No love from Pacman left for the Cowboys

He’s a huge fan of Jerry Jones, but isn’t concerned with the rest of the team.

CINCINNATI — Adam “Pacman” Jones loves Cowboys owner Jerry Jones but not his team, which let him go after one season that was disappointing all-around and became a turning point for his troubled career.

The 29-year-old cornerback has revived his career with Cincinnati, earning a regular role on defense and special teams.

The Bengals (7-5) have won four in a row heading into their game against the Cowboys (6-6) on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

It’ll be Jones’ first time playing against the Cowboys since they released him following a 2008 season that included a six-game suspension for getting into an alcoholrelated scuffle with a bodyguard provided by the team.

“I have nothing against them,” said Jones, who is friends with cornerback Mike Jenkins. “I have no love for the Cowboys. I have all the love for the Bengals.”

Jones was suspended repeatedly during his first three seasons in the league with Tennessee, a team that eventually gave up on him, as well. The Cowboys took a chance, trading a fourth-round pick to get him before the 2008 season.

Jones played in nine games for the Cowboys, starting six, but didn’t snare an interception. He returned 21 punts but averaged only 4.5 yards. He got into the scuffle that drew another suspension and ended his stay in Dallas.

The Cowboys waived him on Feb. 9, 2009, and he was out of the league for a year before Cincinnati brought him aboard for the 2010 season. Jones has settled down and turned into a mainstay on defense, on the field for at least 70 percent of the plays during Cincinnati’s four wins.

Jones also is third in the NFL with an average of 15.3 yards per punt return. He ran one back 81 yards for a touchdown against Cleveland.

“I’m happy that the Bengals did me right,” Jones said. “A little time, a little confidence and the opportunity. They’ve been patient with me through the ups and downs. Now that I get the time, I’m getting a lot of confidence.”

Coach Marvin Lewis said Jones has been receptive to coaching and putting in the time to become better.

“He is under foot daily, in both defense and special teams, and that’s helpful,” Lewis said.