When it comes to culinary preferences, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is as unique as some of his business decisions. The legendary sports figure has a surprising penchant for game meats such as raccoon and squirrel, which might raise eyebrows among some of his players who come from different regional backgrounds. These dining choices stem partly from his Southern roots and lifelong experiences.
Jerry Jones' Southern Palate
For Jerry Jones, game meat is more than a delicacy; it is a nostalgic nod to family traditions and hunting escapades. “I've eaten a lot of raccoon. Yes, the answer is yes,” he affirms, delving into the depths of memory where raccoon was not only a dish hunted but also served at the family table. Such practices are not uncommon in parts of the South where resourcefulness and tradition often intersect culinary habits.
His affection for these meats does not stop at raccoon. Squirrel, prepared skillfully by his mother, holds a place in his list of favorites. “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,” he fondly recalls, painting a picture of family gatherings framed around these unconventional entrees.
Regional Influences in the Locker Room
It is not just Jones who holds such eating habits; cultural roots and regional differences also play an essential role in the culinary adventures of some Cowboys players. Wide receiver KaVontae Turpin, hailing from Louisiana, can relate to Jones' tastes. With a culinary tradition rich in game meats, Turpin expresses comfort in dishes that others might find unusual. “I love squirrel too, you know I'm from Louisiana, so we eat that type of stuff down there,” Turpin remarks, drawing a parallel with his upbringing. Louisiana's diverse and culturally vibrant cuisine has given him a palate that includes not only squirrel but also alligator and frog legs—a testament to the state's eclectic culinary landscape.
Though Turpin has yet to venture into the raccoon realm, his culinary experiences are broadening, thanks to his Louisiana heritage. “In Louisiana, we eat those types of things. Alligator, frog legs, all that type of stuff...” he adds, reflecting a culture that celebrates its unique, swamp-influenced gastronomy.
A Different Taste From Detroit
Meanwhile, other players like Jourdan Lewis bring different tastes to the table. Hailing from Detroit, Lewis's culinary preferences lean towards more traditional protein sources. “Maybe quail, maybe that's the gamiest thing I've ever got. I like bison,” he admits, illustrating a palate less accustomed to the wild game typical in the South. His penchant for bison and quail showcases a taste for cuisines that are often categorized as high-end or gourmet.
Lewis’s background reflects a different kind of Northern simplicity. “I'm basic proteins, I'm ok. ... I'm from up north. I don’t know nothing about that bro,” he states humorously, acknowledging the cultural and geographical divides that influence culinary choices.
The Intersection of Food and Culture
This tapestry of taste preferences within the Cowboys organization is more than just about food—it's a reflection of diverse cultural heritages converging in a locker room united by the sport of football. While raccoon and squirrel may not find their way onto the typical menu of a Cowboys team dinner, they represent the rich and varied backgrounds of its members.
Amid the diversity, the common thread that binds these culinary tales is the essence of home, family, and the nostalgia that accompanies meals shared with loved ones. As Jerry Jones, KaVontae Turpin, and Jourdan Lewis illustrate through their stories, food is not just sustenance—it's a comforting connection to past traditions and individual identities.