Who is Jerry Jones? Biography, Career, Family, Net Worth and Untold Facts About Dallas Cowboys Owner

Jerral Wayne Jones Sr., born October 13, 1942, is an American billionaire businessman best known as the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most famous teams in the National Football League (NFL).
He bought the team in 1989 from Bum Bright for $140 million — a deal that turned out to be one of the most successful purchases in sports history.

Under his leadership, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls — XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX — and grew into the world’s most valuable sports franchise, now worth over $10 billion.
Jones himself is now worth around $21 billion as of 2025.

Quick Facts About Jerry Jones

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Early Life and Family Background

Jerry Jones was born in Los Angeles, California, to John “Pat” Jones and Arminta Jones. His family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1945, where his parents ran a local grocery business called Pat’s Super Market.

He played running back at North Little Rock High School, graduating in 1960. Afterward, his family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where his father became president of Modern Security Life Insurance Company — a company that grew rapidly under his leadership.

Jones later became the executive vice president of that company and helped his parents develop Buena Vista Animal Paradise, a 400-acre wildlife park (now called Wild Animal Safari in Missouri).

College Football Career

Jerry Jones attended the University of Arkansas, where he studied business and played football. He was an offensive lineman and co-captain of the 1964 national championship team under coach Frank Broyles.

His teammates included several future legends — Jimmy Johnson (who later coached his Cowboys to two Super Bowls), Barry Switzer, Hayden Fry, and Johnny Majors — all of whom went on to become major college or NFL coaches.

He was also a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity during his college years.

Early Business Ventures

After graduating in 1965, Jones tried several businesses. He borrowed money from Jimmy Hoffa’s Teamsters Union to open Shakey’s Pizza Parlor restaurants in Missouri — but that venture failed.

He then joined his father’s insurance company and later earned a Master’s degree in Business in 1970.
Jones also tried to buy the San Diego Chargers in 1966, but the deal didn’t go through.

Eventually, he found major success in oil and gas exploration through his company Jones Oil and Land Lease, which became extremely profitable in the 1970s and 1980s.

In 2008, he co-founded Legends Hospitality with the New York Yankees, a company that manages food, merchandise, and stadium operations worldwide.

Buying the Dallas Cowboys

On February 25, 1989, Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million. At the time, the team was losing money and struggling on the field.
His first move shocked fans — he fired legendary coach Tom Landry and replaced him with Jimmy Johnson, his old Arkansas teammate.

Although many fans criticized him, Jones’ leadership completely turned the franchise around. Within a few years, the Cowboys became the NFL’s top team, winning three Super Bowls and building a massive global fan base.

Today, under his management, the Cowboys have become a $11 billion empire and are considered the most valuable sports team in the world.

NFL Achievements and Business Success

• Three-time Super Bowl Champion (as owner and GM): XXVII, XXVIII, XXX
• 2014 NFL Executive of the Year
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2017)
• Helped secure major TV contracts that made the NFL the richest sports league globally
• Built AT&T Stadium, one of the world’s most advanced sports arenas

Jones’ work helped reshape how the NFL handles media rights, marketing, and sponsorships. His deals with Fox Sports and stadium naming rights changed how the league earns billions today.

Who is Jerry Jones Married To?

Jerry Jones is married to Eugenia “Gene” Chambers Jones, a former model and Arkansas native. The couple met at the University of Arkansas and married on January 19, 1963.

They’ve been married for more than 60 years and have three children — Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr. — and nine grandchildren.

Gene Jones is often called the “Mother of the Dallas Cowboys” for her constant support of Jerry’s career and contributions to the team’s charity programs.

Jerry Jones’ Children

Stephen Jones

Born June 21, 1964, Stephen serves as the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, and Director of Player Personnel for the Cowboys. He manages contracts, player scouting, and team operations.

Charlotte Jones Anderson

Born July 26, 1966, Charlotte is the Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of the Cowboys and Chairman of the Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board — the first woman ever in that position.

Jerry Jones Jr.

Born September 27, 1969, Jerry Jr. oversees sales, marketing, and business operations as an Executive Vice President of the Cowboys.

Jerry Jones’ Net Worth

As of 2025, Jerry Jones has an estimated net worth of $21 billion.
He made his fortune through oil, gas, real estate, hospitality, and sports.

The Dallas Cowboys, which he bought for $140 million, are now worth over $11 billion.
He also owns an impressive art collection featuring works by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, and Norman Rockwell.

Jerry Jones’ Homes

Dallas Mansion

Jones owns a 14,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style mansion in Highland Park, Dallas. The house features 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 6 fireplaces, a pool, a tennis court, and an elevator.
He bought it in 1992 for $6 million, and it’s now valued at around $33 million.

Florida Beach House

He also owns an 11,500-square-foot beach home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, worth $5.6 million, offering beautiful ocean views and luxury amenities.

Controversies and Criticism

Jones’ hands-on approach and bold decisions have often caused controversy.
He faced backlash for firing Tom Landry and later clashing with Jimmy Johnson, which led to Johnson’s exit despite two straight Super Bowl wins.

He has been fined multiple times by the NFL — including:

• $25,000 in 2008 for criticizing a referee
• $100,000 in 2009 for breaking a labor gag order
• $250,000 in 2025 for making an inappropriate gesture toward fans

In 2024, he finally reconciled with Jimmy Johnson and inducted him into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, ending a 30-year feud.

Legal Issues and Paternity Case

In March 2022, a woman named Alexandra Davis claimed that Jones was her biological father.
Court documents revealed that Jones had paid over $3 million in financial support for Davis and her mother, including tuition and a luxury vehicle.

In February 2024, a court ordered Jones to undergo a paternity test, which brought renewed media attention.

Social and Political Views

A 1957 photo once showed a young Jerry Jones near a group of white students blocking Black students from entering North Little Rock High School during desegregation.
Jones later said he was there “out of curiosity” and expressed regret for not doing more to help.

In 2025, Jones made headlines for donating $1 million to MAGA Inc., a political action committee supporting Donald Trump.

Philanthropy

Jones and his family have donated millions through the Dallas Cowboys Foundation, focusing on youth sports, healthcare, education, and community programs.
They’ve also contributed to Arkansas and Texas hospitals, schools, and cultural organizations.

Jerry Jones in Popular Culture

Appeared as himself in TV shows like Entourage, Coach, Dallas, and The League.

Parodied in South Park and King of the Hill.

Featured in commercials for Pepsi, Papa John’s, and ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Inspired the fictional character Baxter Cain in the 1998 film BASEketball.

Awards and Honors

Pro Football Hall of Fame (2017)

Three Super Bowl Titles (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)

2014 NFL Executive of the Year

Golden Plate Award (1993)

Horatio Alger Award (2013)

Distinguished Texan Award (2010)

Final Thoughts

Jerry Jones is more than just the Dallas Cowboys’ owner — he’s a visionary businessman, a controversial leader, and a driving force behind the NFL’s modern success.
Whether loved or criticized, his influence on American football, business, and entertainment is undeniable.