Who Owned The Cowboys Before Jerry Jones

Alright, gather 'round, sports fans! You know the Dallas Cowboys, right? The team that's as iconic as Texan BBQ and as big as the state itself. But have you ever wondered who was calling the shots before the larger-than-life Jerry Jones took the helm? Let's dive in!

Biblical Beginnings

Let's rewind all the way back to 1960. The NFL was still a fledgling league, and the Cowboys were just a twinkle in Lamar Hunt's eye. Hunt, a Texas oil tycoon, was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the American Football League (AFL), which later merged with the NFL. He was the original owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, but he had his heart set on bringing a team to his home state.

So, he did what any determined Texan would do - he bought a team. The Dallas Cowboys were born in 1960, and Hunt was their proud papa. He was the one who hired the legendary Blind Side author Michael Lewis's namesake, Tex Schramm, as the team's first general manager.

From Oil to Football

Hunt was a true Texan, through and through. He was a big oil man, with a hearty laugh and a love for football that was as deep as the oil wells he drilled. He was the kind of guy who'd invite you over for a steak, tell you tall tales, and make you feel like you were part of the family. And that's exactly what he did with the Cowboys.

He built the team from the ground up, with a focus on community and family. He wanted the Cowboys to be more than just a football team - he wanted them to be a symbol of Texas pride. And boy, did he succeed!

The Murchisons Take the Reins

Now, here's where things get a little interesting. In 1989, Hunt decided it was time to pass the torch. He sold the Cowboys to a group of investors, led by the Murchison family. You might recognize the name - they were (and still are) a powerful force in Texas oil and gas.

How much did Jerry Jones pay for the Cowboys?

The Murchisons, led by patriarch Clint Murchison Jr., had been trying to buy an NFL team for years. When Hunt finally decided to sell, they pounced. And just like that, the Cowboys had a new owner.

Enter Jerry Jones

But the Murchisons didn't hold onto the team for long. In 1992, they sold the Cowboys to a man who would become almost as iconic as the team itself - Jerry Jones. Jones was a former Arkansas Razorbacks football player turned oil and gas tycoon. He was (and still is) a larger-than-life character, with a bigger-than-Texas personality and a vision for the Cowboys that was nothing short of spectacular.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Jones turned the Cowboys into a global brand, with a Super Bowl dynasty that spanned the '90s. He's been the face of the franchise ever since, and he's not showing any signs of slowing down.

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So, Why Should You Care?

Alright, so maybe you're not a die-hard Cowboys fan (although, after reading this, you might be!). But here's the thing - knowing the history of the team, and the people behind it, makes the game so much more fun. It's like having a secret backstory that makes every touchdown just a little bit sweeter.

And it's not just about football. It's about the people behind the scenes, the ones who shape the teams we love. It's about the history of the game, and the history of the country. It's about the bigger picture, the one that's painted with oil and football and Texan pride.

So, the next time you're watching the Cowboys, or any team, take a moment to think about the people who came before. The ones who built the teams, who shaped the game, who turned a sport into a passion. Because, at the end of the day, that's what makes the game so darn fun.

Now, go on - get out there and learn something new. The world of sports is a big, fascinating place, and there's always more to explore. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite team, or your new favorite story. And isn't that what life's all about?