Jerry Jones’ journey from a small-town football player to one of the most powerful figures in professional sports is a testament to his ambition, vision, and determination
He has reshaped the business of the NFL, turning the Dallas Cowboys into one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world.
Despite the controversies and challenges he has faced, Jones’ impact on the game of football and the business of sports will be felt for generations to come.
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Table of Contents
Jerry Jones: Bio
Jerral Wayne Jones, better known as Jerry Jones, was born on October 13, 1942, in Los Angeles, California.1
However, his connection to Arkansas began early when his family moved to North Little Rock in 1945.
His parents, Pat and Armenita Jones, ran a small grocery business, owning two branches of Pat’s Super Market in North Little Rock.
This early business venture would instill in Jones an understanding of entrepreneurship and the challenges of running a business.
Jones attended North Little Rock High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. He was known for his leadership qualities, but it was his time as a running back on the high school football team that shaped his passion for sports.
This enthusiasm for football continued to grow, influencing many of his future decisions. After graduating in 1960, Jerry’s family relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where his father took on the role of president and chairman of Modern Security Life Insurance Company.
It was during this time that Jerry began thinking more seriously about his own future, weighing his options in both sports and business.
The Tyron Smith press conference is live now: http://bit.ly/m0FScO
— Jerry Jones (@realjerryjones) April 29, 2011
College Football
- Following his high school graduation, Jones decided to attend the University of Arkansas, where he played college football for the Razorbacks.
- His time at Arkansas was transformative. Jones played as an offensive lineman under the legendary head coach Frank Broyles, and the 1964 Razorbacks team was exceptional, going undefeated and winning the national championship.
- This period in college not only solidified Jones’ love for football but also introduced him to key figures who would later influence his career in the NFL.
- Among his teammates was Jimmy Johnson, a future coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and Barry Switzer, who would also play a significant role in the Cowboys’ future.
- Jones’ success in football helped him develop key leadership skills, teamwork, and discipline, which would be crucial in his later business endeavors.
- Despite his passion for football, Jones was also focused on his academic pursuits and entrepreneurial interests.
- After graduating with a degree in business administration in 1965, he briefly flirted with the idea of purchasing a professional football team. However, his first business venture would take him in a different direction.
Jerry Jones: Shaping a Business Empire
Following his graduation, Jerry Jones embarked on his first serious business venture when he attempted to purchase the American Football League’s San Diego Chargers using borrowed money.2
Though this bid was ultimately unsuccessful, it showed his ambition and desire to be involved in professional football. This would not be the last time Jones sought ownership in a football team.
Jones decided to further his education by enrolling in the University of Arkansas’ graduate business program. However, his ambitions quickly drew him back into the business world, and he left school to pursue various opportunities.
One of his first successful ventures was in the oil and gas industry. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Jones founded Jones Oil and Land Lease, a company that explored for and produced oil in Arkansas.
The success of this business provided Jones with the capital and experience necessary to venture into even larger business endeavors.
Jones’ early business success demonstrated his understanding of risk and reward. He proved to be a savvy entrepreneur, investing in the right opportunities at the right time.
This experience would prepare him for his eventual venture into NFL ownership, a move that would define his legacy.
Acquisition of the Dallas Cowboys
In 1989, Jerry Jones made the most significant business decision of his life. He purchased the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million, a substantial sum at the time, especially considering that the Cowboys were struggling both financially and in terms of performance on the field.
Many questioned the wisdom of the investment, as the Cowboys had not been competitive for several years. However, Jones had a clear vision for the team and was determined to turn it into a profitable and successful franchise.
One of Jones’ first controversial decisions as owner was to fire longtime Cowboys head coach Tom Landry, who had been with the team since its inception in 1960. This move shocked the football world, but Jones knew that change was necessary to revitalize the team.
He hired Jimmy Johnson, his former college teammate, to take over as head coach. This decision would soon prove to be pivotal.
Jones and Johnson set about rebuilding the team, making strategic draft picks and trades to strengthen the roster. Under their leadership, the Cowboys drafted future Hall of Famers such as Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.
These players, combined with Johnson’s coaching prowess and Jones’ business acumen, led to the Cowboys’ resurgence in the early 1990s.
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The Cowboys’ Dynasty in the 1990s
The 1990s would become a golden era for the Dallas Cowboys. Under the leadership of Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson, the team won three Super Bowl championships in 1992, 1993, and 1995.
These victories cemented the Cowboys as one of the most successful and iconic franchises in NFL history. During this time, the Cowboys earned the nickname “America’s Team,” a moniker that would stick with them for decades.
