Hollywood star Denzel Washington called out Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones amid the franchise’s Super Bowl drought and Micah Parsons contract talks. Washington, a two-time Academy Award winner, has been a long-standing supporter of the Cowboys, having been a fan since the 1960s. However, the actor expressed frustration with the current state of the team during a recent appearance on ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ where he discussed his upcoming film ‘Highest 2 Lowest.’
While much of the conversation centered on the film, Washington took the opportunity to criticize Jones for his handling of the team’s situation, particularly the ongoing contract negotiations with Micah Parsons. The Cowboys’ star pass rusher has been holding out for a long-term deal, which has stalled the team’s ability to retain its key player. Washington argued that Jones’ actions have been detrimental to the fans, suggesting the owner is more concerned with financial gains than the team’s performance.
‘I don’t like what (Jones) is doing… I respect the owner, but I don’t like what it’s doing to the fans,’ Washington stated on the show. ‘He’s not thinking about us, the fans. He’s thinking about his pockets.’ Washington’s comments reflect broader frustrations with the Cowboys’ management, given their extended Super Bowl drought, which has now approached the three-decade mark. The team has only won three Super Bowls since Jerry Jones became the franchise’s controlling owner, and they have not reached the championship game since the 1995 season.
Despite Parsons’ solid performance, including double-digit sacks in each of his four NFL seasons, the player has been unable to secure a long-term contract with the team. Last week, Jerry Jones admitted that he was not completely confident that Parsons would be in a Cowboys uniform for the team’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. This lack of certainty has added to the growing tension within the franchise. Washington’s criticism of Jones highlights the importance of fan perception in sports management, as the team’s struggles to win have led to a loss of confidence among supporters.
Washington’s comments also reflect the broader context of the Cowboys’ current challenges. While the actor has long supported the team, his public criticism of Jones is a significant development in the franchise’s history. The actor’s remarks suggest that even high-profile fans are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the team’s direction under Jones’ leadership. As the Cowboys continue to navigate their contractual and strategic decisions, the pressure on Jones to improve the team’s performance will only intensify.