History of Jerry Jones in Timeline
Jerry Jones is the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, an NFL team. He purchased the Cowboys in 1989 and has been a highly influential, and sometimes controversial, figure in the league. Jones is known for his aggressive business strategies, marketing prowess, and hands-on approach to managing the Cowboys. He has overseen periods of significant success for the team, including multiple Super Bowl victories, as well as periods of criticism regarding coaching and player personnel decisions. He has played a significant role in the NFL's growth and popularity.
October 13, 1942: Jerry Jones Born
On October 13, 1942, Jerral Wayne Jones Sr. was born. He is now known as an American businessman and the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.
1945: Family Moved to North Little Rock
In 1945, Jerry Jones' family moved back to North Little Rock, Arkansas, where his parents owned a supermarket.
1957: Witnessed Integration Argument at School
In 1957, a 14-year-old Jerry Jones witnessed an argument where White students attempted to prevent six African-American students from entering North Little Rock High School in Arkansas, which was beginning to integrate.
1960: Graduated High School
In 1960, Jerry Jones graduated from North Little Rock High School, where he played as a running back.
1960: High School Graduation
In 1960, Jerry Jones graduated from North Little Rock High School, where he played as a running back.
1961: Modern Security Life Insurance Co First Statement
In 1961, Modern Security Life Insurance Co., where Jones' father served as President and Chairman, released its first statement, reporting $440,299.76 in assets.
1963: Married Eugenia Chambers
In 1963, Jerry Jones married Eugenia Chambers, whom he met in college.
1964: Co-captained National Championship Team
In 1964, Jerry Jones co-captained the University of Arkansas national championship football team.
1965: Modern Security Assets Increased
By 1965, Modern Security Life Insurance Co. saw its assets increase to $6,230,607.
1965: Borrowed Money for Shakey's Pizza Parlor Restaurants
In 1965, Jerry Jones borrowed a million dollars to open 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, but was unsuccessful.
1970: Received Master's Degree in Business
In 1970, Jerry Jones received his master's degree in business.
1971: Founded Buena Vista Animal Paradise
In 1971, after selling the insurance company, the Joneses carved out 400 acres to start Buena Vista Animal Paradise, a tourist attraction featuring exotic animals.
1987: Bright Wanted to Fire Landry
In 1987, Bum Bright wanted to fire Tom Landry but GM Tex Schramm advised against it because there was not a suitable replacement available.
1987: Johnson Led Hurricanes to National Championship
In 1987, Jimmy Johnson, who would later be hired by Jerry Jones, led the University of Miami Hurricanes to a national championship.
February 25, 1989: Purchased Dallas Cowboys
On February 25, 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys from H. R. "Bum" Bright and subsequently fired Tom Landry, replacing him with Jimmy Johnson.
1989: Purchased Dallas Cowboys
In 1989, Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys from Bum Bright, marking a significant career milestone.
1989: Purchased Cowboys and Hired Jimmy Johnson
In 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys and promptly replaced Tom Landry with Jimmy Johnson as the head coach.
1989: Took over as Owner, Dallas Cowboys
In 1989, Jerry Jones took over ownership of the Dallas Cowboys, a financially challenged team at the time.
1992: Won Super Bowl XXVII
In the 1992 season, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVII under Jerry Jones' ownership.
1993: Ousted Jimmy Johnson
In 1993, Jerry Jones ousted Jimmy Johnson after two consecutive Super Bowl wins due to a power struggle.
1995: Won Super Bowl XXX
In the 1995 season, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX with Barry Switzer as head coach under Jerry Jones' ownership.
1996: Appeared on TV Show Coach
In 1996, Jerry Jones appeared as himself in an episode of the TV show Coach.
October 8, 2003: Named Least Favorite Sports Personality
On October 8, 2003, Jerry Jones was named the least-favorite sports personality in three states in an online poll by Sports Illustrated.
2003: Hired Bill Parcells
In 2003, Jerry Jones hired Bill Parcells as the Cowboys' head coach, initially promising him complete control over football matters.
2006: Parcells relationship broke down
By 2006, The relationship between Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells had broke down after Jones signed controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens.
September 14, 2008: Fined by NFL for Criticizing Official
On September 14, 2008, Jerry Jones was fined $25,000 by the NFL for publicly criticizing referee Ed Hochuli.
2008: Formed Legends Hospitality
In 2008, Jerry Jones partnered with Yankee Global Enterprises to create Legends Hospitality.
2009: Fined for Violating Gag Order
In 2009, Jerry Jones was fined $100,000 for violating a gag order on labor issues by commenting on revenue sharing.
2010: Appeared in Entourage
In 2010, Jerry Jones appeared in the seventh season of the HBO series Entourage.
2013: Appeared in Pepsi Commercial
In 2013, Jerry Jones appeared in a Pepsi commercial.
2013: Narrated Documentary on Jim Lindsey
In 2013, Jerry Jones narrated a documentary film on Jim Lindsey, his former teammate and business partner.
July 2015: Underwent Hip Replacement Surgery
In July 2015, Jerry Jones revealed that he had undergone hip replacement surgery.
2016: Involved in Rams Move to Los Angeles
In 2016, Jerry Jones was involved in the St. Louis Rams' move back to Los Angeles and brokered a deal between team owners to ensure the SoFi Stadium plan passed.
2017: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2017, Jerry Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport.
2020: 32nd Season as Cowboys Owner
The 2020 NFL season marked Jerry Jones's 32nd as the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, surpassing the combined tenures of his predecessors.
March 2022: Paternity Claim Lawsuit
In March 2022, Jerry Jones faced legal action from a 25-year-old woman claiming to be his biological daughter. The woman is the daughter of a former airline employee that Jones met in Little Rock, Arkansas.
November 2022: Photo Surfaces Depicting Integration Argument
In November 2022, a 1957 photo surfaced showing a 14-year-old Jerry Jones witnessing an argument about school integration at North Little Rock High School.
November 19, 2023: Announced Johnson's Ring of Honor 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: Mended Relations with Jimmy Johnson
In 2023, Jerry Jones mended relations with Jimmy Johnson, inducting him into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, resolving a long-standing conflict.
2023: Equivalent Value of Cowboys Purchase
In 2023, the $140 million Jerry Jones paid for the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 was equivalent to $300 million.
February 29, 2024: Court Orders Paternity Test
On February 29, 2024, a court ordered Jerry Jones to undergo a paternity test regarding the claim of a woman alleging he is her biological father.
November 2024: Net Worth and Cowboys Value
In November 2024, Forbes reported Jerry Jones' net worth at $16.1 billion, with the Dallas Cowboys, valued at $10.1 billion, being his most valuable asset.
2024: Modern Security Assets 1961 and 1965 in 2024 Dollars
In 2024, Modern Security Life Insurance Co.'s assets were reported to be $4,643,041.96 in 1961 and $62,365,606.91 in 1965.
