Jerry Jones Reveals He Nearly Bought the Chargers at 28 With Help From Jimmy Hoffa

Few owners in sports are as recognizable — or as controversial — as Jerry Jones, the billionaire owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his hands-on style and larger-than-life personality, Jones has overseen the Cowboys’ rise into the most valuable franchise in North American sports. But long before he bought “America’s Team,” Jones nearly became the owner of an entirely different NFL franchise.

A Shocking “What If”

In a recent interview with WFAA, Jones disclosed that at just 28 years old, he came very close to purchasing the San Diego Chargers. Even more surprising was the man who helped make it possible: Jimmy Hoffa, the infamous Teamsters president whose name was synonymous with power — and fear — in 1960s and 70s America.

“I got real close to owning the San Diego Chargers when I was about 28 years old,” Jones recalled. “I was borrowing money from the Teamsters, a connection helped me get a visit with Jimmy Hoffa. Jimmy Hoffa was one of the most feared names in America. And he basically said, ‘We think we can be a part of being in professional sports.’”

A Dream Blocked

Despite the backing, Jones revealed that his father disapproved of the risky financial entanglement and convinced him to walk away from the deal.

“I was shattered,” Jones admitted. “My dream of football had passed me by.”

In hindsight, the collapse of that opportunity may have been a blessing in disguise. Hoffa disappeared in 1975 and was later declared legally dead in 1982, adding an infamous twist to the history surrounding Jones’ near-deal.

From Missed Chance to Cowboys Glory

It took more than two decades, but Jones eventually realized his NFL ownership dream. In 1989, he bought the Dallas Cowboys from H.R. “Bum” Bright for $140 million — about $300 million today. Almost immediately, Jones made headlines by firing legendary head coach Tom Landry and replacing him with Jimmy Johnson.

Though controversial at the time, the bold move paid off. The Cowboys went on to dominate the 1990s, winning three Super Bowls and cementing themselves as “America’s Team.”

Jones Today

Now in his 80s, Jones remains one of the most hands-on owners in sports. While the Cowboys haven’t won a championship since the 1990s, Jones has kept the team in the spotlight and built it into the most valuable sports franchise in North America.

Despite grassroots campaigns calling for him to step aside or sell the team, Jones has been adamant he will never give up ownership.

Final Thoughts

Jerry Jones’ revelation about nearly buying the Chargers adds a fascinating “what if” to NFL history. Had the deal gone through, the trajectory of the Cowboys — and perhaps the entire league — could have looked very different. Instead, Jones’ path led him to Dallas, where he built the most iconic and valuable franchise in football.