Jerry Jones Reveals Shocking Secret: Cowboys Almost Missed Out on Tom Brady

The Legendary Draft That Could Have Changed History
In a stunning admission, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed a secret that has rocked the NFL: his team once had the opportunity to draft none other than Tom Brady—arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. And in a move that has left fans in disbelief, Jones admitted that the Cowboys refused to select Brady during the 2000 NFL Draft, nearly missing out on the legendary player who would go on to redefine the sport.

Why Did the Cowboys Pass on Brady?
It’s almost impossible to fathom, but the Cowboys had the chance to draft Brady in the 6th round, back when the New England Patriots made the most iconic pick of all time. So, why did Dallas pass on him? According to Jones, it was a combination of factors. At the time, the Cowboys were set with their quarterback situation and didn’t see the value in drafting a player who was considered a “long shot” by many. The team had other priorities, and Brady was far from the player he would later become. Looking back, however, Jones admits the decision was a huge missed opportunity.

Brady’s Draft Journey: A Story of Underdogs and Missed Chances
Tom Brady’s draft journey is well-documented, from his slow rise at Michigan to his shocking fall to the 199th pick in the 2000 draft. Many teams passed on him—some multiple times—but it was the Patriots who saw something others didn’t, taking a chance on Brady and forever changing the NFL landscape. For the Cowboys, this story is a painful reminder of what might have been.

A Legendary Career That Could Have Been in Dallas
Had the Cowboys taken Brady, everything could have been different. Brady’s success in New England is legendary, with seven Super Bowl victories and countless accolades. If Brady had donned a Cowboys uniform, could he have led the team to similar glory? Would the Cowboys have become the NFL’s most dominant dynasty of the 21st century? Jones’ revelation opens the door to endless speculation about what could have been for the Cowboys.

The Impact of the Missed Opportunity on the Cowboys’ Legacy
Dallas has always been one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, but the decision to pass on Brady is a moment in history that casts a long shadow. While the Cowboys have had periods of success, they have also struggled to find long-term stability at the quarterback position since the days of Troy Aikman. Brady’s arrival in Dallas could have altered the team’s trajectory and perhaps even changed the course of NFL history. In hindsight, the missed opportunity stings even more.

Jerry Jones Reflects on the Mistake
In his revealing comments, Jones didn’t shy away from admitting that the decision was a mistake. “I think we all can see now what Brady became,” he said. “It was one of those things where we thought we had a good handle on our situation at quarterback, and we just didn’t see what Brady would become. But looking back, I sure wish we had made that pick.” Jones’ candor about the past reflects his understanding of how rare and valuable the chance to draft a player like Brady truly was.

What If Brady Had Joined the Cowboys?
The “what if” scenario has left fans dreaming about the possibilities. Would Brady have brought the Cowboys more championships? Could he have been the quarterback to lead Dallas into a new era of dominance? While we’ll never know the full answer, the speculation continues to stir excitement among fans of both the Cowboys and the NFL at large.

The Legacy of a Missed Opportunity
As Brady prepares for life after football, his legacy is secure. But for the Cowboys, the missed draft pick will forever be a reminder of what could have been. While they have a new generation of stars, the decision not to draft Brady remains one of the most infamous moments in franchise history—a moment that changed the course of both the Cowboys’ and Brady’s careers.