For more than three decades, Jerry Jones has been one of the most recognizable figures in American sports, a billionaire owner whose influence extends far beyond football.
But on his 83rd birthday, fans saw a rare, more personal side of the Dallas Cowboys owner when his grandson, Paxton Anderson, shared a series of throwback photos that quickly made the rounds online.
The pictures, posted on Instagram, offered a glimpse into a different era of Jones’ life. One image showed him outdoors in full camouflage hunting gear, holding two shotguns and wearing rubber boots, with a young Anderson by his side.
It was a far cry from the polished suits and high-profile meetings that now define Jones’ public image.
“Happy Birthday to Jerryyyyyyy. The best grandpa ever,” Anderson wrote in his post, alongside several heart emojis.
Other snapshots captured the bond between the two, including Anderson helping Jones with a microphone during what appeared to be a public event, and a family dinner with Jones and his wife, Eugenia.
A final image showed Anderson in his Texas Longhorns football uniform posing proudly with his grandfather.
Anderson, who is the son of Cowboys executive vice president Charlotte Jones, played wide receiver at Texas before entering the 2025 NFL Draft, where he went undrafted.
Still, at 6-foot-4 and over 210 pounds, the young receiver has been praised for his athleticism and work ethic, traits that clearly run in the family.
Jerry Jones turns 83 and makes a bold Cowboys prediction
While family tributes poured in to mark the milestone, Jones spent part of his birthday doing what he always does, talking football.
Speaking to reporters after the Washington Commanders‘ loss to the Chicago Bears, Jones offered a surprisingly upbeat assessment of his team’s playoff chances despite a rough start to the season.
“It just reminded me that we are still in it,” Jones said confidently. “I see so much parity.”
At 2-3-1, the Cowboys sit behind both the Commanders (3-3) and the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) in the NFC East standings. Yet Jones was quick to note that injuries and inconsistency have affected nearly every contender, keeping the race wide open.
The optimism might sound familiar, Jones has long believed in his team’s ability to turn adversity into opportunity. But this time, the stakes feel different.
The Cowboys haven’t lifted the Super Bowl trophy since 1995, when they won their fifth title and became the first franchise ever to claim three championships in four years.
That success cemented Jones’ place in NFL history, but also set a standard he has been chasing ever since. Nearly 30 years later, he still speaks with the same conviction that Dallas can return to those heights.
Whether this year’s Cowboys can deliver on that promise remains to be seen. But on his 83rd birthday, as family and fans alike celebrated his legacy, Jerry Jones made one thing clear – he’s not slowing down.
And if the viral photos from his grandson are any indication, the man behind the Cowboys dynasty still knows how to enjoy life far away from the sidelines, camo gear, shotguns, and all.
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