Stephen Jones came to the Dallas Cowboys with a football resume not dissimilar to his father's: Life-long student of the game, starter on a successful University of Arkansas team, and then, in 1989, a learn-on-the-job executive of "America's Team.''
Stephen today follows in Jerry's footsteps in another important way: The Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones has become the newest member of the National Football League's prestigious Competition Committee.
Jones was appointed to the post this week by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. It's a position Jerry has twice held, and one that long-time committee member Tex Schramm held before the Jones family purchased the franchise 20 years ago.
Stephen Jones joins the NFL's Competition Committee - considered the league's most powerful group - along with co-chairs Titans head coach Jeff Fisher and Falcons president Rich McKay. The other six members are Marvin Lewis, (Cincinnati, head coach), John Mara (NY Giants, president), Ozzie Newsome (Ravens, VP/GM), Bill Polian (Colts, president), Rick Smith (Texans, GM), and now the younger Jones, 46.
The Competition Committee is made up of team executives, head coaches and club ownership representatives. The committee annually reviews the rules and all competitive aspects of the game on the field. After studying possible modifications to the rules, the committee makes recommendations on changes to the entire ownership group at the NFL's annual spring meeting.
"This is both an honor and a great responsibility," said Stephen. "I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute."