Jerry Jones is 84 years old. Born on October 13, 1942, the longtime owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys has spent decades steering one of the most recognizable franchises in professional sports. His age places him among the oldest active primary owners in the National Football League, yet he remains deeply involved in day-to-day operations, roster decisions, and media appearances.
Understanding his age requires looking at the timeline of his life, specifically how a former college football player transitioned into a wildcapping oil tycoon and ultimately took control of America's Team in 1989.
Early Life and Collegiate Gridiron Success
Jerral Wayne Jones was born in Los Angeles, California, before his family relocated to North Little Rock, Arkansas, during his early childhood. Sports shaped his formative years. He excelled as a running back in high school before heading to the University of Arkansas.
In college, Jones shifted to the offensive line. That positional grit paid off when he served as a co-captain on the 1964 Arkansas Razorbacks team that won a national championship. Playing alongside future Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson forged a competitive foundation that would later define his business and football career.
Entering the Oil Business and Buying the Cowboys
Before purchasing a football team, Jones built substantial wealth in the oil and gas sector through Jones Oil and Land Lease. By the late 1980s, he possessed both the capital and the ambition to enter professional sports ownership.
In February 1989, Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys from then-owner Bum Bright for roughly 140 million dollars. At age 46, he stepped into a struggling organization, promptly fired Tom Landry—the only head coach the franchise had ever known—and hired his former college teammate Jimmy Johnson.
The Championship Era and Front Office Control
The gamble paid off immediately. Jones, Johnson, and a roster featuring Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin constructed a powerhouse. The Cowboys captured three Super Bowl titles in four seasons during the early and mid-1990s.
Unlike many owners who hire general managers to handle football operations, Jones maintained total control. He operates as his own general manager, a polarizing strategy that has drawn intense scrutiny from analysts and fans during the franchise's decades-long championship drought. Despite the lack of a recent Lombardi Trophy, the organization's financial valuation skyrocketed under his watch, turning the Cowboys into a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise.
Honors and Legacy in the NFL
Jones's influence on the business side of professional football earned him widespread recognition beyond the field. The league named him NFL Executive of the Year for the 2014 season.
In 2017, the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Jones as a contributor, cementing his status alongside legendary figures in football history. His tenure spans eras, bridging the gritty, run-heavy football of the 20th century with the high-tech, media-driven landscape of modern sports.
According to historical archives on Pro Football Reference, Jones remains one of the longest-tenured active owners in the league, matched by very few peers in terms of personal visibility and hands-on management.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Jerry Jones born?
Jerry Jones was born on October 13, 1942.
How long has Jerry Jones owned the Dallas Cowboys?
Jones purchased the team in February 1989, giving him well over three decades of continuous ownership.
Does Jerry Jones still serve as the general manager?
Yes. Unlike most NFL owners, Jones holds the official titles of owner, president, and general manager, meaning he retains final say over personnel, trades, and draft choices.
Is Jerry Jones in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Yes, the Hall of Fame inducted him in 2017 in the contributor category for his immense impact on the financial and operational growth of the NFL. Additional details on his career milestones are archived by Forbes.
