Jerral Wayne Jones was born on October 13, 1942, making him 84 years old. As the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, he remains one of the most visible, hands-on, and polarizing figures in professional sports. Decades after buying a struggling franchise, Jones continues to dictate headlines, manage front-office operations, and oversee a multi-billion-dollar business empire without stepping away from the daily grind of the NFL.
Understanding how he stays active and influential at this stage of life requires looking past simple headlines about his age. His longevity is fueled by a relentless obsession with football, a diversified portfolio spanning oil, natural gas, and hospitality, and an unorthodox management style that keeps him at the center of the sports world.
Early Life and Collegiate Roots
Long before purchasing America's Team, Jones built a foundation rooted in physical competition and business exposure. Born in Los Angeles, California, he grew up working in his parents' grocery stores in Arkansas. That early introduction to customer service and operations planted the seeds for his future entrepreneurial pursuits.
He attended the University of Arkansas, where he played football as an offensive lineman. He served as co-captain of the 1964 Arkansas Razorbacks team that won a national championship. More importantly, college introduced him to key figures who shaped his life, including his wife, Eugenia "Gene" Chambers, and future head coach Jimmy Johnson, with whom he would later share both immense triumph and public conflict.
Building the Business Empire Before the NFL
Jones didn't make his initial fortune in sports. After a few early business missteps—including an unsuccessful stint with pizza franchises—he found massive success in the oil and gas sector. He founded Jones Oil and Land Lease, an independent exploration company that generated substantial wealth.
That financial backing gave him the leverage he needed in 1989. When H.R. "Bum" Bright wanted to sell the Dallas Cowboys—a team losing millions of dollars annually—Jones stepped in and purchased the franchise for $140 million.
- The 1989 Purchase: Bought the Cowboys, quickly replacing longtime coach Tom Landry with Jimmy Johnson.
- Front Office Control: Appointed himself general manager, a rare move for an NFL owner that he maintains to this day.
- Financial Turnaround: Transformed the team into a global brand and the most valuable franchise in professional sports.
Expanding Beyond the Gridiron
Even as he grew older, Jones diversified his business holdings far beyond football. Through ventures like Comstock Resources, a publicly traded oil and gas company where he serves as a controlling shareholder, and Legends Hospitality—a stadium operations and catering company co-founded with Yankee Global Enterprises—he built an enterprise worth over $20 billion.
This financial engine allows him to fund massive infrastructure projects, such as AT&T Stadium, and maintain significant influence over league-wide media and sponsorship deals. His ability to navigate major economic shifts keeps him relevant in corporate boardrooms as well as locker rooms.
How He Maintains His Active Schedule
At 84, Jones keeps a schedule that would exhaust people half his age. He regularly attends practices, travels with the team, speaks extensively to the media after games, and runs day-to-day operations from The Star in Frisco.
While aging inevitably brings physical hurdles—including past surgeries and hip replacements—his daily involvement is driven by choice rather than necessity. He views stepping back as a concession he isn't willing to make. His children, Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr., hold major executive roles within the organization, creating a family-run corporate structure that supports his ongoing leadership.
Common Misconceptions About Jerry Jones
Public perception of Jones often swings between caricature and reverence. Several myths persist regarding his role and status:
- Myth: He is just a figurehead owner. Reality: Jones is actively involved in personnel decisions, draft strategy, and contract negotiations as the team's general manager.
- Myth: The Cowboys are his only source of wealth. Reality: His early success in oil and gas, alongside massive investments in hospitality and natural resources, built a fortune independent of NFL revenues.
- Myth: He inherited his empire. Reality: He started with regional retail and insurance ventures before building his fortune through independent oil prospecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jerry Jones's exact age?
Jerry Jones was born on October 13, 1942, making him 84 years old.
Does Jerry Jones still serve as the Cowboys' general manager?
Yes. Unlike most NFL owners who hire dedicated general managers to run football operations, Jones has retained the dual role of owner, president, and general manager since 1989.
How much is Jerry Jones worth?
Forbes estimates the net worth of Jerry Jones and his family to be upwards of $23 billion, driven largely by the valuation of the Dallas Cowboys and his holdings in oil, gas, and hospitality.
Did Jerry Jones play professional football?
No. He played college football as an offensive lineman at the University of Arkansas, where he co-captained the 1964 national championship team, but he never played in the NFL.
Are his children involved in the Dallas Cowboys organization?
Yes. All three of his children—Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr.—hold executive vice president positions within the franchise, managing player personnel, marketing, and business operations.
