Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is the most recognizable owner in professional sports. His journey from a small town in Arkansas to becoming one of the most influential figures in the National Football League is worth exploring.

Simple Beginnings

Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1942, Jones grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas. His father owned a grocery store, and Jerry was reportedly expected to take over the family business. Jerry had other plans, his passion for football led him to the University of Arkansas, where he played as an offensive lineman for the Razorbacks, winning the National Championship in 1964.

Post College

Jones married Eugenia Chambers in 1963, whom he met while both were college undergraduates. They have three children. Stephen Jones is the Cowboys’ chief operating officer, executive vice president, and director of player personnel. After graduating with a degree in business, Jones ventured into the oil and gas industry. His success in this field allowed him to accumulate significant wealth, which he eventually used to purchase the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. At the time, the team was struggling both on and off the field, but Jones made it his passion and turned things around.

Straight to Work

Under Jones’s ownership, the Cowboys quickly became one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. He hired his Arkansas teammate, the legendary coach Jimmy Johnson, and together they built a team that won back to back Super Bowl championships in the 1990s. Using blockbuster trades and spending money he didn’t have, Jones build a Dynasty that would leave him with 3 rings in the first decade of ownership.

Jerry is “Hands-on”

Jones’s hands-on approach to team management and his willingness to spend money on top talent earned him both praise and criticism. His relationship with Jimmy Johnson soured and they parted ways after winning 2-straight rings. Jones once again reached into the College Football ranks and hired Oklahoma legend, Barry Switzer. The team managed to win one more ring in the 1995 season with Switzer at the wheel but dropped off fast and hasn’t won a Super Bowl since.

Jerry the Businessman

Off the field, Jones has been an aggressive businessman, using his marketing skills to turn the Cowboys into a global brand. He purchased the team for $140 Million in 1989 and in 2024 the team is valued at $9 Billion. The team’s home stadium, AT&T Stadium, is one of the most iconic venues in sports, and the Cowboys’ merchandise is among the best-selling in the NFL. Embracing the “America’s Team” motto Jones has made the franchise the most loved as well as the most hated in the NFL.

The Ever Controversial Jerry

Jones has also been a controversial figure at times. He has been accused of meddling in team affairs, and his decision to fire Johnson in 1994 was met with widespread criticism. After a drought of 28 years, many have called for him to step down as GM or even sell the team. The media continues to seek out Jones before and after games and he continues to oblige and often offer controversial remarks that keep him in the spotlight.

Jones’ Legacy

Despite the controversies, there is no denying Jones’s impact on the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys. He has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his team remains the most popular and valuable franchise in all of sports. Now in his 80s, Jones shows no signs of slowing down, and his legacy as one of the most influential owners in NFL history is secure. The question is will he finish that legacy with redemption for his critics and win one more ring? Or will it take a complete management change in Dallas to put them back on top?

*Photos courtesy of ESPN, SI, DallasCowboys.com

We Like Sportz Cowboys Writer- Reggie Sanderson

Follow him on X: @Irish_Cowboy88

Co-host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast. On X: @SonsofStarPod