Whether in or out of the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys are perpetually at the center of the NFL world. Unfortunately for general manager and owner Jerry Jones, it was his name being dragged across the internet for a move that, if intentional, was rather cheap of the most profitable organization in sports.
After Dak Prescott went down with an avulsion in his hamstring, backup QB Cooper Rush took over the starting position. Even though the Cowboys lost all hope for a playoff push, Rush had a special $250,000 incentive to play for, needing to play 55% of Dallas’ offensive snaps. The chance was taken away from him as the Cowboys started Trey Lance in Week 18.
After Jones claimed he “didn’t know” about the incentive, fans tore his comment to shreds.
Fans Call Out Jerry Jones for Cooper Rush Benching
Rush signed a two-year deal worth just $5 million as the backup quarterback for the Cowboys. However, depending on the percentage of snaps he played, his earnings could have improved. For 45% of the snaps, which he did complete, Rush earned an additional $250,000. Another $250,000 was looming if that number had gone up to 55%.
That is why the decision from Dallas to start Lance in Week 18 felt unfair and cheap. Jones feigned innocence by way of ignorance, suggesting he didn’t know about the incentive.
Responding to Pat Doney from NBC, Jones claimed, “I didn’t even know about it until I read about it…Those incentives are in there for the team and we put them in there so that if someone — in his case as a backup quarterback — has to play, they’ve got the financial incentives.
“But they’re usually put in there because of people representing him and they should be.”
Rather than admit fault, Jones instead chose to highlight the $250,000 Rush had already gotten. “He did really earn some pretty serious incentives this year.”
Fans were having none of it, calling him out immediately. “Freaking liar,” one fan replied, speaking for much of the fan base.
Freaking liar
— Better than nothing (@SteveB43028260) January 6, 2025
Rush entered Week 18 39th in Pro Football Network’s quarterback rankings, with a QB+ of 60.8. Only Anthony Richardson, Jacoby Brissett, Spencer Rattler, and Deshaun Watson fared worse by the metric.
However, Dallas managed to win four games in a five-week stretch with Rush under center, remaining competent without Prescott.
He didn't know…. he's the GM lol
— Alex ✞ (@GreatRajsel) January 6, 2025
Many called Jones out on his comment because the two scenarios painted the owner as either a liar or incompetent in his role. “The best part about this obvious lie is that even if it were true, he’s their GM, so that just makes him look incompetent,” one fan mocked.
the best part about this obvious lie is that even if it were true, he's their GM, so that just makes him look incompetent.
— Nick Zazulia (@NickZazulia) January 6, 2025
Others weren’t as trusting of Jones, claiming, “Dude makes the contracts. There are no moral billionaires.”
Dude makes the contracts. There are no moral billionaires. 😂
— 🇵🇸🇨🇩🇱🇧🇸🇾 (@SCRIURFUFBICFJR) January 6, 2025
Some fans still had hope, though. At times, teams give out a player’s incentive regardless of the milestone. Seen as a sign of goodwill, it can create trust between the player and the franchise. Further, for a much-maligned team like Dallas, it would also get some good publicity and put them in a positive image.
“The decent thing to do is give him the other 250k”
The decent thing to do is give him the other 250k.
— Madelyn (@MadelynSnow12) January 6, 2025
Earlier in the year, Forbes estimated the Cowboys’ net worth at upwards of $9 billion. With only $250,000 on the line, there’s no question why fans are upset at America’s Team.