A video clip of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during the national anthem on Monday has gone viral on social media. The clip showcased his daughter, Charlotte Jones, reminding him to put his hand over his heart while the anthem played at AT&T Stadium.
The exchange unfolded moments before kickoff. Following Charlotte signaled to him, he adjusted his stance.
Interestingly, Jones openly discussed how Cowboys players should conduct themselves during the anthem. He mentioned in 2017 that anyone who appeared to show "disrespect" toward the flag would not take the field.
After the protests that came after George Floyd's death in May 2020, Jones requested understanding and empathy when discussing player demonstrations.
"I have nothing to prove as far as where I'm standing with the flag and where the Cowboys stand," Jones said during a press conference. "What I do want to show and want us all to be a part of is a word called 'grace.'"
Jerry Jones stays true to a controversy-driven approach
Monday's pregame moment was not the only reason Jerry Jones attracted attention this week. Hours before kickoff, he told reporters that Dallas already completed a trade but didn't disclosed the details. The move was confirmed on Tuesday, when the Cowboys announced the acquisition of linebacker Logan Wilson from Cincinnati in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
Troy Aikman was blunt in his assessment during ESPN's broadcast. With Dallas trailing 24-10, the Hall of Famer quipped that no single trade would sort the team's defensive issues.
His commentary underscored the Cowboys' ongoing slide, capped by Arizona backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-17 loss.