Uncovering a Cowboys legend while thrifting at Goodwill
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I paid $12.99 for the framed photograph before learning it was "Crazy Ray" — a legendary Cowboys fan, unofficial mascot and sideline icon. Photo illustration: Gregory Castillo / Axios
While sifting through old picture frames at my neighborhood Goodwill, I found an autographed photo of a man in full Western gear, striking a pose as if he were about to draw a revolver. Turns out, he might've been the biggest Cowboys fan of all time.
Why it matters: Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones wasn't just a superfan — he was part of Cowboys' lore, and his memory harkens back to a time when the Cowboys were America's Team.
- Dressed in chaps, a vest, and a six-shooter, Jones energized crowds for decades with his larger-than-life personality. He worked the stands, doing magic tricks, cracking jokes, and hyping up fans section by section.
- He began selling pennants at the Cotton Bowl in 1962, and over time grew into one of the most visible symbols of Cowboys fandom.
Zoom in: Jones died in 2007 at age 76. According to the Dallas Observer, he only missed three home games in 46 seasons. He was honored in the Visa Hall of Fans Exhibit at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Though he was never on the payroll, the Cowboys gave him a parking spot and all-access credentials at Texas Stadium, cementing him as a beloved part of the game-day experience.
- "He touched thousands of lives and generations of football fans," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said at the time of Jones' passing. "He will remain an important part of this team's heritage and family for as long as fans go to Cowboys games and feel his spirit."
The big picture: Even 18 years after his death, "Crazy Ray"'s impact still lingers in Cowboys culture.
- A post on the Dallas Cowboys subreddit titled "My great grandfather, Crazy Ray Jones" drew dozens of comments from fans who remembered seeing his larger-than-life personality at games.
- The user behind the post, Spencer Miller, is Jones' great-grandson. He said he's related through his father's side — Jones was the father of his late grandmother, Glinda.
What they're saying: "The response was overwhelming," he tells Axios. "For days, I had happy, joyful tears reading all of the comments about him. It made me even more proud to be a Cowboys fan and continue supporting the team that he poured his heart and soul into."
What's next: The Cowboys kick off their season against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday night — and after a tumultuous offseason, they might need a little of "Crazy Ray"'s magic on their side.
- "I truly think that if he were here today, regardless of how things are looking, he would attempt to bring positivity, fun and the love that we have for the Cowboys and football back year after year," Miller said.