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 and often controversial figure in the league ever since.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1961: Modern Security Life Insurance Co First Statement

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

1964: Co-Captaining National Championship Team

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

1964: Co-captain of Arkansas' National Championship Football Team

In 1964, Jerry Jones was a co-captain of Arkansas' national championship football team.

1965: Increase in Assets of Modern Security Life Insurance Co

By 1965, Modern Security Life Insurance Co saw its assets increase to $6,230,607.

1965: Post-graduation Business Ventures

In 1965, after graduating from college, Jerry Jones borrowed money to open Shakey's Pizza Parlor restaurants.

1966: Attempt to Purchase San Diego Chargers

In 1966, Jerry Jones attempted to purchase the American Football League's San Diego Chargers.

1970: Obtaining Master's Degree

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

1971: Establishment of Buena Vista Animal Paradise

In 1971, after selling the insurance company, the Joneses established Buena Vista Animal Paradise, a tourist attraction featuring exotic animals.

1987: Jimmy Johnson Led Miami Hurricanes to National Championship

In 1987, Jimmy Johnson led the University of Miami Hurricanes to a national championship prior to being hired as coach for the Cowboys in 1989.

February 25, 1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys

On February 25, 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys and subsequently fired Tom Landry and hired Jimmy Johnson.

1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys

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

1989: Purchase of Cowboys and Coaching Changes

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

1989: Start of Tenure and Financial Success

Starting in 1989, Jerry Jones' tenure as owner led to the Cowboys' appreciation in value, making him a billionaire and contributing to the NFL's financial success.

1992: Super Bowl XXVII Victory

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

1993: Ousting of Jimmy Johnson

In 1993, Jerry Jones ousted Jimmy Johnson after two consecutive Super Bowl wins due to conflict over personnel decisions.

1995: Super Bowl XXX Victory

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

2003: Bill Parcells Hired

In 2003, Bill Parcells was hired as the Cowboys' head coach.

2006: Parcells' Tenure Ends

In 2006, Bill Parcells' tenure as the Cowboys' head coach came to an end.

2008: Partnership to Create Legends Hospitality

In 2008, Jerry Jones formed a partnership with Yankee Global Enterprises to create Legends Hospitality.

2016: Involvement in St. Louis Rams Move

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

2017: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Jerry Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2020: 32nd Season as Cowboys Owner

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

November 19, 2023: Announcement of Johnson's Induction into Cowboys Ring of Honor

On November 19, 2023, Jerry Jones announced that Jimmy Johnson would be inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor.

2023: Mending Relations with Jimmy Johnson

In 2023, Jerry Jones mended relations with Jimmy Johnson, inducting him into the Cowboys Ring of Honor.

November 2024: Net Worth and Cowboys Valuation

As of November 2024, Forbes reported Jerry Jones' net worth to be $16.1 billion, largely attributed to his ownership stake in the Dallas Cowboys, valued at $10.1 billion as the world's most valuable sports team.