Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Jimmy Johnson has voiced criticism over the new Netflix docuseries “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys,” stating that the portrayal in the series reflects Jerry Jones‘ perspective. Johnson discussed his thoughts during a speaking engagement at the Little Rock Touchdown Club in Arkansas, where he indicated he had only viewed parts of the series but found its approach one-sided.
“We were in Carolina when we were announcing that I was going to go in the (Cowboys’) Ring of Honor and he told an off-color story,” Johnson recalled, according to CBS Sports reporter Brandon Marcello. “I said, ‘Jerry, Jerry.’ He says, ‘No problem. I got final say on editorial content.’ Well, watching the Netflix (documentary), he had final say on what was put in the Netflix documentary. It was definitely the Jerry Jones Documentary. (…) Hey, just being honest. At 82 years old, you can’t lie.” This statement from Johnson underscores his belief that Jones influenced key editorial decisions for the eight-part docuseries.
The Netflix series debuted on Aug. 19, 2025 and focuses on Jones’ tenure since acquiring the team in 1989 for $140 million. It covers notable events such as Tom Landry’s departure as coach and Johnson’s hiring, along with the team’s successes throughout the 1990s. The documentary features interviews with former players including Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Deion Sanders.
Johnson noted that while he is interviewed extensively in early episodes about events like the Herschel Walker trade and his first year coaching a team with a 1-15 record, he believes editing choices position Jones as a central figure while downplaying collaborative dynamics or disputes that contributed to those Super Bowl wins.
Johnson coached Dallas to two Super Bowl victories before departing after conflict with Jones following their second title win in March 1994. Reflecting on their relationship now compared to previous decades of public disagreement — which included Jones once saying that “500 coaches could have won with that team” — Johnson stated at his Ring of Honor event: “We’re really good now (…). We see each other, it’s like we’re best friends. It’s all good.”
Jones himself has acknowledged that some subjects were omitted from the film by filmmakers Chapman and Maclain Way. According to Jones, “the most trying time of all” — referring to quarterback competition between Troy Aikman and Steve Walsh — did not appear in the final cut.
Reactions to “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys” have been mixed among critics. While some describe it as favorable toward Jones’ legacy with extensive player perspectives and previously unseen footage from pivotal moments like back-to-back Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993, others suggest it does not address all key storylines from that era.
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