Tom Landry was a legendary professional football coach, former player, and World War II veteran. Widely regarded as one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history, Landry became the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, a position he held for 29 seasons.
How Much Was Tom Landry Worth At Passing?
At the time of his passing, the legendary football coach Tom Landry’s net worth was around $3 million. Landry earned his money from his successful career as a player and coach.
He began his football career in 1949 with the New York Yankees of the AAFC before joining the Giants in 1950. Interestingly, the Giants had originally drafted him in the seventh round of the 1946 college draft as a “Futures” pick, a special rule at the time. Meanwhile, in 1948, the Yankees also selected Landry in their AAFC draft.
I liked the NFL better when coaches looked equally capable of calling for a blitz or solving a murder on some BBC television show your mom watches. pic.twitter.com/7sJkOO0UKC
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) May 23, 2025
Shortly after finishing his final college game, an assistant coach for the Yankees named Jack White approached him and offered a contract to play in New York. The deal included a salary of $6,000 plus a $500 signing bonus. Landry used that bonus to celebrate a personal milestone, funding his wedding to his high school sweetheart, Alicia.
Landry led the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories (VI, XII), five NFC championships, and 13 divisional titles, compiling an impressive 270-178-6 record—the third-most wins in NFL coaching history. He also holds the record for career playoff victories with 20. Landry was honored as NFL Coach of the Year in 1966 and NFC Coach of the Year in 1975, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest coaches.
Tom Landry’s Early Life
Landry was born in Mission, Texas, to father Ray, an auto mechanic and volunteer fireman, and mother Ruth Landry. He was the second of four children—Robert, Tom, Ruthie, and Jack. His father, who had battled rheumatism, moved the family from Illinois to Texas for the warmer climate and was an accomplished local athlete, excelling as a pitcher and football player.
Landry followed in his father’s footsteps, playing quarterback and punter for Mission High School. In his senior season, he led the team to an undefeated 12–0 record. Today, the Mission High School football stadium bears his name—Tom Landry Stadium—and serves as home to the Mission Eagles and Mission Patriots, proudly displaying the Pro Football Hall of Fame logo.
