The Dallas Cowboys, known as "America's Team," are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the NFL. Here's a comprehensive overview of their history, achievements, and key moments:
Founding and Early Years (1960-1977)
1960: The Dallas Cowboys were established on January 28, 1960, by Clint Murchison Jr. and Bedford Wynne. The team played its first season in the NFL under the ownership of Murchison and was coached by Tom Landry.
1960: The Cowboys began their inaugural season, finishing with a 0-11-1 record, which was the worst in the league that year.
1966: The Cowboys began to show their potential, reaching their first NFL Championship game but losing to the Green Bay Packers in what is considered one of the most memorable games in NFL history, the "Ice Bowl."
1967: The Cowboys again faced the Packers in the NFL Championship game but lost a close match. This game is famously known as the "Frozen Tundra" game due to the frigid conditions.
1968-1970: The Cowboys established themselves as a competitive team under Coach Tom Landry, regularly making the playoffs and reaching Super Bowl V in 1971 but losing to the Baltimore Colts.
1971: The Cowboys won their first Super Bowl (VI) by defeating the Miami Dolphins 24-3. The team was known for its dominant defense and effective offense.
The Roger Staubach Era and Super Bowl Success (1978-1982)
1970s: With the arrival of quarterback Roger Staubach, the Cowboys solidified their status as a dominant NFL team. Staubach, along with Coach Landry, led the team to significant success.
1977: The Cowboys won their second Super Bowl (XII) by defeating the Denver Broncos 27-10. The team was known for its "Doomsday Defense."
1978-1979: The Cowboys continued to be competitive, regularly making the playoffs but did not secure another Super Bowl victory during these years.
The 1980s and The Landry Era (1983-1988)
1980s: The Cowboys were competitive but struggled to achieve Super Bowl success. They made several playoff appearances but did not advance past the NFC Championship game.
1985: The team reached the NFC Championship game but lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
1986: The Cowboys experienced a significant rebuilding phase, with Tom Landry remaining as the head coach.
The Jimmy Johnson Era and Dynasty (1989-1995)
1989: Jimmy Johnson was hired as head coach and began a significant rebuild of the team, including the famous trade of Herschel Walker, which brought multiple draft picks and players to the Cowboys.
1992: The Cowboys won their third Super Bowl (XXVII) by defeating the Buffalo Bills 52-17. This was the beginning of the Cowboys' 1990s dynasty.
1993: The Cowboys won their fourth Super Bowl (XXVIII) by defeating the Buffalo Bills 30-13. The team was known for its explosive offense and strong defense.
1994: The Cowboys won their fifth Super Bowl (XXVII) by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17. This marked the end of Johnson's tenure as head coach.
Post-Johnson Era and Challenges (1996-2008)
1995: Barry Switzer succeeded Jimmy Johnson as head coach. The Cowboys won their fifth Super Bowl (XXX) by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17.
Late 1990s: The team struggled with inconsistency, and the roster underwent several changes. Key players like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin remained influential.
2000s: The Cowboys faced challenges with coaching changes and performance inconsistencies. They made several playoff appearances but did not secure another Super Bowl victory during this period.
The Tony Romo Era and Rebuilding (2009-2017)
2009-2016: Under the leadership of head coaches Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett, the Cowboys remained competitive but struggled to advance deep into the playoffs. The team saw the emergence of quarterback Tony Romo and a strong roster but faced challenges in crucial games.
2014: The Cowboys made it to the NFC Divisional Round but were eliminated by the Green Bay Packers in a controversial game known for the "Des Bryant Catch" controversy.
Recent Years (2018-Present)
2018: The Cowboys hired Jason Garrett as head coach. The team continued to be competitive in the NFC East but faced challenges in the playoffs.
2019: The Cowboys made it to the NFC Wild Card round but lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
2020: The season was marked by injuries, including a significant ankle injury to quarterback Dak Prescott. The team struggled and did not make the playoffs.
2021: The Cowboys made a strong comeback with a successful regular season but were eliminated in the NFC Wild Card round by the San Francisco 49ers.
2022: The team continued to be competitive, reaching the NFC Divisional Round but losing to the San Francisco 49ers.
Notable Players and Coaches
- Tom Landry: Long-time head coach known for his innovative defensive strategies and leadership.
- Roger Staubach: Hall of Fame quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, known for his clutch performances.
- Emmitt Smith: Hall of Fame running back and the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.
- Troy Aikman: Hall of Fame quarterback and Super Bowl MVP.
- Michael Irvin: Hall of Fame wide receiver and a key player in the Cowboys' 1990s dynasty.
- Jimmy Johnson: Head coach who led the Cowboys to multiple Super Bowl victories and rebuilt the team into a dominant force.
Stadium
- AT&T Stadium: The current home of the Dallas Cowboys, located in Arlington, Texas. Opened in 2009, the stadium is known for its impressive architecture, including a retractable roof and a large video screen. It has become a symbol of the team’s modern era.
Cultural Impact
- "America's Team": The Cowboys are often referred to as "America’s Team" due to their large national following and extensive media coverage.
- Rivalries: The Cowboys have intense rivalries with teams such as the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. These matchups are highly anticipated and often feature fierce competition.
Achievements
- Super Bowl Championships: 5 (1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, 1995)
- NFC Championships: 10
- Division Titles: Numerous NFC East titles
The Dallas Cowboys have a rich history marked by periods of dominance, innovation, and significant contributions to the NFL. Their legacy includes multiple Super Bowl victories, a storied rivalry with other NFL teams, and a dedicated fan base.
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