Jerry Jones and the Unusual Culinary Adventures of the Dallas Cowboys

A Taste for Game: Jerry Jones’s Love for Raccoon and Squirrel

This week, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones sparked curiosity during a radio interview as he recounted his experiences with some rather uncommon culinary choices. Yes, you read that right—Jerry Jones has a fondness for raccoon and squirrel. These aren't just stories from his past hunting trips; they're mainstays from family dining experiences. "I've eaten a lot of raccoon. Yes, the answer is yes. I've eaten it hunting, and I've actually had it served by my mom at the table away from hunting," Jones shared. For the Cowboys frontman, squirrel holds a particularly special spot, with him noting, "One of my favorites is squirrel. It's wonderful, and my mother could do a great job of [preparing] it. We all had our favorite pieces."

From Louisiana to Detroit: A Diverse Palate Among Cowboys Players

It seems Jones isn't the only one on the Cowboys squad with a history of dining on unconventional meats. KaVontae Turpin, hailing from Louisiana, isn't new to the flavors of squirrel either. "I love squirrel too, you know I'm from Louisiana, so we eat that type of stuff down there," Turpin remarked. Though he's yet to try raccoon, he's familiar with a range of local delicacies, from alligator to frog legs. "In Louisiana, we eat those types of things. Alligator, frog legs, all that type of stuff..." Turpin elaborated, emphasizing the region's penchant for frying these unique meats just like chicken.

On the other hand, Jourdan Lewis, who calls Detroit home, approaches his meals a bit differently. Raised in an area where raccoon and squirrel aren't typical entrees, Lewis prefers more familiar game such as quail and bison. "Maybe quail, maybe that's the gamiest thing I've ever got. I like bison," he said, admitting that raccoons and similar critters don't make it onto his plate up north. "I'm basic proteins, I'm ok. ... I'm from up north. I don’t know nothing about that bro."

Food, Culture, and the Unique Tastes of the Dallas Cowboys

This diverse culinary background paints a fascinating picture of the cultural tastes within the Cowboys organization. Whether it’s Jerry Jones reminiscing about hearty meals with his mother or KaVontae Turpin recalling the flavorful foods of Louisiana, these stories reflect how regional flavors influence personal preferences in unexpected ways. It's a reminder of how food, like sports, can unite and celebrate different backgrounds and traditions.