There is a dramatic difference between owners in the National Football League, and unlike players, coaches, or general managers, there’s minimal turnover to take solace in. Fans are generally stuck with the owners of their favorite teams, like in the case of Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys.
The recent success of the Washington Commanders, headlined by a new ownership group of Josh Harris and Magic Johnson, shows just how far America’s Team has fallen.
Fox Reporter Details Ownership Differences Between Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders
Jeff Kolb of FOX 4 detailed the difference between the ownership and management styles of an owner whose team is in the playoffs (Johnson) and its division rival who isn’t (Jones).
A side-by-side video comparing Jones and Johnson (and his partner Josh Harris) has gone viral on social media. The clip features both groups of owners and shows how they interacted with the media and where they wanted their team’s focus to be. Whereas the Commanders group wanted to focus on the team, Jones inspired much less confidence.
In many ways, the leadership styles mimic the fortunes of both franchises. Jones and the Cowboys did not qualify for the playoffs this year, and there are numerous offseason questions about their head coach and roster construction.
Jones didn’t sign any big-name free agents and has now let head coach Mike McCarthy hit the open market. Meanwhile, the Commanders have advanced to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs after a Wild Card win. They also appear to have both their quarterback and coach of the future set.
Washington (ironically with the help of bright basketball minds) hired good football people and stepped out of the way. Jones, on the other hand, is the only owner in the NFL who also serves as the team’s general manager.
How Washington Commanders owners (Josh Harris & Magic Johnson) talk about running an NFL team vs. Dallas Cowboys owner & general manager Jerry Jones.#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/CzKBK2jEtH
— Jeff Kolb (@JeffKolbFOX4) January 13, 2025
Jones frequently catches criticism for his role as general manager, especially amid a near-three-decade Super Bowl drought. Responding to Kolb, Jones reminded reporters that he bought this team for himself, signaling his desire to win.
“I bought it for me. And I didn’t buy an investment. I bought an occupation,” Jones said.
Johnson detailed how the Commanders’ success comes from a new franchise vision and outlined how it all stems from the individuals in the locker room.
“What does it take? New vision. New owner with a strategy. Picking the right people. First, our coach, Coach Quinn, Adam Peters, and then we all step out of the way and let them do their job,” Johnson explained.
Harris, also on Washington’s side of the rivalry, outlined how “talent, culture, and people” were the keys to the team’s newfound success. Following this, both men explained that the focus should not be on them but on the players and coaches inside the locker room.
The Commanders are riding the wave of a season played with house money. They’ve exceeded expectations with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who ranked ninth in PFN’s QB+ metric in 2024. Washington is earning headlines, but Jones’ proclivity for the spotlight is unmatched. At the end of the day, he’s shown it’s a priority to keep Dallas in the news by whatever means necessary.
“Since I have to decide where the money is spent, then you might as well cut all the crap out,” Jones said in response to criticism.
The Commanders were the butt of Cowboys fans’ jokes for years as they suffered under dysfunctional ownership. With new leaders in town, the tables have turned in the NFC East.