Nearly eight hours into the recent Netflix series focusing on Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys, attention turned to considerations about succession within some of the NFL’s most influential organizations. In the closing moments of “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys,” Jones reflected, “I can’t help but be thankful for the time that I’ve owned the Dallas Cowboys (…) It is impossible for me to think about doing something different. And I’ll probably continue right on out until the end.”
The documentary also presented an exchange between Jones and his eldest son, Stephen Jones, highlighting their differing philosophies regarding head coaches. When asked directly about a succession plan, Stephen became emotional and said, “My answer is that I want to enjoy every moment that my dad’s … (…) I want to enjoy every moment. The rest will take care of itself.”
As Jones has approached his 82nd year, questions about succession have become more frequent, especially given his recent disclosure of a lengthy battle with cancer following a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis in 2010. For years, when faced with inquiries about future plans for team ownership, Jones consistently stated that he purchased the Cowboys for both himself and his family, emphasizing his intention to remain owner and general manager as long as possible.
Stephen has also repeatedly redirected these questions by focusing on spending time with his father. Speaking to this tradition in 2024 during an interview with the team’s radio station, Stephen remarked, “No one’s getting out of here alive, last time I checked. At some point that may be the case, but we’ll worry about those things when they happen.”
Those close to the organization indicate that Stephen is viewed as the likely successor as controlling owner due to his experience across various facets of football operations and regular participation alongside his father at league meetings. One high-ranking NFC executive described Stephen as “very smart, very comfortable talking to anyone in the room — and engaging (…) He’s absolutely capable of taking over and not missing a beat. But the challenge for anyone in that family, whether it’s Stephen or someone else, [the challenge] is in not trying to be Jerry, because you really can’t (…).” The executive continued: “League business, league ventures, Jerry has a knack for knowing what’s over that horizon without needing to see it (…) So what is the innate quality or qualities that Stephen brings? We’ll find that out.”
The article also examined Robert Kraft’s future role as New England Patriots owner. Kraft referenced succession when asked at league meetings in April: “First of all, I think I’m 35 (…) As far as succession, succession is there. My eldest son Jonathan has been part of every key decision I’ve made for the last 30-odd years and is a full partner in everything. He stays out of the limelight. But we have a plan that is in place for all of our businesses.” Kraft further said: “Sometimes with age, you have experience (…) But let’s see what happens this year. Let’s see what happens over the next two or three years.”
Discussion surrounding commissioner Roger Goodell indicated uncertainty about any immediate changes in leadership at league headquarters. An AFC executive commented on Goodell’s tenure by asking rhetorically: “Why would Roger want to retire? With [rumored Goodell successor Brian] Rolapp leaving [the league office] for the PGA, what signs are there that he wants to retire? And if he doesn’t want to retire, what owners want him out that can actually make it happen?” The executive added: “He’s getting paid a ton of money. He’s young for his 60s and he’s already survived the salary acrimony with the owners — basically Jerry Jones (…).” According to this executive: “There is no longer a Roger Goodell succession plan.”
An NFC executive addressing Rolapp’s departure from NFL offices stated: “I don’t think anybody replaces him (…) Nor do I think he needs to be replaced (…).” Another league executive observed: “I think it’s sunk in that Brian left because he knew he’d hit his ceiling here (…) If he wasn’t the one ascending [to commissioner], nobody else is (…).”
These developments underscore ongoing speculation regarding future leadership transitions among several pivotal NFL figures.
