Early Life
Jerral Wayne “Jerry” Jones was born on October 13, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. His family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, when he was young, where his father opened a grocery store. During his high school years, Jones played football. He attended the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship, where he was co-captain of the 1964 national championship team. He graduated in 1965 with a degree in business and later earned a Master's degree.
Rise to Success
After graduating, Jones entered the business world. He started his own oil and gas venture, Jones Oil and Land Lease, in 1971, which proved successful. In 1989, Jones made a significant move by purchasing the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million. This acquisition marked a pivotal moment, as he transformed the financially struggling franchise.
Key Business Strategies
Under Jones's leadership, the Cowboys experienced a remarkable turnaround, winning three Super Bowls in the 1990s. He focused on generating revenue through sponsorships, media deals, and the construction of state-of-the-art facilities like AT&T Stadium. His business acumen and high-profile decisions have significantly contributed to the NFL's financial success and the Cowboys' valuation, making them one of the most valuable sports franchises globally.
Philanthropy
In 1997, Jones began the tradition of kicking off the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign during the Dallas Cowboys halftime show on Thanksgiving Day. Jones also supports various charitable initiatives, though specific amounts are not readily available in the search results.