Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 for $140 million, leveraging his success in the oil industry. Today, the Cowboys hold a valuation of $15.5 billion, ranking as the most valuable sports team worldwide, with Jones having led the team to three Super Bowl victories and establishing it as one of the top brands in professional sports.

Approaching his 84th birthday in October, Jones has faced health challenges over the years, prompting questions about the team’s future leadership. Despite this, Jones remains unconcerned. “I don’t have a succession plan, I don’t,” he told Zak Keefer of The Athletic. “One day I just won’t be here to toss my two cents in.”

Jones has maintained a strong connection to the Cowboys brand that he has built, with indications of who might take over becoming increasingly clear. His son, Stephen Jones, is positioned as the likely successor. At 62, Stephen serves as the team’s co-owner, CEO, and director of player personnel, having been involved with the franchise for most of his life. He plays a critical role in most organizational decisions, positioning him as the logical choice to continue Jerry’s legacy.

Former Cowboys quarterback and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman noted, “From my interactions with him, Stephen doesn’t have the ego his father has. That’ll serve him well.” Jerry Jones, however, continues to be the face of the Cowboys as they strive to return to the top of the NFL. The team has not won a Super Bowl since 1995 and has been proactively restructuring its roster to build a championship contender.

In January, Jones expressed his ambition to retire as the owner with the most Super Bowl titles. Currently, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft holds that record with six rings compared to Jones’ three. This puts pressure on Jones and the Cowboys to bridge this gap in their pursuit of further glory.