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, an NFL team. He purchased the team in 1989 and has since been a highly influential, and sometimes controversial, figure in the world of professional football. His leadership has been marked by both success, including Super Bowl victories, and periods of criticism regarding team performance and management decisions. Jones is a prominent personality, actively involved in the Cowboys' operations and often in the public eye.

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. released its first statement.

1965: Growth of Modern Security Life Insurance Co.

By 1965, the assets of Modern Security Life Insurance Co. had increased significantly.

1965: Borrowed money to open Shakey's Pizza Parlor restaurants

In 1965, after graduating from college, Jerry Jones borrowed a million dollars 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.

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 Jones family started Buena Vista Animal Paradise, a tourist attraction with exotic animals.

1987: Bright's Dissatisfaction with Landry

As early as 1987, Jerry Jones' predecessor, Bright, had been dissatisfied with Landry.

1987: Hurricanes win national championship

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

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 soon after fired Tom Landry as coach.

1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys

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

1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys and Coaching Change

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

1989: Cowboys Purchase and League Financial Success

Since Jerry Jones' purchase of the Cowboys in 1989, the franchise has greatly appreciated in value, and much of the NFL's financial success has been credited to Jones.

1992: Super Bowl XXVII Win

In the 1992 season, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVII.

1993: Firing of Jimmy Johnson

In 1993, Jerry Jones fired head coach Jimmy Johnson after two consecutive Super Bowl wins due to a conflict over control of personnel decisions.

1995: Super Bowl XXX Win

In the 1995 season, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX.

2003: Hiring of Bill Parcells

In 2003, Jerry Jones hired Bill Parcells as the Cowboys' head coach, initially promising him complete control over football matters.

2008: Formation of Legends Hospitality

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

2013: Narration of Documentary Film

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

2016: Involvement in Rams Relocation

In 2016, Jerry Jones became involved in the St. Louis Rams' move back to Los Angeles, helping broker a deal to ensure the SoFi Stadium plan passed.

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

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

November 2024: Net Worth and Team Valuation

As of November 2024, Forbes reported Jerry Jones' net worth to be $16.1 billion, with the Cowboys valued at $10.1 billion as the world's most valuable sports team.