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 NFL. He acquired the team in 1989 and has since been a prominent figure in the league. His tenure has been marked by both successes and controversies, solidifying his status as a powerful and influential personality in the world of professional football.

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. issued its first statement, showing assets of $440,299.76.

1965: Borrowed money to open Shakey's Pizza Parlor

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

1965: Assets Increase at Modern Security Life Insurance Co.

In 1965, the assets of Modern Security Life Insurance Co. increased to $6,230,607.

1966: Attempted to purchase San Diego Chargers

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

1971: Establishment of Buena Vista Animal Paradise

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

1987: Johnson Led Hurricanes

In 1987, Jimmy Johnson led the University of Miami Hurricanes to a national championship.

February 25, 1989: Purchase of the Cowboys

On February 25, 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys from H. R. "Bum" Bright for $140 million.

1989: Financial issues

In 1989, Bright claimed to be losing $1 million per month on the franchise.

1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys

In 1989, Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL) from Bum Bright.

1989: Purchase of Cowboys and Coaching Change

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

1992: Super Bowl XXVII Win

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

1993: Ousting of Jimmy Johnson

In 1993, Jerry Jones ousted Jimmy Johnson despite coming off of two consecutive Super Bowl wins.

1995: Super Bowl XXX Win

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

2003: Parcells as Head Coach

From 2003 through 2006, Bill Parcells was the Cowboys' head coach.

2006: Parcells as Head Coach

From 2003 through 2006, Bill Parcells was the Cowboys' head coach.

2008: Partnership to Create Legends Hospitality

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

2016: Involvement in Rams Move

In 2016, Jerry Jones became involved in the St. Louis Rams move back to Los Angeles.

2020: Johnson Inducted to Hall of Fame

In 2020, Jimmy Johnson was inducted the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2020: 32nd Season as Cowboys Owner

The 2020 NFL season was Jerry Jones' 32nd as Cowboys owner.

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

On December 30, 2023, Jerry Jones inducted Jimmy Johnson 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.

2023: Equivalent Value of Purchase

In 2023, the purchase price of $140 million in 1989 was equivalent to $300 million.

November 2024: Net Worth Reported by Forbes

As of November 2024, Forbes reported Jerry Jones' net worth to be $16.1 billion, with the Cowboys valued at $10.1 billion.

2024: Asset values comparison

In 2024, the equivalent asset values were compared with 1965.

2025: Donation to MAGA Inc.

In 2025, Jerry Jones donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., a super PAC that supports Donald Trump.

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