Jerry Jones is a well-known American businessman and entrepreneur who is best known for his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys. However, his business ventures extend far beyond the world of professional sports. Jones has invested in a variety of industries, including natural resources, real estate, and media.
Jones’ success is due in part to his early life and education. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended the University of Arkansas, where he played football. After college, he began working in the insurance industry, but eventually turned to oil and gas exploration. His experience in the energy sector would prove valuable in his future business ventures.
Key Takeaways
- Jerry Jones is a successful businessman and entrepreneur who has invested in a variety of industries.
- His early life and education, including his football career at the University of Arkansas, helped prepare him for his future business ventures.
- In addition to owning the Dallas Cowboys, Jones has invested in natural resources, real estate, and media.
Early Life and Education
Jerry Jones was born on October 13, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. However, he grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where his father owned two grocery stores called Pat’s Markets. His mother, Armenita, also worked at the market as the office manager and finance secretary.
North Little Rock Origins
Growing up in North Little Rock, Jerry Jones learned the value of hard work and the importance of community. His father instilled in him a strong work ethic, and he spent much of his childhood working in the family grocery stores. Jones attended North Little Rock High School, where he played football and was a co-captain of the team that won the state championship in 1960.
University of Arkansas Football
After graduating from high school, Jerry Jones attended the University of Arkansas, where he played football under legendary coach Frank Broyles. Jones was a co-captain of the team that won the national championship in 1964. He graduated from the university in 1965 with a degree in business administration.
Jones’ time at the University of Arkansas was instrumental in shaping his future career in the NFL. He learned the importance of teamwork and leadership on the football field, skills that would serve him well in his future business ventures.
Business Ventures
Jerry Jones is not just known for owning the Dallas Cowboys, but also for his extensive business ventures. Jones has invested in various industries including oil and gas, real estate, and technology. In this section, we will take a look at some of his most notable business ventures.
Jones Oil and Land Lease
Jones Oil and Land Lease is one of Jerry Jones’ most significant investments. The company was founded in 1988 and is based in Dallas, Texas. Jones Oil and Land Lease is an oil and gas exploration company that focuses on acquiring and developing oil and gas properties in the United States. The company has been successful in the oil and gas industry, and it has helped Jones build his empire.
Comstock Resources
Comstock Resources is another significant investment for Jerry Jones. The company is a natural gas and oil exploration and production company that is headquartered in Frisco, Texas. Jones invested in Comstock Resources in 2017, and since then, the company has seen significant growth. Comstock Resources has been able to expand its operations and increase its production, thanks to Jones’ investment.
Other Investments
Aside from Jones Oil and Land Lease and Comstock Resources, Jerry Jones has invested in various other industries. For instance, he has invested in Covey Park Energy, a natural gas exploration and production company that is based in Dallas, Texas. Jones has also invested in technology companies like Blue Star Payment Solutions, a payment processing company that offers credit card processing and other financial services.
In conclusion, Jerry Jones is not only a successful businessman but also a savvy investor. His investments in the oil and gas industry, real estate, and technology have helped him build an empire and establish himself as a prominent figure in the business world.
Dallas Cowboys Ownership
Jerry Jones is the current owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, a professional football team in the National Football League (NFL) [1]. He acquired the team from Bum Bright in 1989, and since then, he has reshaped the landscape of professional football, elevating the team to global prominence [1].
Acquisition and Management
Jones’ purchase of the Dallas Cowboys was a landmark moment for the NFL. He paid $140 million for the team, which was the highest price ever paid for a sports franchise at the time [2]. Jones’ management style has been described as hands-on, and he is known for being involved in all aspects of the team’s operations [1].
Stadium Developments
Under Jones’ ownership, the Dallas Cowboys have played in several stadiums, including Texas Stadium and AT&T Stadium [1]. Jones was instrumental in the development of AT&T Stadium, which opened in 2009 [1]. The stadium is known for its impressive size and state-of-the-art features, including the world’s largest HDTV screen [1].
Team Success and Influence
During Jones’ tenure as owner, the Dallas Cowboys have won three Super Bowls and have become one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world [1]. Jones has also been influential in shaping the NFL as a whole. He played a key role in negotiating the league’s television contracts, which have become a significant source of revenue for the league [1].
Jones’ contributions to the NFL have been recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, in recognition of his impact on the league as an owner [1].
Overall, Jerry Jones’ ownership of the Dallas Cowboys has been marked by success on the field and off. His vision and leadership have helped to shape the NFL into the multi-billion dollar industry it is today.
[2] ESPN – Dallas Cowboys ownership at a glance
Real Estate and Art Investments
Jerry Jones is not only known for his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys but also for his extensive business ventures across multiple industries. In addition to his sports and oil investments, Jones has also invested in commercial real estate and art collections.
