needs to do moving forward. “Our systems are still the same, our process is still the same. That foundation never left; therefore, we were able to go back and win our third [Super Bowl].
After missing the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, the Cowboys and Jerry have faced heavy criticism from fans and media. Smith, however, emphasized that improvement must come from the system and the players, not just the owner. Jones recently revealed a cancer diagnosis and is undergoing treatment, but Smith’s defense likely stems from their long-standing relationship.
Some have called for Jones to bring in a new general manager with more on-field experience, suggesting names like Jason Witten or Kliff Kingsbury.
Fans’ Reactions to Emmitt Smith’s Statement on Jerry Jones
There were many mixed reactions to Emmitt Smith’s statement in defense of Jerry, with most being negative. Fans don’t want to hear the former legend justify the team’s boss; they want to see improvement and a championship. Still, some fans sided with Smith, arguing that the players need to improve and the management needs to work better.
Some fans applauded Smith for defending the man who helped build the 1990s dynasty. “Finally, someone’s telling the truth. Players win games, not owners,” one fan posted on X. Others saw it as letting Jones off the hook too easily, pointing to years of playoff heartbreak under his leadership.
America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys, a documentary set to stream on Netflix on August 19, 2025, will cover the Dallas Cowboys’ history in the 1990s, focusing on Jones’ tenure as the team’s founder.
FAQs
A. The Dallas Cowboys won their last NFL Super Bowl in 1995.
A. Emmitt Smith defended Jerry Jones for not being able to take his time to the Super Bowl appearance since the last three decades.
A. Jerry Jones is the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.
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