12up Logo

Cowboys' Gerald McCoy Boldly Calls Out Jerry Jones for Silence on Racial Justice Movement

By Alexander Wolz

Gerald McCoy demands more from his owner and team.
Gerald McCoy demands more from his owner and team. / Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

A growing number of NFL players have used their voices to support racial justice in America during these days of national protest. Franchises and their coaches have generally provided them with the space to do so, and the league has begun a long-awaited turnaround in terms of supporting player activism.

In the midst of all of this, however, one man has been notably silent: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. And one of his players wants to see that change.

Via ESPN's Todd Archer, newly signed defensive tackle Gerald McCoy commented on the NFL's recent response to the Black Lives Matter movement and other campaigns against racism and police brutality. Speaking about the league's efforts, McCoy stated that "Now the process has started. You've got to keep going. It's like building a championship team."

Concurrently, he voiced his displeasure with Jerry Jones. "It would be great to hear a statement from the Cowboys, great to hear a statement from Jerry Jones in support of everything that's going on."

McCoy is not the only significant figure to express frustration with Jones' behavior, either.

Jones' inactivity lies in stark contrast to his own head coach, Mike McCarthy, whom McCoy praised. "He wants the Dallas Cowboys to be the example of how we should come together and push for change. I'm so proud to be one of his players," the Pro Bowler said.

McCoy's primarily focus is raising support for a Juneteenth walk to commemorate American slaves in Texas finally learning of their freedom on June 19, 1865. Confidnet that other Cowboys players would join, McCoy took to Instagram to spread his message, encouraging the rest of the country to do so as well.

While the efforts of individuals can ultimately go a long way in making change, the impact of merely an official statement from one of the NFL's most famous figures cannot be understated. Gerald McCoy is the latest to place that pressure on Jerry Jones. Now, it's on the owner to measure the right response.