Jerral Wayne Jones Sr. (born October 13, 1942) is an American businessman and owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. He purchased the team in 1989 for $140 million, making significant changes, including hiring Jimmy Johnson as head coach.
Under his leadership, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls. Jones is known for his influential role in the NFL’s financial growth, securing TV deals, and increasing the franchise’s value to $10 billion. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, he has an estimated net worth of $8.5 billion.
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Jerry Jones Net Worth
Jerry Jones has a net worth of $13 billion. He made his first fortune as executive vice president of Modern Security Life and founded Jones Oil and Land Lease in Arkansas. In 1989, he purchased the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million, and today the team is valued at around $9 billion.
Under his ownership, the Cowboys’ value grew to $5.5 billion, making Jones a multi-billionaire. He also played a key role in increasing NFL revenues, notably by securing Fox as the NFC’s primary broadcast network.
Early Life
Jerral Wayne Jones Sr. was born in Los Angeles, California, to John “Pat” and Arminta Jones, and moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1945.
His parents owned Pat’s Super Market in the Rose City neighborhood. After graduating from North Little Rock High School in 1960, the family relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where Pat became president of Modern Security Life Insurance Co. Jerral later became executive vice president. The family sold the insurance company in 1971 and established Buena Vista Animal Paradise, now known as Wild Animal Safari.
Career
After graduating in 1965, Jones borrowed a million dollars from the Teamsters Union to open Shakey’s Pizza restaurants in Missouri, but the venture failed. He worked at Modern Security Life and attempted several businesses, including trying to buy the NFL’s San Diego Chargers using Teamsters money.
After earning his Master’s in Business in 1970, he launched Jones Oil and Land Lease. In 2008, he co-founded Legends Hospitality. Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 for $140 million, quickly transforming the team and leading them to two Super Bowl victories.
Personal life
Jones married Eugenia Chambers in 1963, and they have three children: Stephen (COO of the Cowboys), Charlotte (executive VP and CBO of the Cowboys), and Jerry Jones Jr. (chief sales and marketing officer). Jones divides his time between homes in Highland Park, Texas, and Destin, Florida.
As of November 2024, his net worth is $16.1 billion, largely from his stake in the Dallas Cowboys, valued at $5 billion. In 2022, he was involved in a legal paternity case, and in 2022, a photo emerged of him at a racial integration protest in Little Rock.
Who owned Cowboys before Jerry Jones?
Before Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys were owned by H. R. “Bum” Bright, who had purchased the team from Murchison in 1984. Bright sold the Cowboys to Jones in 1989.
Conclusion
Jerry Jones’ journey from a young businessman to an NFL magnate and multi-billionaire is a tale of ambition, risk-taking, and strategic acumen. His influence extends beyond the football field, making him a true titan in sports and business.
FAQs about Jerry Jones
- What was Jerry Jones’ first successful business venture? – His initial success was in the oil industry, where he struck oil in most of his early wells.
- When did Jerry Jones buy the Dallas Cowboys? – He purchased the team in 1989.
- What other businesses does Jerry Jones own? – Besides the Cowboys, he has interests in real estate, hospitality, and food and beverage services.
- How has Jerry Jones influenced the NFL? – Through innovative management and marketing of the Cowboys, he has significantly impacted the league.
- What awards has Jerry Jones received? – His awards include NFL Executive of the Year and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