Jones’ success during this period was not limited to the field. He revolutionized the business side of the NFL by securing lucrative sponsorship deals and creating new revenue streams for the Cowboys.
He also played a key role in negotiating television contracts for the league, further increasing the Cowboys’ profitability and visibility. Jones’ ability to blend business with sports was unparalleled, and it set a new standard for NFL ownership.
The Jerry Jones-Jimmy Johnson Rift
Despite their success, the partnership between Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson was short-lived. In 1994, just a year after winning their second consecutive Super Bowl, Jones and Johnson had a highly publicized falling out.
Their egos clashed, and Johnson ultimately resigned as head coach. The move shocked the football world, as many believed that the Cowboys were poised to win more championships under Johnson’s leadership.
Jones replaced Johnson with Barry Switzer, another of his former college connections. While Switzer led the Cowboys to another Super Bowl victory in 1995, the team never regained the same level of dominance it had under Johnson.
Many football analysts and fans speculate that, had Jones and Johnson been able to put aside their differences, the Cowboys could have won even more championships in the 1990s.
Jerry Jones: Legacy as a Business Innovator
While the Cowboys’ on-field success has been inconsistent in the years since their 1990s dynasty, Jerry Jones’ legacy as a business innovator has only grown.3
He is widely credited with transforming the NFL into the multi-billion-dollar enterprise it is today. His approach to marketing, sponsorships, and branding has set the standard for professional sports franchises.
Jones also played a significant role in the construction of AT&T Stadium, the state-of-the-art home of the Cowboys, which opened in 2009.
The stadium, often referred to as “Jerry World,” is one of the most advanced sports venues in the world and has hosted numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowls, college football championships, and concerts.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite his business success, Jerry Jones has not been without controversy. He has been criticized for his hands-on approach to managing the Cowboys, often acting as the team’s general manager and making personnel decisions.
This has led some to argue that Jones’ desire for control has hindered the Cowboys’ success on the field in recent years.
Jones has also faced criticism for his stance on social and political issues, particularly in relation to player protests during the national anthem.
His outspoken nature has made him a polarizing figure in both the NFL and the wider sports world.
Jerry Jones: Family
Jerry Jones and his wife, Eugenia “Gene” Jones, have been married since 1963.
Over the decades, their partnership has been an essential element in Jones’ personal and professional success.
Together, they have three children—Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jones Jr.—each of whom has carved a niche for themselves in their father’s vast business empire, most notably within the Dallas Cowboys organization.
Eugenia “Gene” Jones: The Matriarch
Gene Jones has been by Jerry’s side through thick and thin. She is a former beauty queen, having won the 1960 Miss Arkansas USA title.
Beyond her pageant history, Gene has maintained a relatively low public profile, especially compared to her husband, but her role within the family and business has been crucial.
She is often credited with being the glue that holds the Jones family together, offering a grounding influence on the otherwise high-energy and high-stakes lifestyle that comes with running a professional sports franchise.
Stephen Jones: The Heir Apparent
Stephen Jones, born in 1964, is the eldest child of Jerry and Gene. As the executive vice president, CEO, and director of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, Stephen plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the team.
He is widely regarded as his father’s right-hand man and potential successor when the time comes for Jerry to step down.
Stephen has been instrumental in helping to navigate the often-turbulent waters of NFL player contracts, drafts, and free-agent signings.
His input was critical in securing the contracts of key players like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Stephen has not only learned the business from his father but has also helped to modernize and streamline certain aspects of the Cowboys’ management.
Charlotte Jones Anderson: The NFL’s Most Influential Woman
Born in 1966, Charlotte Jones Anderson is one of the most influential women in professional sports today.
She serves as the Cowboys’ executive vice president and chief brand officer, a role that places her in charge of all marketing, fan engagement, and community initiatives.
Under her leadership, the Cowboys have expanded their brand reach far beyond football, becoming a lifestyle symbol that resonates with millions of fans worldwide.
Charlotte’s influence extends beyond the Cowboys organization. She was the first woman to ever lead the NFL Foundation, the league’s charitable arm, which focuses on improving the health and safety of football players at all levels, from youth leagues to the pros.
Her leadership in these areas has not only elevated the Cowboys’ brand but has also significantly impacted the NFL’s image.
Jerry Jones Jr.: The Behind-the-Scenes Powerhouse
The youngest of the three, Jerry Jones Jr. was born in 1969 and serves as the executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer for the Cowboys.
While his older siblings are more publicly recognized, Jerry Jr.’s role is no less important.
He is responsible for managing the franchise’s sales and marketing strategies, ensuring the Cowboys remain one of the most profitable and popular teams in the league.
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