• Faith: Christian
• Career: Businessman
• Birthday:  October 13, 1942

Jerry Jones is an American billionaire businessman and the owner, president, and general manager of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

Jerry Jones was born Jerral Wayne Jones on October 13, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, but grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas, after his family returned there in 1945. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he played offensive line for the Razorbacks and was part of the team that won the 1964 National Championship.

After graduating, Jones ventured into the oil and gas industry, finding success in Arkansas before making one of the boldest business moves in sports history—purchasing the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 for approximately $140 million. Immediately after taking ownership, he made a controversial decision to replace legendary head coach Tom Landry with Jimmy Johnson, a move that set the stage for a new era.

Jones took on the rare dual role of owner, president, and general manager—something almost unheard of in the NFL. Under his leadership, the Cowboys won three Super Bowl championships in four seasons (XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX), solidifying their reputation as “America’s Team.”

His influence has extended far beyond Dallas. Jones played a key role in major NFL franchise moves, including helping facilitate the Rams’ return to Los Angeles and supporting the Raiders’ relocation to Las Vegas. Known for his business acumen and aggressive deal-making, he has shaped not only the Cowboys but also the broader landscape of professional football.

In 1963, Jerry married Eugenia “Gene” Chambers, his college sweetheart. The couple has three children—Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr.—all of whom hold executive positions within the Cowboys organization. Stephen serves as chief operating officer and executive vice president, Charlotte is the team’s executive vice president and chief brand officer, and Jerry Jr. is the executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer.

Jones resides in Highland Park, Texas, and also owns a home in Destin, Florida. His net worth is estimated to be in the billions, with much of it tied to the extraordinary value of the Cowboys franchise.

Not all of Jones’ personal life has been without controversy. In 2022, he was named in a paternity lawsuit filed by a 25-year-old woman who claimed he was her biological father. Jones settled the case, reportedly covering education and living expenses for the woman over the years, though the story attracted significant public attention. Another sensitive moment came when a decades-old photo surfaced showing Jones at a school integration protest in 1957; he expressed regret for not doing more at the time to support Black students.

In August 2025, Jerry Jones publicly revealed that he had quietly battled stage 4 melanoma for more than a decade. The diagnosis came in 2010, and doctors found that the cancer had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes.

Over the next ten years, Jones underwent four major surgeries—two on his lungs and two on his lymph nodes. In addition to surgery, he participated in clinical trials for a groundbreaking PD-1 immunotherapy drug, a treatment designed to help the body’s immune system target and destroy cancer cells. Jones has described the treatment as life-saving, crediting both the drug and his medical team for his recovery.

By the time of his announcement, Jones was able to share the good news that he now has no tumors.

Jerry Jones' Religious Beliefs

Jerry Jones is an active member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, a historic congregation known for its strong community presence and commitment to the Christian faith. The church is part of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians and has a longstanding tradition of engaging in both local and global missions.

Faith has been a quiet but steady influence in Jones’ life. While he is not often vocal in public about his beliefs, his regular involvement in church life points to the role that his Christian faith plays in shaping his values and priorities.