Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, discussed a disciplinary action he imposed on his players after losses, which would not be permitted under current National Football League policies.
The details came to light ahead of the release of the Netflix documentary “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys,” focusing on Jerry Jones’ early ownership years and the Cowboys’ championship success during the 1990s. In a preview for the documentary, Johnson described his actions following an unspecified loss by the team.
“After that loss, we get on the plane, and I am just fuming because of the way we played. So, the flight attendant starts to serve the meal. And I say, ‘No, no meal. They don’t deserve to eat,’” said Johnson.
Several former Dallas Cowboys players reacted in the documentary preview by criticizing Johnson’s decision. One former player referred to him as “a dictator” and “a**hole.”
Johnson further explained his rationale for this approach: “I wanted ’em to expect to win every single time they go out (…) I want ’em to be nauseated, to be sick at their stomach when they lose. Because, that’s how I felt.”
Under Johnson’s leadership, the Dallas Cowboys won consecutive Super Bowl championships in 1992 and 1993 before Johnson parted ways with owner Jerry Jones due to personal differences. Barry Switzer replaced him and guided the team to another championship in 1995.
Johnson also recently retired from more than twenty years as an NFL analyst at Fox Sports where he worked with other well-known personalities including Michael Strahan, Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long.
