Cowboys draft pick John Ridgeway on hilarious Jerry Jones meeting

Dallas Cowboys fifth-round draft pick John Ridgeway shared a funny story of his first time meeting owner Jerry Jones at AT&T Stadium last year. Ridgeway was a standout lineman at Arkansas, Jones’ alma mater, and got a chance to speak with the Cowboys’ owner during the Southwest Classic game held at AT&T Stadium.

John Ridgeway on his promise to Jerry Jones

“New Cowboys defensive tackle John Ridgeway said after Arkansas beat Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium last season, he joked with Jerry Jones,” said The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “‘You’re gonna draft me, watch, and I’m gonna take over the Dallas Cowboys.'”

Ridgeway was asked what Jones’ response to his declaration was, and he said Jones acknowledged him with an Arkansas response.

“He looked at me and smiled and said ‘Woo Pig.’”

Arkansas and Texas A&M play their annual rivalry game at a neutral site location, and last year were hosted by Jones and the Cowboys’ stadium. The two schools began their rivalry game when both were members of the former Southwest Conference, and stopped playing when Arkansas departed for the SEC. The game was re-instated prior to Texas A&M joining the SEC as well, and now is a yearly rivalry game between conference opponents again. Last year, Arkansas and Ridgeway won the contest 20-10 in what could have been a first-look at Ridgeway for the Cowboys’ owner.

The Cowboys’ fifth-round selection wasted no time making himself known to Cowboys fans with his future prediction, as he wanted to be a Dallas player since well before draft day. Ridgeway started 11 of 12 games last season after transferring to Arkansas from FCS Illinois State — only missing the season opener after undergoing an appendectomy.

Ridgeway had 39 total tackles last season to go with 4.0 tackles for loss and two sacks. Between Illinois State and Arkansas, he totaled 141 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and three sacks during his four-year career.

Jones is one of Arkansas football’s most famous alums, having played lineman for the Razorbacks in his own college career. Jones was co-captain of the Razorbacks during their 1964 National Championship.