Jerry Jones put football aside during the Cowboys’ Week 4 game to help a player be there for a life-changing moment

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James had more on his mind than football during the team’s Week 4 game against the Houston Texans. His wife, Erica Lewis, had gone into labor, and James learned the news at halftime. He stayed on the field and finished the game, but getting home quickly became his priority. The Cowboys won 34-30, yet the result was only part of the story. Owner Jerry Jones offered James a seat on the Jones family’s private plane, helping him reach his wife in time for the birth of their first child.Jerry Jones helped Shemar James get home after the Cowboys’ winJames was facing a race against time after learning that his wife was in labor. Lewis had gone into labor before kickoff but waited until halftime to tell him because she wanted him to remain focused on the game.The 22-year-old linebacker finished the contest before making arrangements to get back to Dallas. Jones then offered him a place on the family’s private plane, cutting down the journey home. An Uber was also waiting at the hangar to help James reach the hospital without losing more time.Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer shared the news with reporters after the game, making clear that James was already on his way home while others were still leaving the field."Shemar James' wife is in labor and he'll be flying home with the Joneses, and that's pretty cool," Schottenheimer said. "Praying for an easy delivery, and God is good."The assistance gave James a chance to be present for a moment that no professional football result could replace. He reached the hospital in time to witness the birth of his son, Shemar James Jr., who weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces.Shemar James says the Jones family’s support meant a lotJames spoke about the experience with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Tuesday, October 6. He said the help showed that the organization cared about players beyond their work on the field."It was cool to see that they care more about just football," James told the publication. "They care about our personal lives. That meant a lot to me that the Jones family was able to allow me to get on the plane and have the Uber there waiting at the hangar to make it to my wife."James also described his reaction when he first heard the news at halftime. He knew he needed to get home as soon as the game ended, and he credited the Cowboys' support staff, including director of security Cable Johnson, for helping make the trip possible."My wife went into labor before the game, and she didn't want to tell me until halftime," he said. "She wanted to keep me focused on the game. It was kind of surreal. When I heard it, I was like, I got to go right now, but [Cowboys Director of Security] Cable Johnson and the support staff were so helpful."The birth ended a stressful day on a happy note. James said both his wife and son were healthy, and he was grateful to begin life as a father and husband. For the rookie linebacker, the trip home became a memory far bigger than the Cowboys' narrow win in Houston.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.