Jerry Jones' Heir: Can Stephen Break Cowboys' Drought?

Troy Aikman suggests that Stephen Jones' eventual leadership of the Dallas Cowboys could mark a significant shift, potentially ending the franchise's 30-year Super Bowl drought. Aikman believes Stephen's quieter demeanor and less imposing ego, compared to his father Jerry Jones, will foster an environment more conducive to winning. Stephen, who has worked alongside Jerry for decades, is gradually absorbing control as Jerry, now 83, scales back his involvement.

Darren Woodson, a former Cowboys safety, also anticipates a different path under Stephen, suggesting he might make fewer emotional decisions than his father. Woodson cited the Micah Parsons situation as an example, believing Stephen would have resolved it more swiftly. Despite the Cowboys' immense valuation of $15.5 billion, the team has not appeared in a Super Bowl since January 1996, a contradiction that weighs on both Jerry and Stephen.

Stephen has demonstrated a willingness to challenge his father's decisions in the past, including steering the team away from Johnny Manziel in favor of Zack Martin in 2014. While Jerry acknowledges Stephen's ability to push back, he maintains no formal succession plan. However, the structure indicates Stephen, along with Charlotte Jones and Jerry Jones Jr., will likely co-lead the franchise, with Stephen expected to be the primary football voice. His ultimate challenge will be to leverage the empire his father built into a championship team.