Jerry Jones is 83 years old. Born on October 13, 1942, the billionaire owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys has spent decades at the center of the National Football League. While many executives step away from the daily grind long before reaching their eighties, Jones remains deeply involved in roster decisions, team operations, and league politics.
Understanding his age requires looking at the timeline of his life, his entry into professional sports, and the longevity that has defined his tenure as one of the most visible owners in American sports history. He runs the franchise with the same intensity he brought to his early business ventures in the oil and gas sector.
Early Life and Collegiate Roots
Long before purchasing America's Team, Jones grew up in Arkansas and Missouri. Born in Little Rock, he spent his formative years developing a strong work ethic watching his father run a chain of supermarkets and insurance operations.
He attended the University of Arkansas, where football changed the trajectory of his life. Playing as an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Jones was part of the 1964 national championship team. That squad went undefeated under coach Frank Broyles.
Sharing a locker room with future Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson forged lifelong bonds and a competitive fire that would later define his business and ownership style. After college, instead of immediately entering sports management, Jones turned his attention to the corporate world, building a fortune from scratch.
Building a Fortune Before Football
Jones didn't inherit the Dallas Cowboys. He earned the capital required to buy the franchise through aggressive entrepreneurship in the oil and gas industry.
After completing his education, he founded AmeriPacific Resources, an oil and gas exploration company based in Arkansas. He took calculated risks, drilling wells when others hesitated.
When energy markets fluctuated, his ventures paid off handsomely. By the late 1980s, he had accumulated significant wealth. That financial foundation gave him the liquidity needed to make a massive splash in professional sports when the right opportunity emerged.
Buying the Dallas Cowboys
In February 1989, Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys from H.R. Bright for a reported $140 million. The franchise was losing roughly $1 million a month at the time, and the sale came with substantial financial risk.
His first major decision sent shockwaves through Texas: he fired legendary coach Tom Landry on his very first day as owner, replacing him with his former college teammate Jimmy Johnson. Fans were furious. Sports talk radio erupted with criticism.
Yet, the gamble paid off rapidly. Within a few seasons, the Cowboys transformed from a struggling franchise into a dominant dynasty, capturing Super Bowl victories in the 1992, 1993, and 1995 seasons.
Management Style and Executive Longevity
Most NFL owners delegate roster management to general managers and head coaches. Jones took a different path.
In 1989, he appointed himself general manager, a title he still holds today. That dual role makes him unique among modern sports executives. He handles contract negotiations, trade discussions, and draft strategies directly.
Criticism often follows this structure, especially given that the Cowboys haven't reached an NFC Championship Game since the 1995 season. Yet, his durability in the role is unmatched. He works out of a sprawling office at The Star in Frisco, overseeing practice facilities, commercial real estate ventures, and league committee meetings daily.
Personal Life and Family Involvement
Age hasn't slowed down the family business model. Jones works alongside his children, who hold vital executive positions within the organization.
His son Stephen Jones serves as the executive vice president, chief operating officer, and director of player personnel. His daughter Charlotte Jones handles brand management and philanthropic efforts as the executive vice president and chief brand officer, while his son Jerry Jr. serves as chief sales and marketing officer.
This family-centric approach ensures that the franchise remains tightly controlled by the Jones family. His wife, Eugenia Jones, whom he married in 1965, remains a steady presence alongside him through decades of public scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Jerry Jones born?
He was born on October 13, 1942.
Is Jerry Jones the oldest owner in the NFL?
No. While he is among the oldest, other owners have reached more advanced ages, such as the late Virginia Halas McCaskey of the Chicago Bears, who maintained ownership ties past her one-hundredth year.
Did Jerry Jones ever play professional football?
No. He played college football as an offensive lineman at the University of Arkansas but did not play professionally in the NFL or AFL, choosing instead to enter business and corporate leadership.
How long has he owned the Dallas Cowboys?
He purchased the team in February 1989, marking over three decades of continuous ownership.
