Named after his oil magnate father, Dallas native Clint Murchison Jr. experienced early tragedy when he lost his mother as a toddler and his 10-year-old brother Burk when he was 12. His father, Clint Murchison Sr., was one of Texas’ original oilmen. Murchison, Sr. played a pivotal role in developing the oil industry in Texas, amassing considerable wealth and establishing a foundation for his son’s future endeavors. Murchison Jr. inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and embarked on a journey to expand the family’s wealth and influence.
But first, he went on he took his own path. Born in 1923, he attended boarding school in New Jersey and joining the Marine Corps after Pearl Harbor. He later graduated from Duke University with an engineering degree and MIT with a master’s in mathematics.
After his father died, he and his brother John took the wealth their father created and began operating as Murchison Bros. out of an office on the 23rd floor of the First National Bank building in Dallas. The family businesses had diversified into homebuilding, real estate, publishing, and hospitality. Companies the company owned included corporate entities such as Centex Corporation, Alleghany Corporation, and Henry Holt Publishing.
These ventures diversified the family’s portfolio and solidified Murchison Jr.’s place among the wealthiest individuals in the country. His shrewd business understanding and ability to identify profitable opportunities propelled him to new heights. At one point, Fortune estimated Murchison’s wealth to be $350 million. “Money is like manure,” he once said. “If you spread it around, it does a lot of good, but if you pile it up in one place, it stinks like hell.”
Murchison’s role in founding the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys in 1960 would be his lasting legacy. At the time, Dallas was a city with a rich sports culture but no representation in the professional ranks. Despite facing initial resistance from existing team owners and league officials, Murchison Jr. remained undeterred in his pursuit. His relentless efforts paid off when the Dallas Cowboys were granted an NFL franchise. Murchison Jr. became the team’s owner and embarked on a mission to establish the Cowboys as a dominant force in the league.
His first hires were general manager Tex Schramm and head coach Tom Landry, who would go on to win two Super Bowls, play in five, and appear in 10 NFC championship games in 13 years on the way to becoming “America’s Team.”
In addition to on-the-field success, Murchison’s role in the planning, design, financing, and building of Texas Stadium in Irving redefined the modern football arena. Murchison is known as the pioneer of modern football stadiums. Since he couldn’t reach an agreement with the Dallas city officials to construct a new stadium in downtown Dallas, Murchison chose a location in Irving. He took charge of every aspect, including the initial design, planning, financing, and construction of Texas Stadium and later did the same for the team’s 30-acre practice facility, called Valley Ranch.
His goal was to create a venue that provided shelter for fans while still allowing the natural elements to affect the game. This led to the iconic feature of Texas Stadium – the “hole in the roof.” With a suburban location, commercial-scale luxury suites, and the open-air roof that fans said allowed God to watch his favorite team, the stadium set the standard for future professional sports venues.
Beyond his achievements in football, Murchison Jr. was known for his philanthropic endeavors. He actively supported various charitable organizations and initiatives in the Dallas community, using his wealth and influence to make a positive impact. Murchison Jr.’s contributions extended beyond the football field, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity and community engagement. Among his many causes, he helped launch the Boys & Girls Club of Dallas in 1965 and was a founding board member.
In 1984, under the financial strain caused by dropping oil prices, Murchison sold the franchise to Dallas businessman Bum Bright for $83 million and declared bankruptcy a year later. Five years later, Bright sold the Cowboys to Jerry Jones, who has owned the team since 1989. Murchison died in 1987 after a battle with a rare nerve condition.
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