Who Owns Cowboys? Getting To Know The Team's Leader In 2024

Many folks wonder, really, about the people behind the biggest names in sports, and that includes the Dallas Cowboys. It’s a pretty common question, so, who exactly holds the reins for one of the most talked-about football teams? Just like when people go online to find out about job openings, with millions looking for work each month, a lot of us also search for details about our favorite teams. Finding clear, reliable information is, you know, quite important, whether it's about employment or the ownership of a famous sports franchise.

There's a good reason why this question pops up so often. The Dallas Cowboys are, after all, often called "America's Team." They have a huge following, and their games draw a lot of viewers. So, it makes sense that fans, and even those just casually interested, would want to know who is at the very top, making the big decisions. It’s a bit like wanting to know the person behind a company you admire or a brand you follow closely, isn't it?

Knowing who owns a team like the Cowboys gives you a different perspective on its direction, its values, and even its overall approach to the sport. It's a bit like testing your knowledge with a quiz, actually, where you might think you know the answer but then learn something new and surprising. We're going to explore this very question, giving you a clear picture of the individual who guides this iconic football organization, and how they came to be in that position, so you can really understand the story.

Table of Contents

• Jerry Jones: The Man in Charge
• A Look at Jerry Jones: Early Life and Career
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• How Jerry Jones Acquired the Cowboys
• The Impact of Jerry Jones' Ownership
• The Cowboys' Business Empire
• The Fan Perspective and Public View
• Frequently Asked Questions

Jerry Jones: The Man in Charge

When you ask, "Who owns Cowboys?", the answer, quite simply, is Jerry Jones. He is the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. He bought the team back in 1989, and since then, he's been the driving force behind everything related to the franchise. This makes him one of the most powerful people in professional sports, really, and his presence is often felt throughout the league. It's pretty interesting how one person can have such a wide reach.

His ownership has been, shall we say, a bit of a roller coaster, but it has definitely been eventful. Under his watch, the Cowboys have seen both incredible highs, like multiple Super Bowl wins in the 1990s, and some challenging periods too. He's known for being very hands-on with the team, which is something you don't always see with other owners. He's, you know, deeply involved in player decisions, coaching hires, and even the day-to-day operations of the club.

This level of involvement is quite unique, especially for a team of this size and prominence. Most owners might hire a general manager to handle the football side of things, but Jerry Jones takes on that role himself. This approach, for better or worse, has become a hallmark of his time leading the Cowboys. It's a distinct style, very much his own, and it certainly shapes how the team operates, as a matter of fact.

A Look at Jerry Jones: Early Life and Career

Before Jerry Jones became the well-known owner of the Dallas Cowboys, he had a rather interesting path. He was born in Los Angeles, California, but his family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, when he was quite young. He grew up there and, you know, developed a strong connection to football early on. He played high school football, and later, he even played college football at the University of Arkansas.

At Arkansas, he was a co-captain of the 1964 national championship team. That team, by the way, was pretty special, and it included future Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson, who would later become a key figure in Jones's Cowboys era. This background in football, as a player, arguably gave him a deep appreciation for the game itself, which probably shaped his approach to team ownership later on. It's a bit different when you've been on the field yourself.

After college, Jones went into business. He earned a master's degree in business. His early ventures included some retail operations and then, significantly, oil and gas exploration. He founded Arkoma Production Company, which became a very successful natural gas business. This experience in business, you know, gave him the financial means and the sharp skills he would later use to acquire and manage the Cowboys. It was a clear stepping stone, in a way, to his future role.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Jerral Wayne Jones Sr.
Born	October 13, 1942
Birthplace	Los Angeles, California
Education	University of Arkansas (B.S., M.S.)
Occupation	Businessman, Sports Executive
Known For	Owner, President, and General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys
Spouse	Eugenia "Gene" Jones
Children	Stephen Jones, Charlotte Jones Anderson, Jerry Jones Jr.

How Jerry Jones Acquired the Cowboys

The purchase of the Dallas Cowboys by Jerry Jones in 1989 was, honestly, a pretty big moment in sports history. The team was owned by H.R. "Bum" Bright at the time, and they were going through a rather tough period, both on the field and financially. The sale price was reported to be around $140 million. This figure, at the time, was a record for a professional sports team, so it was, you know, a very substantial investment.

Jones didn't just buy the team; he also bought Texas Stadium, the Cowboys' home at the time, and the rights to operate the stadium's concessions and merchandise. This was a crucial part of the deal because it gave him control over all the revenue streams associated with the team and its venue. It was a very smart business move, actually, ensuring he had a wide scope of control over the entire operation. This comprehensive purchase was, arguably, a sign of his long-term vision.

Almost immediately after buying the team, Jones made some very bold moves. He fired Tom Landry, the only coach the Cowboys had ever known, and Tex Schramm, the long-time general manager. He then hired his former college teammate, Jimmy Johnson, as the new head coach. These decisions, naturally, caused a huge stir among fans and the media. It showed, quite clearly, that he wasn't afraid to make big changes right from the start, even if they were unpopular with some people.

