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Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones is an American businessman and sports executive best known as the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jerry Jones is an American businessman and sports executive best known as the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Los Angeles in 1942, he bought the Cowboys in 1989 and has since been one of the league’s most influential owners. Under his ownership, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls in the 1990s and became one of the world’s most valuable sports franchises.

Early life and education

Jerry Jones was born in Los Angeles in 1942 and later grew up in Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he played college football and was a co-captain of the 1964 national championship team.

Dallas Cowboys ownership

Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 and became one of the most prominent owners in professional sports. He has held the roles of owner, president, and general manager throughout his ownership period.

Team success and influence

During the 1990s, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls under Jones’s ownership. He is widely described as one of the NFL’s most influential owners.

Business career and recognition

Jones made much of his fortune in business before buying the Cowboys. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Key facts

  • Jones has owned the Dallas Cowboys since 1989.
  • He serves as the team’s owner, president, and general manager.
  • He purchased the Cowboys for $140 million in 1989.
  • The Cowboys won three Super Bowls under his ownership in the 1990s.
  • Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
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Canadian context

Jones is relevant to Canadian readers as one of the NFL’s most prominent owners, and the Dallas Cowboys are a major draw for Canadian NFL fans.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jerry Jones?
Jerry Jones is an American businessman and the longtime owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.
When did Jerry Jones buy the Cowboys?
He purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989.
How much did Jerry Jones pay for the Cowboys?
He bought the team for $140 million.
Where was Jerry Jones born?
He was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1942.
What did Jerry Jones do before owning the Cowboys?
He built a business career before buying the team, including work in the oil and gas industry.
Was Jerry Jones in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted in 2017.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Jones
    Supports: Birth date and place, Dallas Cowboys ownership since 1989, purchase price, and role as owner/president/general manager.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jerry-Jones
    Supports: Biographical overview, birth details, Cowboys ownership, Super Bowl titles under his ownership, and influence in the NFL.
  3. Dallas Cowboys — https://www.dallascowboys.com/team/front-office-roster/jerry-jones
    Supports: Official team biography, ownership roles, and Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
  4. Forbes — https://www.forbes.com/profile/jerry-jones/
    Supports: Business background, ownership of the Cowboys, and wealth-related background information.