The NFL’s toughest people aren’t always found on the field. In a week dominated by discussions surrounding a young quarterback who tapped out before a third-down play and a grandstanding defensive back who might have blown it on a Hail Mary, the most resilient, poised person in the NFL might have been a 58-year-old woman.
As the Dallas Cowboys prepared for a pivotal road clash against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday evening, word spread in the visitors’ locker room that something was amiss. Players and coaches heard rumblings of a car accident that had imperiled a member of the team’s traveling party and that the person was being evaluated by medical personnel. The car was totaled. There was talk of a broken rib and a possible trip to the hospital. But Charlotte Jones was not missing this game.
Jones, the team’s executive vice president and chief branding officer, had, in fact, fractured a rib after an abruptly deployed rising barricade throttled the SUV she was riding in. Her younger brother, Jerry Jones Jr., suffered a head injury. This was all inside the stadium a few hours before kickoff.
Despite being in severe pain — over the years, I’ve spoken to dozens of players with fractured ribs, and most can barely laugh without piercing pain or breathe comfortably — Charlotte Jones took her spot in the family suite. She is pushing through pain while other NFL executives around the league are locked in at an important time of the year.
The trade deadline is looming, and even now, many franchises are still deciding whether to be buyers or sellers. In Dallas, there’s a lot of uncertainty about how the rest of 2024 will play out. They aren’t expected to make any moves before Tuesday’s deadline. I am, however, keeping close watch on a handful of teams as the deadline approaches, specifically the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and New England Patriots.
Trade deadline secrets, not-so-secrets and surprises
Let’s rip through some of the chatter coming into this weekend while keeping in mind Sunday’s games could spark some teams to get aggressive. As one team executive put it: “Seems like bargain-bin stuff for now, but possibly on Monday we could see some bigger-name players moved. Maybe.”
- It’s no secret Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been hunting for an edge rusher since losing Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury. The team has checked in with numerous teams around the league, including Cleveland with hopes of landing Za’Darius Smith.
- Surprise! The team that has only acquired two players via trade in 52 years is looking to do some shopping. This isn’t the Bengals’ style, but they have strong belief in this team and intend to get back to at least the AFC Championship game. Despite sitting at 3-5, Cincinnati has been poking around in search of a cornerback and a defensive lineman to get defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo some help.
- It’s no surprise the red-hot Washington Commanders are calling around in search of a corner. Coach Dan Quinn knows this is a weakness on his roster, and at 6-2, Washington needs help if they want to get past the Philadelphia Eagles and their superb receiver group in the NFC East.
- It’s known around the league that the New York Giants, sitting in last place in the NFC East, are shopping young edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. Teams that are keeping an eye on the 24-year-old include the Falcons, Cardinals and Bengals. The Giants are already paying Brian Burns and spent a top-five pick on Kayvon Thibodeaux.
- This isn’t breaking any news, but it makes sense: The Denver Broncos love what they are building with their young players, especially after their best offensive performance of the season. Still, I don’t expect the Broncos to be buyers or sellers. You can add the Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints to this group.
- The New York Jets have received calls about the availability of wideout Garrett Wilson and corner D.J. Reed, but after Thursday night’s win, I don’t expect New York to move them.
- Teams have called the Miami Dolphins to check in on Calais Campbell. Calls have also been made to the Green Bay Packers regarding Preston Smith, especially with the need for pass rushers across the league.
- The Atlanta Falcons have struggled rushing the passer despite the moves they made in the offseason. GM Terry Fontenot knows they need help, so it’s no surprise they are exploring options.
- It’s no surprise the Los Angeles Rams are trying to move cornerback Tre’Davious White. Despite being open to moving wideout Cooper Kupp this time last week, I don’t expect them to trade the veteran.
- No surprise: The Pittsburgh Steelers — who were in on Brandon Aiyuk and later Davante Adams — are still looking for a receiver.
