Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Discusses Battle with Cancer

Dallas Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones has opened up about both the team’s journey and his personal health struggles, sharing insights into overcoming significant challenges off the field. There’s a renewed hope as they aim for another Super Bowl run.

In a candid interview, Jones disclosed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma skin cancer back in June 2010. After starting treatment promptly, he noted that he was part of a PD-1 trial, which he credits for his recovery. “I was saved by a great treatment, a great doctor, and a real miracle drug called PD-1,” he told a reporter. It’s something that really did change his life.

He also mentioned, almost casually, that he no longer has any tumors. Over the past ten years, he has undergone four surgeries—two for his lungs and two for lymph nodes. It’s a heavy load to carry, choosing to be open and resilient while managing such a diagnosis.

Melanoma, as highlighted by the American Cancer Society, isn’t the most common type of skin cancer, but it tends to be more aggressive and can be life-threatening. The statistics are sobering; the five-year survival rate for distant metastatic melanoma hovers around 22.5% as of recent reports—numbers that really put things into perspective.

At 82, Jones is gearing up for yet another NFL season at the helm of the Cowboys. The team continues to lead the NFL in valuation, reportedly reaching $12.8 billion, a testament to their enduring popularity and legacy.

While the road hasn’t been easy, Jones’s experiences with both his health and his team’s endeavors illustrate a profound resilience. His determination is, perhaps, a reflection of the spirit that the Cowboys aim to embody on the field this season.