History of Jerry Jones in Timeline

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

October 13, 1942: Jerry Jones Born

On October 13, 1942, Jerral Wayne Jones Sr. was born. He later became the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.

1945: Family Relocation to North Little Rock

In 1945, Jerry Jones' family moved back to North Little Rock, Arkansas.

1960: Graduation from North Little Rock High School

In 1960, Jerry Jones graduated from North Little Rock High School, where he played as a running back.

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.

1963: Marriage to Eugenia Chambers

In 1963, Jerry Jones married Eugenia Chambers, whom he met while they were both college undergraduates.

1964: Co-Captained National Championship Football Team

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

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.

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 carved out 400 acres of their ranch to start Buena Vista Animal Paradise.

1987: Bright's Dissatisfaction with Landry

As early as 1987, Jones' predecessor, Bright, had wanted to fire Landry.

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.

1996: Appearance on Coach

In 1996, Jerry Jones appeared as himself in an episode of the television show "Coach".

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1998: Inspiration for Baxter Cain and Cameo Appearance

In 1998, Jerry Jones was the inspiration for Baxter Cain in the film "BASEketball" and had a cameo appearance in "Dallas: War of the Ewings".

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October 8, 2003: Named Least-Favorite Sports Personality

On October 8, 2003, Jerry Jones was named the least-favorite sports personality by Sports Illustrated in three states.

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.

2007: Diet Pepsi MAX Commercial

In 2007, Jerry Jones appeared in a television commercial for Diet Pepsi MAX.

September 14, 2008: Fine for Criticizing Referee

On September 14, 2008, Jerry Jones was fined $25,000 by the NFL for publicly criticizing referee Ed Hochuli.

2008: Partnership to Create Legends Hospitality

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

2008: Publication of Playing to Win

In 2008, the book "Playing to Win" by David Magee, about Jerry Jones, was published.

Playing to Win

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2009: Fine for Violating Gag Order

In 2009, Jerry Jones was fined $100,000 for violating a gag order on labor issues.

July 4, 2012: Appearance on Dallas

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

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2013: Pepsi Commercial Appearance

In 2013, Jerry Jones appeared in a Pepsi commercial where he enters an elevator with New York Giants fans who look at him with discontent.

July 2015: Hip Replacement Surgery

In July 2015, Jerry Jones revealed at a press conference before Cowboys training camp that he had undergone hip replacement surgery.

2016: Involvement in Rams Move

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

2017: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

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

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.

February 2021: Criticism During Texas Freeze

In February 2021, during the Great Texas Freeze, Jerry Jones and his company Comstock Resources Inc. received criticism for raising prices for natural gas.

November 2022: Photo Surfaces Depicting Integration Incident

In November 2022, a 1957 photo surfaced showing a 14-year-old Jerry Jones witnessing White students preventing African-American students from entering North Little Rock High School.