San Francisco 49ers Fans Aren't Buying Jerry Jones' Postgame Comments on Turnout

ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, when asked after his team’s 28-17 loss about the large contingent of San Francisco 49er fans that turned out in a sold out AT&T Stadium for Sunday’s season-opener, contends he wasn’t aware of the sea of red-clad witnesses.

Said Jones to reporters when asked about the massive turnout that could be visibly seen decked out in red in his $1.3 billion stadium: “Listen, I'm interested in the football game and what went on with the game. It's not good when you don't win—from any perspective, marketing or otherwise. I had my eye on those turnovers and interest on those turnovers. I'm not even sure I know what you are talking about, to tell you the truth. OK?"

Longtime 49er fan Teresa Carter, meanwhile, said she isn’t buying Jones’ comments.

“I'm not buying that he didn't see the sea of red in the stands,” Carter said. “I mean, you would have to have been blind not to see it. People that watched the game on TV could see that. I think that he was just salty about the way the game was going, and since it didn't go in their favor, he will say anything to dismiss the fact that the 49er Empire from all over the world took over the AT&T Stadium.”

Having united with thousands of San Francisco fans that showed up hours before Sunday’s kickoff wearing red, Carter was delighted to see the strong support for a team she says boasts fans who travel well, regardless of where the 49ers are playing.

According to 49er fans, Sunday’s turnout was facilitated by a nationwide network on social media deemed the Niner Empire.

Carter, a native of Memphis who currently resides in Dallas, purchased her ticket for the game weeks after the NFL released its 2014 schedules. Once she made her way inside of AT&T Stadium, she immediately was brought to smiles in an atmosphere that seemed more like a home game for the 49ers.

“I would say 65 percent 49ers to 35 percent Cowboys,” said Carter, when asked what she sensed was the percentage ratio of fan support. “I am actually surprised at how many Niner fans showed up and showed out in Dallas. 

"We had events planned the whole weekend leading up to the game, and just to see and meet so many fans who traveled from all over to attend this game was awesome. And once I got inside the stadium and saw all the sea of red, I was in awe. We have a faithful 49er fanbase. And for me to be able to witness it in person was a memory that I will forever cherish. There were more 49er fans than Cowboy fans in attendance.”

They didn’t leave the building disappointed.

The first half was a lopsided affair as San Francisco built a 28-3 lead by intermission, thanks in large part to a stellar showing from its short-handed defensive unit, which was without four key starters. The 49ers intercepted Dallas quarterback Tony Romo three times, which translated into 14 points in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated.

Though San Francisco fans appeared raucous from the outset in a stadium that local media pundits labeled “Candlestick South” because of Sunday’s turnout, Niner fan Kontar Macklin agreed with Carter that a majority of the crowd favored the opposition, resulting in a home disadvantage for Dallas.

“I would say the game was like 60 to 65 percent 49er fans easily,” said Macklin who made the trip to Texas from Tennessee. “I’m not surprised. This is my third (49ers) road game, and San Francisco is always deep.”

Longtime Cowboys fan Andrew Jackson Jr. wasn’t surprised Sunday’s turnout in AT&T Stadium was, according to many, a 50-50 split, considering Dallas’ Metroplex is comprised of thousands of 49er faithful.

A Dallas-area pastor since 1986, Jackson gave his ticket to Sunday’s game to his son Anson, who, like the massive red-clad crowd that invaded the building known as “Jerry’s World,” is an avid Niners fan.

“As it relates to the large 49er fanbase, there are lots of 49er fans in Dallas,” Jackson said. “The way the secondary tickets were sold had something to do with it. When the Saints play the Cowboys on September 28, you will see the same thing.”

Andre Johnson is a regular contributor for Bleacher Report. Based in Dallas, Texas, Johnson covers the NFL and the NBA's Southwest Division. To reach Johnson, send an email to [e-mail]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.