Jerry Jones

Jones is front and center as the owner of the Dallas Cowboys but, when it comes to sports TV, his impact behind the scenes helped make the NFL a powerhouse. In 1992, some of the older owners were contemplating a give back to the networks and Jones fought hard against the plan, believing an economic upturn would get the league’s rights fees back on track. Then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue invited Jones into the contract talks with the television networks, and Jones was involved with the talks that led to Fox outbidding CBS by more than $100 million a season and the league’s television contract reached $1.1 billion. Without Jones, it is possible that the league, its relationship with TV networks, and the role it plays in the broader sports landscape would be very, very different. On the league front, Jones actively contributes his vision and enthusiasm to enhancing the NFL’s status as the world’s premier professional sports league by serving on a wide range of league committees. In his 34-year career, Jones has worked on 15 different NFL ownership committees for a combined total of 136 years. Jones is currently the Chairman of the NFL Media O&O Committee, Chairman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Committee, and is a member of the NFL Media Committee.