What started as a casual chat among old friends ended with an unexpected confession. During a live podcast with Jerry Jones and Michael Irvin, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith admitted something few expected: “Yes. I do. I love my guy, Jerry Jones.”
The 83-year-old Cowboys owner didn’t miss the chance to joke about it. “What you need to know is that this guy here loves me too. He’s a fraud,” Jones said, laughing as he gave Smith a friendly pat on the back.
The conversation focused on Dallas’s inconsistent 3-4-1 start, the controversial decision to trade Micah Parsons, and the team’s defensive struggles.
A relationship of criticism, humor, and respect
According to The Sports Rush, Stephen A. Smith, true to his outspoken style, was blunt: “I’m not a fan of their defense. They have a lot of work to do, but the offense is explosive.”
Jones responded calmly, expressing confidence in his roster’s growth. “I know our guys can improve. We’re going to do some things differently tonight,” he said, referring to the matchup against the Cardinals.
However, things didn’t start well. Arizona scored early with a Marvin Harrison Jr. touchdown, led by backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The defensive weaknesses resurfaced, worrying Cowboys fans once again.
Despite the setbacks, Jones remains optimistic. He believes the team is still “a work in progress” and that its youth will be crucial to building a strong foundation. Smith, while critical, acknowledged Jones’s leadership and his unshakable passion for the team.
The exchange ended on a friendly note, showing that beyond their differences, there’s mutual respect and understanding between the two.
