Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reveals why he kept decade-long cancer battle a secret: 'It’s okay if you don’t feel alright'

Behind the spotlight of NFL Draft Day speeches and sideline appearances, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has spent the last ten years facing a personal challenge that had never been made public – a decade-long fight with stage-4 melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.Known for his otherwise tough, business-first approach and decades-long control of America’s Team, Jones has rarely let emotions surface in front of cameras. But during a conversation with reporters this summer, he offered a rare moment of vulnerability. For the first time, he shared details of his cancer diagnosis and how he continued to run football operations for one of the league’s most powerful franchises through it all.

Jerry Jones says Dallas Cowboys players inspired him to keep going during his treatment

In a job that requires constant decision-making, travel, and leadership, how did Jones stay committed while undergoing treatment for such a serious illness? According to him, it was the Cowboys locker room that kept him moving forward.“It was motivational. It basically gave strength. And again, I can look no further than the players on the field out there. These guys play hurt all the time. And there’s no question that being around that atmosphere makes you realise that it’s okay if you don’t feel alright,” Jones said.

Watching his players push through pain week after week reminded him that resilience is part of the job – whether you’re on the field or in the front office.

Moments of toughness from Cowboys players hit home for Jones during his cancer battle

Over the years, Jones witnessed countless examples of toughness from his roster. He specifically referenced moments like when CeeDee Lamb played through a painful shoulder injury or when Jalen Tolbert continued practicing with a broken finger. That kind of grit left an impression on the Cowboys owner.

The intensity of practice, the sound of music in the locker room, and the daily grind of NFL life gave him a sense of normalcy and purpose.

Jerry Jones reflects on staying grounded and what others go through every day

Jones also said that he never lost sight of the bigger picture. He pointed out that he’s not alone in facing hard things – and that millions of people battle difficult circumstances every day, often without support or recognition.“Millions of people are dealing with setbacks every day,” Jones said.

“You’ve gotta keep that in mind all the way through.”Also read: Sam Darnold’s fiancée Katie Hoofnagle caught sharing who got her heart rate ‘elevated’ during his Seahawks debutDespite holding one of the most powerful jobs in the NFL, Jones made it clear that he never felt the need to go public about his illness until now. He quietly pushed through it, letting football and the people around him drive his focus forward.