The Dallas Cowboys built one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties by winning back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1992 and 1993 seasons. However, more than three decades later, owner Jerry Jones and former head coach Jimmy Johnson remain locked in a debate over who deserves the most credit for that run.
Jones has long pointed to his role in building the roster around stars such as Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman, and Deion Sanders. However, Johnson has consistently pushed back on that narrative.
Now, he has brought the paperwork to back up his side, leaving the NFL world stunned.
Jimmy Johnson Took a Shot at Jerry Jones By Sharing His Cowboys Contract
Johnson took to X and shared part of his official Cowboys contract, adding the caption, “Does this explain the Cowboys’ responsibilities?”
The agreement stated:
(1) No assistant football coach, trainer, equipment man, or strength coach shall be fired or employed by Employer without the prior approval of Johnson.
(2) Johnson shall have the right of prior approval with respect to the acquisition, releasing, and trading of all football players of the Dallas Cowboys.
(3) Johnson shall have complete control of all assistant coaches, players, trainers, and equipment men during training, practice, preparation for, and the actual playing of games.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Those terms appear to support Johnson’s argument that he held major control over football operations during the dynasty.
And soon after, the NFL world quickly reacted to the post.
Sports content creator Tom Downey joked about what could happen next, writing, “Jerry’s gonna rescind the Ring of Honor for Jimmy once someone shows him this.”
On Dec. 30, 2023, Jones inducted Johnson into the team’s Ring of Honor after their nearly 30-year hiatus following their bitter 1994 split.
Jerry’s gonna rescind the Ring of Honor for Jimmy once someone shows him this https://t.co/1oe93lFx1o
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) August 20, 2026
Jean Jacques Taylor also reacted, “Damn, Jimmy pulled out the contract 😂😂😂.”
Meanwhile, reporter Trey Wingo added, “Jimmy has the receipts.”
Jones and Johnson’s relationship dates back much further than their Cowboys time. The two played together for the Arkansas Razorbacks and won a national championship in 1964. So, when Jones bought the Cowboys on Feb. 25, 1989, he turned to his old friend to lead the team.
They first reached the playoffs in 1991. And, of course, the next two seasons changed everything. However, the football world gave Johnson most of the credit for transforming Dallas into a champion. While Jones became an owner who simply signed the checks.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
That narrative bothered Jones, and just two months after their second Lombardi Trophy, Jones decided to move on from his longtime friend.
Now, Johnson’s post reignited the whole comment.
“Hahaha. I have seen that before. Jimmy knew Jerry well,” Charean Williams wrote.
Zach Wolchuk added, “It was pretty clear watching the Netflix doc last summer.”
It was pretty clear watching the netflix doc last summer https://t.co/8iLEqMyPTz
— Zach Wolchuk (@ZachWolchuk) August 20, 2026
On Netflix’s “The Gambler And His Cowboys,” former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt revealed how the departure happened. During a dinner at the NFL owners’ meeting, Jones raised a toast to the second Super Bowl win, but Johnson refused to raise his glass, and the Cowboys owner didn’t like it.
Later, reporters Ed Werder and Rick Gosselin revealed what Jones told them that night.
“Don’t leave now,” Jones said, per Werder. “You’ll miss the story of the year. I’m going to fire that [expletive] Jimmy Johnson, that disloyal son of a [expletive].”
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN’s Free NFL Playoff Predictor
Soon after, Jones showed Johnson the door and bought out the remaining $2 million on his contract.
So, while both have their own place in Cowboys lore, the feud remains ugly. And some people feel it’s unnecessary too.
“We doing this again?? And for what reason?” Shan Shariff asked.
We doing this again??
And for what reason? https://t.co/W0xPs4yS5x— Shan Shariff (@1053SS) August 20, 2026
Meanwhile, Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. revealed, “The Cowboys are not happy with this post.”
With these reactions already circulating, let’s see how Jones responds to Johnson’s social media move.
