The King's Heir Apparent

I’m usually not a big fan of Fort Worth Star Telegram’s Randy Galloway, but I did find his article on Stephen Jones rather interesting.

What Galloway delved into and expounded on provided more support about what I’ve read about Stephen on the surface. And the older he gets – and the more experience he acquires – the better he’s gonna get in making additional personnel moves in the near and distant future.

Look, we all know how steadfast da King can be when he wants something or is obsessed with something, but these days, I honestly believe that Stephen has become more of a major influence when it comes to the well-being of America’s Team.

Galloway apparently talked to several people to compare the elder and younger Jones:

"The joke is that Jerry was an outsider who wants to be a football guy," said another former Valley Ranch employee. "But Stephen IS a football guy. He grew up in the business of running the Cowboys. What he does within the organization, how many hats he wears, is incredible. He is the port in the storm for the front office. Just a real nice and smart young man who gets it. He really gets it."

Asking around last week, I wanted to hear how Stephen differs from Jerry, personality-wise, on a day-to-day basis at Valley Ranch. A few comments follow:

"Stephen knows Jerry really enjoys being the face of the team, and he’s happy for his father. Jerry has his ego, good and bad. But if Stephen has an ego, I’ve never seen it surface. He’s very well-grounded."

"Stephen realizes his dad’s weak points, but he also understands his dad’s strengths. And more than anything, he worships Jerry."

"Jerry can be hardheaded, to say the least. Stephen is much more open-minded."

"Jerry can handle confrontation, but he’s more of a negotiator. Now, Stephen, you don’t push him. I remember one day when Big Bill [Parcells] was on one of his hell-on-wheels tears. He was telling some staff members to stay out of the training room. When Stephen walked in, Bill told him, 'I don’t want you in the training room, either.’

"Stephen looked hard at him, and said, 'As long as we own this team, I’ll come in here any damn time I please.’ It was the end of that discussion."

Oh no he didn't?!?!  I got your Tuna right here!!!!!

Think Stephen hasn't come into his own?

I’ll venture to say that “The Son” has asserted himself after almost two decades of his apprenticeship. And I’ll add that our Beloved Boyz seem to be in good hands -- even after the King’s reign.

The future is about as bright as the shimmer on the Cowboys' star right now.