Was Jerry Jones a Football Player? Unveiling the Legend's Athletic Past
Hello there, sports enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the intriguing question: Was Jerry Jones a football player? You might know Jerry Jones as the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, but did you know he had a promising football career of his own? Let's explore his athletic past and debunk some myths. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and was jerry jones a football player.
Jerry Jones' College Football Career
Before we delve into whether Jerry Jones was a football player, let's rewind to his college days. Jerry Jones, born on October 13, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, was a multi-talented athlete. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he played both football and basketball. So, the answer to "Was Jerry Jones a football player?" starts with a resounding yes, in college!
Jerry Jones, #55, in his college football days. Source
Football
- 1964. He was a two-time All-Southwest Conference selection and a consensus All-American in
- 1964. His impressive collegiate career earned him a spot in the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.
Basketball
In addition to football, Jerry Jones also played basketball for the Razorbacks. He was a starting guard on the 1964-65 Arkansas basketball team that finished with a 20-7 record. This dual-sport success shows that Jerry Jones was indeed an athlete, not just a businessman.
Jerry Jones' Professional Football Aspirations
After college, Jerry Jones had hopes of playing professional football. He was drafted by the NFL's Atlanta Falcons in the 17th round of the 1965 draft. However, he was also drafted by the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs in the 1st round (1st pick) of the 1965 draft. This is where the story takes an interesting turn.
The Business Venture That Changed Everything
Was Jerry Jones a football player in the pros? Well, he had the chance, but he chose another path. After being drafted by both teams, Jerry Jones decided to pursue a business opportunity instead. He turned down both offers to work for his father's oil and gas company, Jones Oil and Land Lease. This decision would eventually lead him to become the owner of the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys
In 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million. Since then, he's transformed the team into one of the most valuable and successful franchises in the NFL. He's won three Super Bowls as an owner and has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Was Jerry Jones a Football Player? The Verdict
So, was Jerry Jones a football player? The answer is yes, but only in college. His professional football dreams were cut short due to his decision to enter the business world. However, his love for the game has undoubtedly lived on through his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerry Jones' legacy in the NFL is undeniable. From college athlete to successful businessman and owner, he's proven that there's more than one way to make a mark on the football world.