Cowboys owner Jerry Jones responds to Mark Cuban’s warning about NFL greed: ‘I know more about pigs than Mark does.’

Mark Cuban’s colorful assessment of the NFL’s greed led him to talk about how pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered.

One of those pigs had a good-natured retort Monday from the NFL Meetings.

“I respect Mark,’’ Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “But with all due respect, I know more about pigs than Mark does.

“I was taught as a Razorback to be lean and mean, not a little fat pig.’’

On the eve of these meetings, before an overtime loss to Brooklyn, the Mavericks owner predicted a decline in popularity for the NFL and said the league was 10 years away from an implosion.

Jones and Cuban are friends. The graduate of the University of Arkansas doesn’t dismiss Cuban’s greater point about how saturation or too much TV exposure can dilute interest.

“I agree with him and run scared,’’ Jones said. “Any time you’re having success, then it’s a fool who’s not aware that that could change.

“I’m proud of the success we’re having and want to continue at the league and franchise level to improve and have a better product for our fans. If we can do that, then we can maintain our relevance.’’

Cuban considers it a poor decision by the NFL to expand its television package. The league announced a one-year deal last month with CBS and the NFL Network to broadcast Thursday night games, building on a limited package that began in 2006.

Jones said the charge of the owners is to grow the financial pie and this decision wasn’t made without plenty of research.

“We’re not just out here putting our finger up in the breeze,’’ Jones said. “This is based on the kind of interest we have.

“Thursday night has not in any way impacted Monday or Sunday night or impacted Sunday afternoon. As a matter of fact, we think it has enhanced the interest.’’