- The Kansas City Chiefs already made their moves, and it was no surprise GM Brett Veach pulled off two trades before we even reached the deadline. Kansas City added wideout DeAndre Hopkins and linebacker Joshua Uche.
Latest on Lamar, Love and Puka
Packers quarterback Jordan Love is listed as questionable as he deals with a groin injury, but he is expected to play against the Lions, per a league source.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson missed two days of practice with back and knee soreness. He returned to practice Friday and is expected to play Sunday against the Broncos.
Rams wideout Puka Nukua is dealing with a knee injury, but it isn’t considered a major issue — it was described to me as “nothing crazy.” I expect him to be back in the lineup against the Seahawks.
Peak witching hour
If you’re looking for a little time on Sunday afternoons to get yard work or grocery shopping done, make sure you’re back in front of your TV for the fourth quarter. Twenty-five games this year have been decided by a game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime, including five last week: wins for Arizona, Cleveland, Green Bay, New England, and Washington.
(Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Interview: The Resilience of the NFL - A Conversation with Charlotte Jones
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of the NFL, focusing not just on the players on the field, but on the incredible resilience that exists behind the scenes. I’m thrilled to be here with Charlotte Jones, the Executive Vice President and Chief Branding Officer of the Dallas Cowboys. Charlotte, thank you for joining us!
Charlotte Jones: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Last week, you experienced a harrowing car accident just before a pivotal game against the San Francisco 49ers. Can you share with us what went through your mind when you first heard about the accident?
Charlotte: Well, it was definitely a shocking moment. I found myself in pain, but my priority was the game. I felt a sense of responsibility to be there for my team and family, and I knew that despite the circumstances, I had to show my support.
Editor: Your dedication is truly inspiring, especially considering you suffered a fractured rib. How did you manage to push through and attend the game while dealing with such discomfort?
Charlotte: It wasn’t easy by any means. I’ve spoken to players who’ve dealt with similar injuries, and I understood the challenges. But I focused on the bigger picture—I had an amazing team to support and a community of fans who count on us. Plus, it was important to me to be present for my brother, Jerry, during what he was going through as well.
Editor: The NFL trade deadline was on everyone’s mind that week. How do you balance the emotional and physical strains of the game with strategic decisions about player acquisitions and trades?
Charlotte: It’s definitely a balancing act. The energy and adrenaline of the game can sometimes overshadow the strategizing we need to do off the field. When you think about trades and acquisitions, you realize it’s not just about the players; it’s about the long-term vision for the team and how we can dynamically build towards our goals.
Editor: Speaking of strategies, there has been a lot of talk about potential trades across the league. What are some key factors that influence these decisions, especially during such a crucial time?
Charlotte: Well, many teams are in different positions, whether they are looking to capitalize on a strong start, like Washington, or trying to regroup, like Cincinnati. It’s critical to assess the current performance and future potential of players, considering injuries, team chemistry, and how those fit into our long-term plans.
Editor: Let’s talk a bit about resilience—both physical and mental. In your view, what separates the toughest individuals in the NFL from the rest?
Charlotte: Resilience in the NFL isn’t just about physical toughness; it’s a combination of mental strength and emotional intelligence. Those who can withstand pressure, adapt to changing circumstances and keep their focus on the goal tend to thrive. Look at our players — they embody that spirit every Sunday.
Editor: It’s impressive how you’ve blended your personal experiences into your professional life. What do you hope your story conveys to others about resilience?
Charlotte: I hope it shows that resilience can be nurtured. Whether you’re facing physical challenges or navigating tough decisions in business, embracing adversity can lead to growth. I believe that when we push through our pain, we reach new heights, not just for ourselves but for everyone involved with us.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Charlotte. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience is a multi-dimensional quality that can inspire both on and off the field.
Charlotte: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep pushing forward!
Editor: Absolutely! That’s a wrap for today—turns out, resilience is at the heart of NFL culture, both on and off the field. Thank you for tuning in!