Commercial Real Estate Projects
Jones has invested in various commercial real estate projects, including the AT&T Stadium, which is the home of the Dallas Cowboys. The stadium is one of the most expensive sports venues in the world, costing over $1.3 billion to build. Jones also owns The Star in Frisco, a 91-acre campus that serves as the team’s headquarters and practice facility. The campus includes restaurants, retail shops, and a hotel.
Art Collection
Jones is also an avid art collector and has an impressive collection of works from renowned artists such as Norman Rockwell, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Henri Matisse. His collection includes Rockwell’s “The Rookie,” which depicts a young baseball player and is considered one of the artist’s most iconic works. Jones also owns Picasso’s “Femme au Chapeau Bleu,” which is a portrait of a woman wearing a blue hat and is valued at over $50 million.
Jones has stated that he considers art to be a good investment and that he enjoys the process of collecting pieces that he finds interesting and beautiful. He has also loaned pieces from his collection to various museums, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming.
Jerry Jones’ business ventures extend beyond sports and oil investments. His investments in commercial real estate and art collections showcase his diverse interests and his willingness to invest in a wide range of industries.
Personal Life
Family
Jerry Jones has been married to his wife Gene for over 50 years, and they have three children together. His son, Stephen Jones, is the executive vice president and CEO of the Dallas Cowboys, while his daughter, Charlotte Jones Anderson, serves as the team’s executive vice president and chief brand officer.
Net Worth and Philanthropy
According to Forbes, Jerry Jones has a net worth of $8.5 billion as of 2023, making him one of the richest people in the world. He has made the majority of his fortune through his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys, as well as his investments in oil, real estate, and other ventures.
Despite his immense wealth, Jones is also known for his philanthropy. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes over the years, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief efforts. In 2017, he pledged $1 million to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, and in 2020, he donated $10 million to help fight racial inequality.
Jones has also been recognized for his charitable work, receiving awards such as the Horatio Alger Award and the Salvation Army’s William Booth Award. He has stated that giving back to the community is an important part of his life, and he encourages others to do the same.
Overall, Jerry Jones is not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated family man and philanthropist. His contributions to the world of football and beyond have earned him a place among the most influential and respected figures in the world.
Media and Public Presence
NFL and Sports Industry Influence
Jerry Jones is known for his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys, which has brought him immense fame and fortune. His influence in the NFL and sports industry is undeniable, and he has been recognized as one of the most powerful figures in the league. Jones has also been instrumental in shaping the direction of the NFL, particularly in terms of marketing and media rights.
Jones has been involved in many high-profile deals in the sports industry. He has worked with major brands such as Nike, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper to promote his team and the league. Jones has also been involved in the hospitality management industry, owning numerous hotels and restaurants in the Dallas area.
Business and Personal Branding
Jerry Jones has built a successful business empire outside of the sports industry. He has been involved in the oil, gas, and real estate industries, among others. Jones has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the Dallas community.
Jones has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the Dallas Morning News and Fox. He has also been a spokesperson for American Express, promoting the company’s products and services. Jones has used his personal brand to promote his businesses and philanthropic efforts, and has been recognized as an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Overall, Jerry Jones has built a strong media and public presence through his involvement in the sports, business, and entertainment industries. His influence and success have made him a household name, and his legacy is sure to continue for many years to come.
Legacy and Impact
Sports Leadership
As the owner, president, and chief operating officer of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones has made a significant impact on the world of sports. Since purchasing the team in 1989, Jones has led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships and has been recognized as the NFL’s Executive of the Year twice. His contributions to the sport have been so significant that he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Jones’ leadership extends beyond the football field. He is also a member of the College Football Playoff Committee and played a key role in the creation of the Legends Hospitality company, which provides high-end hospitality services at sports venues across the country.
Economic Contributions
Jerry Jones’ impact extends beyond the world of sports. He has been a major contributor to the economy of Dallas, Texas, where the Cowboys are based. Jones has overseen the construction of AT&T Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that has become a major tourist attraction in the area. The stadium has also helped to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood, creating new jobs and generating significant economic activity.
In addition to his work with the Cowboys, Jones has also been involved in a number of other business ventures throughout his career. He is the founder and CEO of Blue Star Land, a real estate development company based in Dallas. He has also served on the board of directors for several major corporations, including Comstock Resources and Papa John’s Pizza.
Overall, Jerry Jones’ legacy and impact are significant. As one of the most successful and influential owners in the history of the NFL, Jones has made a lasting impact on the sport and the city of Dallas. His contributions to the economy and business world have also been significant, cementing his status as one of the most important figures in American sports and business.