Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, 82, says an experimental cancer drug has saved his life after a years-long battle with the disease.
In the latest episode of Netflix’s America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys, Jones revealed that he was recently diagnosed again and sought treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He credited a cutting-edge PD-1 immunotherapy for eliminating his tumors.
“I was saved by a fabulous treatment and great doctors and a real miracle [drug] called PD-1 [therapy],” Jones told the Dallas Morning News. “I went into trials for that PD-1, and it has been one of the great medicines. I now have no tumors.”
Years of Cancer Battles
Jones’s fight with cancer dates back to June 2010, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma — a deadly form of skin cancer that had spread. He has undergone two lung surgeries and two lymph node surgeries over the years.
Until recently, late-stage melanoma was considered nearly impossible to cure, with treatment focused on slowing the spread. PD-1 therapies — part of a new class of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies — train the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells directly.
Inspiration for Others
Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer — a thyroid cancer survivor — praised Jones for going public, saying it can give patients hope.
“I’m glad that Jerry shared it because I think it gives people hope,” Schottenheimer said. “When you have that type of diagnosis, to think, ‘I can fight through this and maybe I can catch a break and get lucky,’ that’s great.”
Netflix Series Chronicles His Journey
The Netflix documentary covers Jones’s 1989 purchase of the Cowboys, his controversial firing of coach Tom Landry, and the team’s 1990s dynasty — while also weaving in his personal health battle.
Jones says his message to others facing cancer is simple: advances in treatment are real, and there is hope.
