Jerry Jones is back in the headlines — and this time, it’s not for a draft pick or coaching hire.
The NFL slapped the Dallas Cowboys owner with a $250,000 fine after cameras caught him making what appeared to be an obscene gesture toward fans during the Cowboys’ 37-22 win over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Jones claims the gesture was meant to be a celebratory “thumbs up” directed at Cowboys fans, not a jab at the Jets faithful.
“It was inadvertent. I meant to give a thumbs up,” Jones explained during his regular appearance on 105.3 The Fan. “Everybody was excited — we had just scored, and I got a little caught up in the moment.”
Caught smiling and gesturing amid the post-touchdown celebration, Jones’ moment of enthusiasm went viral quickly, igniting debates across social media and sports talk shows.
Despite his explanation, the NFL didn’t find it funny. The league has a history of penalizing unsportsmanlike conduct from team owners — from David Tepper’s drink toss in 2023 to Bud Adams’ celebratory double bird in 2009 — and it seems Jones is the latest to learn that lesson.
While the Cowboys bask in another victory, Jones now has until Friday to decide whether to challenge the fine. And if there’s one thing NFL fans know about Jerry Jones, it’s this: he’s not shy about defending himself — even if he flashes the wrong hand signal now and then.