Jerry Jones reveals one legend he’d bring back to end Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought

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18 February 2026 at 19:43

Jerry Jones is staring down a long offseason, and the pressure to deliver something real for Cowboys fans is mounting. He’s made moves to strengthen the interior defensive line, but that alone won’t turn things around.

The offense carries just as many questions, and the next few months will determine whether Dallas can build something sustainable or watch another year slip away.

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Last season, the Cowboys rolled out one of the league’s more explosive offenses. Dak Prescott ran the show while CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens caused problems downfield. That trio gave defenses headaches all year.

But what if they could bring back someone from the franchise’s glory days? Jones was asked recently which former Cowboy he would bring back if it meant winning a Super Bowl. His choice was one of the greatest receivers the NFL has ever seen.

“I think what Michael Irvin stood for, as far as leadership, will, was an ingredient. But we have so many players that made such a great contribution. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders. Those guys had one thing in common. Well, they were great football players, very talented. They had an inner will,” Jones said.

“So much of this game is not about the Xs and Os. It’s about what’s inside people like Michael Irvin.”

“If you could bring back one former Cowboy to win a Super Bowl, who would it be?”

Jerry Jones: “Michael Irvin” pic.twitter.com/iUYm9AEXWL
— Overtime (@overtime) February 17, 2026

The Will to win that molded Cowboys’ greatness

Michael Irvin was the emotional heartbeat of the Cowboys’ dynasty in the ’90s. ‘The Playmaker’ brought more than production to Dallas. He carried edge, intensity, and an unshakable demand for greatness that defined the locker room culture.

Irvin stayed in teammates’ ears, pushed relentlessly, and refused to let up when the moment got big. He played through injuries and showed up in critical situations, fueling the Triplets era when championships felt like the expectation.

Dec 13, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL network broadcaster and Dallas Cowboys former receiver Michael Irvin looks at a mirror on the NFL network set before the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images

Jones also highlighted others from that championship core. Troy Aikman led with calm precision and unwavering confidence.

Emmitt Smith powered the offense with durability, eventually becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher while battling through injuries and skepticism.

Deion Sanders brought lockdown coverage and swagger during the 1995 title run. “Prime Time” added flash, competitive fire, and an energy that meshed perfectly with that championship group.