Jerry Jones reveals the true meaning of Cowboys' Ring of Honor

The Dallas Cowboys are inducting two-time Super Bowl champion Jimmy Johnson into the Ring of Honor on December 30th. It's the conclusion of one of the NFL's biggest feuds in history, as Johnson and Jerry Jones seem to have found a way back into friendship despite years of turmoil. There's nothing Jerry can do about […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Nov 21, 2023 10:01 AM EST

The Dallas Cowboys are inducting two-time Super Bowl champion Jimmy Johnson into the Ring of Honor on December 30th.

It's the conclusion of one of the NFL's biggest feuds in history, as Johnson and Jerry Jones seem to have found a way back into friendship despite years of turmoil.

There's nothing Jerry can do about decisions made in the 90s. If he could, he'd go back in time and keep Jimmy at the front of the Cowboys' dynasty. But what he can do is fix the relationship by getting Johnson to where he deserves, the Ring of Honor.

At Sunday's press conference, Jones offered a description of the iconic Ring that not many fans would've expected. It's about the best players and coaches, isn't it? Well, not exactly. 

"The Ring of Honor, as at least depicted to me by Tex (Schramm) who initiated the Ring of Honor, he said it's really for me (Tex) not about the best players and it may not be about the best coaches," Jones revealed.

"What it's about is the people that have impacted the franchise, that have made a major mark on what you think of when you think of the Dallas Cowboys. That's why you're (Jimmy) in there because you've done that."

Without a doubt, that's an ambiguous criterion. But a quick glance at the 23 members of the Ring of Honor today leaves no doubt about what's the standard to be included. It also leaves no doubt that its legitimacy has been restored with Johnson's upcoming induction, which is far too many years late. But we're finally here. 

Who is on the Cowboys' Ring of Honor? 

Players: 

1. Troy Aikman, quarterback (1989-2000)
2. Larry Allen, offensive lineman (1994-2005)
3. Tony Dorsett, running back (1977-1987)
4. Charles Haley, defensive end (1992-1996)
5. Cliff Harris, safety (1970-1979)
6. Bob Hayes, wide receiver (1965-1974)
7. Chuck Howley, linebacker (1961-1973)
8. Michael Irvin, wide receiver (1988-1999)
9. Lee Roy Jordan, linebacker (1963-1976)
10. Bob Lilly, defensive tackle (1961-1974)
11. Don Meredith, quarterback (1960-1968)
12. Drew Pearson, wide receiver (1973-1983)
13. Don Perkins, running back (1961-1968)
14. Mel Renfro, defensive back (1964-1977)
15. Emmitt Smith, running back (1990-2002)
16. Roger Staubach, quarterback (1969-1979)
17. Randy White, defensive tackle (1975-1988)
18. Darren Woodson, safety (1992-2003)
19. Rayfield Wright, offensive tackle (1967-1979)
20. DeMarcus Ware, outside linebacker (2005-2013)

Coaches, execs

1. Gil Brandt, V.P. of Player Personnel (1968-1988)
2. Tom Landry, head coach (1960-1988)
3. Tex Schramm, president and GM (1959-1989)
4. To be inducted: Jimmy Johnson, head coach (1989-1993)

Jerry Jones explains odd timing of Jimmy Johnson’s R.O.H. announcement

Makes more sense now.