Jerry Jones’ pockets are going to be six figures lighter after his Dallas Cowboys improved to 2-2-1 on the 2025 season.
The Cowboys’ longtime owner was hit with a hefty fine for his actions following the team’s 37-22 win over the Jets in Week 5. And while Jones has mostly made headlines for his words this season, it was his actions that led to a financial penalty this time.
So what did Jones do? Here’s what to know about his obscene gesture, what he’s said about it, and how much the NFL fined him.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Jerry Jones middle finger, explained
During Dallas’ Week 5 win, Jones was captured giving the middle finger to fans after a Cowboys touchdown. Jones, located in his suite at MetLife Stadium, directed the one-finger salute toward fans seated in the crowd.
Jerry Jones flipping the bird at folks at the Jets game 😭🤣😭 #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/rLcGHiFqQw
— Attack! on Cowboys ✭ (@AttackOnCowboys) October 5, 2025
Naturally, the video of Jones quickly went viral, prompting him to address the incident during a radio appearance on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
Jones called the moment “unfortunate,” explaining, “There was a swarm of Cowboys fans out front … it was right after we made our last touchdown … I put up the wrong show of hand. That was inadvertently done, I’m not kidding.”
He added that he had meant to give a thumbs up and point toward the Cowboys fans in attendance, insisting the middle finger was accidental.
MORE: How Jerry Jones made his money | Ranking the 18 greatest Cowboys players ever
How much was Jerry Jones fined?
Jones was fined $250,000 for the Week 5 incident, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday.
Source: NFL is fining Jerry Jones $250,000 for the self-described “unfortunate” gesture he made Sunday to fans at MetLife Stadium. Jones may appeal. https://t.co/zLQh1w3MWY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2025
Due to the incidental nature of what happened, Schefter added that Jones may appeal his punishment with the league, but Jones decided Friday not to appeal. The fine will go toward charitable causes.
