It was supposed to be another routine Sunday for Jerry Jones and his family, a tradition of support and presence as the Dallas Cowboys prepared to face the San Francisco 49ers. As they arrived at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for the prime-time clash, a freak accident threw an unexpected wrench into their evening plans. Just as the Cowboys caravan approached the stadium entrance, an unexpected encounter with a rising barricade disrupted the family’s usual march to the owner’s suite.

Reports indicate that a vehicle carrying Jones’ daughter, Charlotte Jones Anderson, his son, Jerry Jones Jr., and his grandson, Shy Anderson Jr., was hit by the stadium barricade. The incident occurred in full view of the team entourage, adding an eerie prelude to what would be a challenging night on the field.

Inside the vehicle, Charlotte and Jerry Jr. were immediately evaluated by Cowboys medical personnel stationed at the stadium. Both appeared shaken but stable enough to make their way into the venue. Charlotte reportedly sustained a rib injury, while Jerry Jr. suffered a minor head injury. Despite the unsettling start to their evening, the two made their way to the visiting owners’ suite, demonstrating the family’s usual resilience.

Known for their unwavering support, Jerry Jones’ children often accompany the team on away games, blending business and passion as they oversee multiple facets of the franchise. Charlotte, the Cowboys’ executive vice president and chief brand officer, is well-regarded for her influential role, including her historic position as the first female chairperson of the NFL Foundation. Her presence is a symbol of the Jones family’s deep-rooted investment in the Cowboys’ legacy.

Jerry Jones Jr., the franchise’s chief sales and marketing officer and another executive vice president, plays a crucial role in branding and partnership strategies, essential to the Cowboys’ national identity. Both he and Charlotte, along with their brother Stephen, share co-ownership of the team, cementing their influence across the organization.

On a night that would see Dak Prescott and the Cowboys test their mettle against one of their toughest competitors, the Jones family incident added a somber undertone. Coming off a significant loss to the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys, at 3-3, faced mounting pressure. A win was crucial to keep pace with NFC East leaders, the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, as they vied to defend their 2023 division title.

Jerry Jones, who himself is often present on the sidelines, was visibly focused on both family and football. As the game progressed, all eyes were on the Cowboys’ performance-and, in a quieter sense, on the Jones family, whose loyalty to the franchise seemed unshaken by the night’s earlier misfortune.

As Dallas sought to put their best foot forward on the field, the Jones family’s enduring support served as a reminder of their commitment to the Cowboys, through thick and thin, and, sometimes, even unexpected barricades.