Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones couldn’t have been in better spirits on Sunday. His team had just steamrolled the New York Jets in a commanding 37-22 victory, reasserting the Cowboys’ dominance. But the celebration didn’t end exactly how Jones planned.

As cameras panned toward the owner’s box at MetLife Stadium following Dallas’ final touchdown, Jones appeared to flash his middle finger toward a nearby Jets fan. The clip quickly went viral—social media erupted, and NFL officials reportedly took notice. Now, the league is investigating what could become a six-figure incident.

According to Jones, though, the moment wasn’t what it looked like. During his appearance on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, the 81-year-old laughed off the controversy and offered his version of events: “That was unfortunate. There was a swarm of Cowboys fans out front. It was right after we made our last touchdown. I put up the wrong show of hand. The intention was thumbs up.”

If the NFL decides to fine Jones, it would fall under Section 3 – Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Article 1: Prohibited Acts. The league explicitly prohibits: Making violent or offensive gestures—including anything deemed disrespectful or suggestive. This wouldn’t be the first time an NFL owner got hit hard for a public outburst.

Back in 2009, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was fined $250,000 after he famously flipped off Buffalo Bills fans during a postgame celebration. More recently, in 2023, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper received a $300,000 fine for throwing a drink toward Jacksonville Jaguars fans following a loss. Given that history, a six-figure fine would, in fact, be right on par with what the league has done before.

It’s hard to say whether Jones’ gesture was playful or pointed; he was smiling throughout the moment, suggesting it may have been in jest. Still, the NFL rarely overlooks actions like this, even if done in fun. Whether he intended it as lighthearted banter or to needle opposing fans, the league is likely to respond.

Jones thrives on being the center of attention, and this latest incident keeps him firmly in the spotlight. First-year Cowboys head coach Aaron Glenn, meanwhile, has made history with a 0–5 start, though the Cowboys secured a rare road win over the Jets, their first since 2003.

Jerry Jones sees Dak Prescott lead Cowboys to dominant win

Even with a patchwork offensive line, Dak Prescott proved why he’s one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, marching the Dallas Cowboys up and down the field against the struggling New York Jets. Prescott connected for four touchdowns, two of them to tight end Jake Ferguson, while Dallas scored on two second-quarter drives of 90+ yards.

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Prescott’s leadership and poise: “I think we’re spoiled. He’s one of the best players in the league. He’s certainly one of the best leaders and teammates I’ve ever been around. Guys believe in him and he’s playing with a ton of confidence right now.”

Prescott, who heard “MVP!” chants echo through MetLife Stadium, reflected on the team’s mindset after last week’s 40-40 tie against Green Bay: “We knew it was important to get the taste of last week out of our mouth and out of our mind. I saw this coming just on the simple fact this team knows how confident we are, what we’re capable of doing.”

Dallas also played without wideouts CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and KaVontae Turpin (foot), yet the team’s “next man up” mentality shone through. Javonte Williams powered the ground game with 135 rushing yards, a touchdown, and even a receiving score, while George Pickens added a touchdown catch of his own.

Schottenheimer, coaching against the team where he served as offensive coordinator from 2006 to 2011, highlighted the resilience of the team.