Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jerry Jones

How Jerry Jones built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jerry Jones is the billionaire owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys since 1989. He purchased the NFL team and has been a prominent figure in its operations and management since.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1961: First statement of Modern Security Life Insurance Co.

In 1961, Modern Security Life Insurance Co. had its first statement.

1965: Borrowed from Teamsters union to open Shakey's Pizza Parlor restaurants

In 1965, after graduating from college, Jerry Jones borrowed a million dollars from Jimmy Hoffa's Teamsters union to open a string of Shakey's Pizza Parlor restaurants in Missouri.

1965: Assets increase for Modern Security Life Insurance Co.

In 1965, the assets of Modern Security Life Insurance Co. increased.

1966: Attempted to purchase the San Diego Chargers

In 1966, Jerry Jones attempted to purchase the American Football League's San Diego Chargers, again using Teamsters money, but was unsuccessful.

1970: Received his master's degree in business

In 1970, Jerry Jones received his master's degree in business.

1971: Creation of Buena Vista Animal Paradise

In 1971, the Jones family carved out 400 acres of their ranch to start Buena Vista Animal Paradise.

February 25, 1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys and Firing of Tom Landry

On February 25, 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million and subsequently fired longtime coach Tom Landry, replacing him with Jimmy Johnson.

1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys

In 1989, Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys from Bum Bright.

1992: Super Bowl XXVII win

In the 1992 season, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVII under Jerry Jones' ownership.

1995: Super Bowl XXX win

In the 1995 season, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX under Barry Switzer's leadership, after Jones had replaced Jimmy Johnson.

2003: Bill Parcells hired as Cowboys head coach

In 2003, Bill Parcells became the head coach of the Cowboys.

2006: End of Bill Parcells' tenure

In 2006, Bill Parcells' tenure as the Cowboys head coach ended.

2008: Formation of Legends Hospitality

In 2008, Jerry Jones formed a partnership with Yankee Global Enterprises to create Legends Hospitality, a food, beverage, merchandise, retail, and stadium operations corporation.

2010: Appearance on Entourage

In 2010, Jerry Jones appeared as himself in the seventh season of the HBO series Entourage.

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July 4, 2012: Appearance on Dallas

On July 4, 2012, Jerry Jones appeared in an episode of the TNT incarnation of Dallas titled "Truth and Consequences".

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2013: Pepsi Commercial Appearance

In 2013, Jerry Jones appeared in a Pepsi commercial where he entered an elevator with three men wearing New York Giants apparel.

2013: Narration of Jim Lindsey Documentary

In 2013, Jerry Jones narrated a documentary film on his former teammate and business partner Jim Lindsey.

2016: Involvement in the St. Louis Rams' move back to Los Angeles

In 2016, Jerry Jones was involved in the St. Louis Rams' move back to Los Angeles, helping to broker a deal between Kroenke, Spanos, and Davis to ensure the SoFi Stadium plan passed.

2020: 32nd season as Cowboys owner

The 2020 NFL season marked Jerry Jones' 32nd year as the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, surpassing the combined tenures of his predecessors.

December 2023: Induction of Jimmy Johnson into the Cowboys Ring of Honor

On December 30, 2023, Jimmy Johnson was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, after Jones had initially refused to do so for 30 years, and after Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.