Jerry Jones steps in after Cowboys player gets urgent family news during Texans win
Linebacker Shemar James left the locker room in a rush after his wife went into labor, with Jones helping arrange the trip home
The Dallas Cowboys were still celebrating a 34-30 win over the Texans when Shemar James was already on his way out of the locker room.
His wife, Erica , had gone into labor during the NFL game, instantly changing the meaning of an already emotional Sunday for the young linebacker.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed the situation after the win, initially talking about the mood around George Pickens before correcting himself.
“There’s no one more excited in that locker room right now than George Pickens,” Schottenheimer said. “Well, maybe. Shemar James’ wife is in labor, and he’ll be flying home with the Joneses. And that’s pretty cool. So, praying for an easy delivery, and God is good.”
Jones made sure James could leave immediately
The urgency became obvious in video from Dallas’ locker room. James , still wrapped in a towel, joined the team celebration only briefly before helping break the huddle and rushing away.
He had recorded two solo tackles in the victory, but football was no longer his priority once the news came through. Jones stepped in to speed up the trip home.
James was given a place on the Jones family’s flight back to Dallas rather than having to wait for the team’s normal travel schedule. A later report said Jones also arranged an escort to take the linebacker directly from the runway to the hospital.
The goal was to remove as many delays as possible. That gesture fit the moment. The Cowboys had just completed a difficult road win, but Jones understood that James had somewhere far more important to be.
Long relationship with Cowboys players
Jones has long cultivated a reputation for maintaining personal relationships with players beyond what happens on Sundays. Former offensive lineman Nate Newton has spoken about Jones standing by him after his playing career ended and legal problems followed.
“He ain’t never turned his back on me,” Newton said. “He’s always had a few kind words for me.”
Dez Bryant has also credited Jones with offering advice that extended beyond football, particularly when it came to handling money and business early in his career.
“I learned a lot of stuff from Jerry, especially with my own business,” Bryant said. “It’s just the way he inspires people.”
Jones didn't simply congratulate James after the win and leave the situation to team staff. He got directly involved, making sure the linebacker had the quickest path back to his family.
Dallas left Houston with another victory. James left with something much more important waiting for him at home.
