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 an American billionaire businessman, best known as the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He purchased the team in 1989 and has been a prominent figure in the NFL ever since.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1961: Modern Security Life Insurance Co.'s First Statement

In 1961, Modern Security Life Insurance Co., where Jerry Jones' father was president and chairman, issued its first statement, showing assets of $440,299.76.

1964: Co-captaining National Championship Football Team

In 1964, Jerry Jones co-captained the University of Arkansas national championship football team.

1965: Increase in Assets for Modern Security Life Insurance Co.

By 1965, Modern Security Life Insurance Co.'s assets had increased to $6,230,607.

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

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

1966: Attempted Purchase of 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 Master's Degree in Business

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

1971: Establishment of Buena Vista Animal Paradise

In 1971, the Joneses established Buena Vista Animal Paradise after selling the insurance company.

1987: Miami Hurricanes National Championship

In 1987, Jimmy Johnson led the University of Miami Hurricanes to a national championship, before being hired by Jerry Jones to coach the Cowboys.

February 25, 1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys

On February 25, 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys from H. R. "Bum" Bright for $140 million and subsequently fired Tom Landry, replacing him with Jimmy Johnson.

1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys

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

1989: Purchase of Dallas Cowboys and Coaching Changes

In 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys, replaced Tom Landry with Jimmy Johnson as head coach, and assumed the role of general manager.

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 coach Barry Switzer.

2008: Formation of Legends Hospitality

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

2008: Publication of "Playing to Win" by David Magee

In 2008, the book "Playing to Win" by David Magee, about Jerry Jones, was published, in which Jones admitted to handling Landry's firing poorly.

Playing to Win

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July 4, 2012: Appearance on Dallas

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

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2016: Involvement in St. Louis Rams Move to Los Angeles

In 2016, Jerry Jones became involved in the St. Louis Rams' move back to Los Angeles with Rams owner Stan Kroenke, helping to broker a deal for the SoFi Stadium plan.

2020: 32nd Season as Cowboys Owner

The 2020 NFL season marked Jerry Jones' 32nd as the owner of the Dallas Cowboys.

December 30, 2023: Induction of Jimmy Johnson into Cowboys Ring of Honor

On December 30, 2023, Jerry Jones inducted Jimmy Johnson into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, 30 years after ousting him and following Johnson's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.