Early Life and Education
Raised in a middle-class family, Jerry Jones was always interested in sports, especially football. His father, J.W. Jones, was a successful businessman who owned a chain of grocery stores. This early exposure to business likely influenced Jones’ future endeavors.
Jerry Jones attended North Little Rock High School, where he was an outstanding football player. His athleticism earned him a scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where he played as an offensive lineman. His college football career was promising, but he didn’t make it to the professional leagues. However, his passion for the sport never faded.
Jones studied economics and business
In college, Jones studied economics and business, which laid the groundwork for his future as a savvy businessman. His understanding of the financial world would prove essential when he eventually became the owner of the Dallas Cowboys.
Business Ventures
Before becoming a football icon, Jerry Jones was already a businessman with a sharp mind for investments. After college, he ventured into the oil industry, where he made his first major fortune. By the time he was in his 30s, Jones was already a millionaire. However, his ambitions didn’t stop there. He was always looking for ways to increase his wealth, and his passion for football eventually led him to a new venture.
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In 1989, Jones made a decision that would change his life forever. He purchased the Dallas Cowboys, a team struggling at the time, for $140 million. Little did anyone know, this was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Dallas Cowboys Ownership
When Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys, the team was in dire financial straits. However, Jones brought with him a vision that would revolutionize not only the team but the entire NFL. He took a hands-on approach to management, which included hiring a new coach, Jimmy Johnson, who would help lead the Cowboys to multiple championships. Under Jones’ ownership, the Cowboys became one of the most valuable franchises in sports history.
Jones made several significant investments in the Cowboys, such as building the AT&T Stadium, which opened in 2009. This state-of-the-art facility is one of the most impressive stadiums in the world, offering an unforgettable experience for fans and enhancing the team’s brand.
Jones also made strategic moves that turned the Cowboys into a global brand. Through his leadership, the Cowboys became one of the most recognized sports teams in the world, which had a direct impact on his wealth.
Influence and Criticism
While Jerry Jones’s business acumen and success as an NFL owner are undeniable, his management style has not been without controversy. Many criticize him for being overly involved in the day-to-day operations of the team, especially in terms of player selection and coaching decisions. Some argue that his interference has prevented the Cowboys from reaching their full potential in recent years.
Despite the criticism, Jones has maintained a strong presence in the league. He is known for his bold, outspoken opinions and has become one of the most powerful figures in the NFL. His influence extends beyond the Cowboys, as he has a significant say in the decision-making processes of the NFL as a whole.
Personal Life
Off the field, Jerry Jones is a family man. He is married to Eugenia “Gene” Jones, and the couple has three children: Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr. Stephen and Charlotte are both involved in the family business, with Stephen serving as the Cowboys’ executive vice president and Charlotte handling the team’s charitable endeavors.
Jones has always been philanthropic, supporting a variety of causes, including education, medical research, and cancer awareness. He is also a major donor to the University of Arkansas, where he played football in his youth.
Jerry Jones’s Net Worth: How the Cowboys Owner Made His Money
Jerry Jones’s net worth has skyrocketed thanks to his successful ownership of the Dallas Cowboys. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at over $13 billion, making him one of the wealthiest sports team owners in the world. The Dallas Cowboys, which Jones bought for $140 million, are now worth a staggering $6.5 billion.
A significant portion of Jones’s wealth comes from the Cowboys
Massive media deals. The NFL generates billions of dollars annually from television rights, and Jones’s team receives a substantial portion of this revenue. Additionally, the Cowboys have lucrative sponsorship deals and merchandising revenues, all of which contribute to Jones’s wealth.
Jerry Jones’s financial success is also tied to his real estate ventures. He owns various properties, including luxury hotels and office buildings. His investments in the oil industry earlier in his career helped to establish the foundation for his fortune.
Conclusion
Jerry Jones journey from a young football player to a billionaire owner of the Dallas Cowboys is a remarkable story of ambition, risk, and vision. His net worth today is a testament to his business savvy and determination. Despite facing criticism throughout his career, Jones has proven that his leadership and ability to grow the Cowboys into a global brand were more than just luck—they were the result of smart decisions and hard work.
From his early life in Arkansas to his successful ventures in business and football, Jerry Jones has left an indelible mark on the sports world. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs, football fans, and sports team owners alike.
