NFL Fines Jerry Jones for Misconduct

The National Football League (NFL) has fined Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones $250,000 for making an obscene gesture toward fans during his team's victory over the New York Jets in Week 5 of the 2025 season. The incident, captured on video and quickly going viral on social media, occurred at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, October 5.

The gesture in question—a brief raise of the middle finger—was made from Jones' luxury suite, moments after a touchdown that sealed the Cowboys' 37-22 victory.

The Texas team thus improved its record to 2-2-1, but the postgame moment overshadowed the celebration. The NFL considered the action a violation of its inappropriate conduct policies, arguing that it damages the league's image and harms viewers. Speaking to local radio station 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, Jones downplayed the incident, describing it as an "unfortunate and inadvertent gesture." "It was sort of an exchange with our fans in front of us," the 83-year-old media mogul explained. "There was a crowd of Cowboys fans outside; not Jets fans, but ours. It wasn't intentional, and I apologize if it offended anyone." Sources close to the matter indicate that Jones insisted he intended to give a "thumbs up" to greet his team's fans, but the footage clearly shows the offensive gesture. The Dallas Cowboys officially confirmed that Jones will appeal the fine to the league.

"The owner has the right to appeal the discipline," an NFL spokesperson said in a statement to NBC News. This isn't the first time an owner has faced similar penalties: in 2023, David Tepper (Carolina Panthers) was fined $300,000 for throwing drinks at fans, and in 2009, Bud Adams (Tennessee Titans) received $250,000 for a similar obscene gesture. The case has generated debate within the NFL community, with some analysts criticizing the "impulsivity" of Jones, known for his outgoing personality and his influential role in league decisions. On networks like X (formerly Twitter), the video accumulated millions of views, with memes comparing him to a "soap opera villain." Meanwhile, the Cowboys prepare for their next game in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the focus should return to the field.