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 businessman best known as the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. He purchased the team in 1989 and has since been a prominent figure in the league. His tenure has been marked by periods of success, controversy, and significant influence on the NFL's business and entertainment aspects.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1961: Assets increase at Modern Security Life Insurance Co.

In 1961, Modern Security Life Insurance Co., where Jerry Jones' father was president and chairman, saw its assets increase.

1964: Co-captained national championship football 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 co-captain of Arkansas' national championship football team.

1965: Borrowed Money and Opened Shakey's Pizza Parlor restaurants

In 1965, Jerry Jones borrowed money to open a string of Shakey's Pizza Parlor restaurants in Missouri.

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

In 1965, Modern Security Life Insurance Co. assets reached $6,230,607.

1966: Attempt to purchase San Diego Chargers

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

1970: Received 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 started Buena Vista Animal Paradise on 400 acres of their ranch.

1987: Bright wanted to fire Landry

In 1987, Jerry Jones' predecessor, Bum Bright, wanted to fire Tom Landry as early as 1987.

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

On February 25, 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys and fired Tom Landry, replacing him with Jimmy Johnson.

1989: Purchase of the Dallas Cowboys

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

1989: Purchase of Dallas Cowboys and Coaching Change

In 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million and replaced Tom Landry with Jimmy Johnson as head coach.

1992: Super Bowl XXVII Win

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

1993: Ousting of Jimmy Johnson

In 1993, Jerry Jones ousted Jimmy Johnson after two consecutive Super Bowl wins due to conflicts over team building credit.

1995: Super Bowl XXX Win

In the 1995 season, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX under Barry Switzer, after Jerry Jones' ownership.

2003: Bill Parcells Hired

In 2003, Jerry Jones hired Bill Parcells as head coach of the Cowboys and promised him complete control over football matters.

2006: Parcells' relationship with Jones deteriorated

In 2006, Bill Parcells' relationship with Jerry Jones deteriorated after Jones signed Terrell Owens.

2008: Partnership with Yankee Global Enterprises

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

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 Move to Los Angeles

In 2016, Jerry Jones became involved in the St. Louis Rams move back to Los Angeles, brokering 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 as the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, surpassing the combined tenures of his predecessors.

November 19, 2023: Announcement of Jimmy Johnson's Induction

On November 19, 2023, Jerry Jones announced that Jimmy Johnson would be inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor on December 30 of that year.

2023: Reconciliation with Jimmy Johnson

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

November 2024: Net Worth Reported by Forbes

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.