These early actions set the tone for his ownership. He was determined to put his own stamp on the team, and he wasn't going to shy away from making tough calls. It was a clear signal that a new era had begun for the Dallas Cowboys. The purchase was not just about owning a team; it was about completely reshaping its direction and identity, which is, you know, a pretty big undertaking for anyone.

The Impact of Jerry Jones' Ownership

Jerry Jones's ownership has had, frankly, a massive impact on the Dallas Cowboys, and on the NFL as a whole. One of the most noticeable effects was the team's return to glory in the 1990s. Under his leadership, and with Jimmy Johnson as coach, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls in four seasons: 1992, 1993, and 1995. This period brought the team back to the top of the league, and it made the investment seem, you know, very much worth it.

Beyond the wins, Jones has been a pioneer in sports marketing and business. He was one of the first owners to really push for teams to control their own licensing and merchandising rights, rather than having the league manage everything. This approach, as a matter of fact, helped teams generate a lot more revenue. He's also been instrumental in building AT&T Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that is, honestly, a marvel of modern sports architecture.

His hands-on approach, while sometimes drawing criticism, has also allowed him to maintain tight control over the team's operations. He oversees everything from player contracts to coaching decisions, and this direct involvement is a defining characteristic of his time as owner. It means that, basically, every major decision comes back to him. This level of personal oversight is, you know, quite rare in professional sports today, and it certainly sets him apart from other owners.

He has also been a very influential figure within the NFL's broader business dealings. He's often involved in league-wide discussions about television contracts, labor agreements, and the overall direction of the sport. His opinions carry a lot of weight, and he's not afraid to voice them, even if they go against the grain. This makes him a powerful voice, really, in the entire football community, and his influence extends far beyond just the Cowboys organization.

The Cowboys' Business Empire

Under Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys have grown into, arguably, one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. The team's valuation has soared dramatically since he bought it for $140 million. Today, it's worth billions of dollars, making it a truly massive business enterprise. This growth is a testament to his business acumen and his vision for the team, you know, as more than just a football club.

A big part of this growth comes from the team's extensive business ventures. The construction of AT&T Stadium, which opened in 2009, was a huge project. This stadium is not just for football games; it also hosts concerts, conventions, and other major events, generating a lot of income. It's a prime example of how he turned the team into a year-round entertainment business, which is, honestly, pretty smart.

The Cowboys also have their own television and radio deals, as well as a vast network of corporate sponsorships. They've been very successful in marketing the team as a brand, which helps bring in more revenue. This kind of diversified income stream is, you know, a key reason for the team's financial success. It shows how a sports team can operate much like any other large company, with multiple avenues for profit.

Beyond the team itself, the Jones family has other business interests, including real estate and various investments. However, the Dallas Cowboys remain the crown jewel of their portfolio. The sheer scale of the Cowboys' operations, from their training facility, The Star, to their merchandising, truly highlights how much of a business empire the team has become under Jerry Jones's leadership. It's, basically, a very comprehensive operation.

The Fan Perspective and Public View

Jerry Jones is, without a doubt, a polarizing figure among football fans. Some people absolutely love his passion and his willingness to spend money to try and win. They appreciate his direct involvement and his commitment to the team. For these fans, he's a true champion of the Cowboys, someone who always puts the team first, which is, you know, a very admirable quality in an owner.

On the other hand, some fans and critics find his hands-on approach, particularly his role as general manager, to be a bit frustrating. They might feel that the team would be better off with a dedicated football executive making personnel decisions. This perspective often comes up during periods when the team isn't performing as well as expected. It's, honestly, a common debate among sports followers, about how much control an owner should have.

Despite these differing views, Jones remains a very public figure. He's often seen on the sidelines during games, and he frequently speaks to the media. This visibility means he's always in the public eye, and his words and actions are constantly scrutinized. It's a pretty demanding role, really, being so much in the spotlight. His presence is, arguably, as much a part of the Cowboys' identity as the star on their helmets.

His impact on the team, both good and bad, is something that fans discuss quite a lot. Whether you admire his business savvy or question his football decisions, there's no denying that Jerry Jones has left an indelible mark on the Dallas Cowboys. He's truly shaped the franchise in his own image, and that's something that, you know, you don't see every day in professional sports. He's, basically, one of a kind in that regard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jerry Jones still the owner of the Dallas Cowboys in 2024?

Yes, absolutely. Jerry Jones remains the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. He has held these positions since he purchased the team back in 1989. His family is also involved in the team's operations, with his children holding important roles within the organization, so it's, you know, a family affair in many ways.

How much did Jerry Jones buy the Cowboys for?

Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 for a reported $140 million. This price included not just the team itself, but also Texas Stadium and the rights to its operations, which was a pretty comprehensive deal at the time. It was a record-setting amount for a sports franchise back then, which is, arguably, quite a significant detail.

What is the current value of the Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys are, you know, consistently ranked as one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. As of recent valuations, the team is estimated to be worth many billions of dollars, significantly more than the original purchase price. This huge increase in value shows the team's strong brand and business success under Jerry Jones's ownership, really.

To learn more about on our site, and for more information, you can visit the official Dallas Cowboys website at dallascowboys.com. You can also link to this page for more insights.

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