Earlier this month, it was announced that NFL Films and Skydance Sports, a division of Skydance Media, would be developing a docu-series chronicling the story of Jerry Jones, the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Jones Family is also partnering with the two companies on the series. It will be the first project from the newly-established partnership between the NFL and Skydance Media.
According to NFL Communications, the series, which is still untitled, will make use of NFL Films’ vast archive of never-before-seen content.
It will also spotlight some of the notable sports icons that have played a role along Jerry Jones’ journey including (but of course not limited to) Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Phil Knight, and even Jimmy Johnson.
Reportedly, the series will tell the complete story of how Jerry Jones rose from being the son of a community store owner in Arkansas to being considered one of the most innovative and influential sports business legends in the world.
Jerry Jones took a big risk when he purchased the Cowboys in 1989.
At the time, the team was coming off of a 13-loss season, and the organization was losing about $1 million monthly.
Within a decade of Jones’ purchase, the team won three NFL titles and captivated new fans worldwide.
Simultaneously, Jones re-invented the NFL’s business equation.
The way the Dallas Cowboys approached marketing, branding, and broadcasting changed the game for clubs and franchises across the world of sports.
EXECS SPEAK ON THE PROJECT
Leaders from each organization involved shared their excitement for the upcoming project.
Ross Ketover, Senior Executive, NFL Films: “We are incredibly excited to create a thrilling ride through one of the most memorable and high-powered turnarounds in football history.
“Launching this first series with Skydance Sports marks a momentous occasion for our partnership as we build the premiere sports studio of the future.
“NFL Films coined the term ‘America’s Team,’ so having this first project be about the biggest brand in all of sports is perfectly fitting.”
Charlotte Jones, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer: “It’s a true honor to be the first to partner with Skydance Sports and NFL Films on this very special and deeply personal project.
“Sharing my father’s journey and his passion for the game, while presenting it in partnership with this talented and accomplished group will take sports fans, fans of business, families, and everyone watching on an adventure like none other.”
Jesse Sisgold, President and COO, Skydance: “Jerry Jones is an incomparable figure. With the Dallas Cowboys, he has built the world’s most valuable sports franchise and has undeniably transformed both modern football and the sports business at-large.
“It is an honor to commemorate his journey and that of his dynasty by partnering with the Jones family, the Dallas Cowboys organization, and NFL Films to bring this uniquely American story to life.”
Although the Jerry Jones docu-series will be the first project released jointly from Skydance Sports and NFL Films, neither company is new the creation of captivating non-game sports content.
Most recently, Skydance Sports (formed in 2021) released its first scripted project in the critically acclaimed film Air, directed by Ben Affleck and starring Affleck, Matt Damon and Viola Davis, about the birth of the Air Jordan Brand.
NFL Films has amassed 136 Sports Emmy Awards, and they are known for works including HBO’s Hard Knocks and ESPN’s 30 for 30.
