Jones is known for taking broken players and building them up again

Jerry Jones always does his homework. The Cowboys owner doesn't take monumental risks without knowing all the ramifications.

Jones has acquired multiple players with questionable character over the years. Some had off-the-field problems. Others just made poor choices.

Jones has gone to great lengths to create a positive environment inside the club's Valley Ranch complex. The team has a player-development program, which teaches life and financial management skills. Jones hired former Cowboys star Calvin Hill to work with various players.

"I always want to make sure that is reciprocal," Jones said. "Any individual that comes in here understands that we're paying a pretty big price to have them involved.

"When it's happened, I've learned that certainly you need to make it worth it. The player needs to be an extremely talented player, because there is more to maintain."

A look at some of the athletes Jones has acquired during the years shows he's not afraid to sign high-risk players. The potential reward is sometimes worth it.

Terrell Owens

2006-present

Owens is one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. Yet, when he signed with the Cowboys, fans were equally ecstatic and outraged. The player who some believe disrespected "America's Team" by standing on the Texas Stadium star as a San Francisco 49er became a Cowboy on March 18, 2006.

Those who don't like Owens will point out that he ruined his relationship with the 49ers and quarterback Jeff Garcia. Owens helped Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl, but his relationship with quarterback Donovan McNabb and the Eagles soured so fast that the team suspended Owens for the final nine games of the 2005 season.

T.O. welcomed a fresh start in Dallas. In 2006, he led the league with 13 touchdown receptions and had a team-high 85 catches. In 2007, Owens made his sixth Pro Bowl appearance. Entering this season, he ranks ninth in NFL history with 882 career catches and 10th in yards with 13,070.