Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones have always had a strong relationship, but egos eventually got in the way. Their legendary partnership played a crucial role in the Dallas Cowboys‘ 1990s dynasty. However, everything changed when a public fallout ensued over their clash over control, credit, and player personnel.
The bitter relationship between the two college friends began when Jones fired Johnson in 1994. This rift has only recently begun to mend with Johnson’s induction into the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor. The two are on good terms now, but that doesn’t come without disagreements.
Jimmy Johnson validates the Micah Parsons, but still didn’t like it
Speaking on Wednesday on Pat McAfee’s podcast, Johnson expressed his concern about the trade of Micah Parsons to the Packers. The Dallas Cowboys haven’t had a trophy in Dallas since the Jimmy Johnson era, and trading away a key asset like Parsons was one Johnson understood Jones would do, but didn’t like at all.
“I didn’t like it. I didn’t like it at all, but of course, him getting injured, maybe it was the right thing to do. … I just don’t think you get rid of game-changing players. Somehow, some way, you find a way to keep them. And he was a game changer,” Johnson said.
“I didn’t like the Micah Parsons trade at all..
I just don’t think you get rid of game changing players and he’s a game changer” @JimmyJohnson #PMSLive https://t.co/h5LyDB0N4C pic.twitter.com/0CKaok1WlN
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 28, 2026
“Without Micah, they picked up some draft picks, got a lot of salary cap money. They’re going to be able to add some players. So, Jerry made the right move for what it was, because they were at an impasse as far as Micah Parsons. If they make some improvements defensively, the Cowboys can make a run at it.”
After being traded away to Green Bay, he was immediately given a four-year, 188‑million‑dollar extension that briefly made him the highest‑paid non‑quarterback in NFL history.
