Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are based in Arlington, Texas and were formed in 1960. They have grown to become one of the most popular and most successful franchises in NFL history and have made a record equalling eight appearances in Super Bowls.

Although there have been periods where they haven’t been very successful, for the most part of their history their form has been good, making the playoffs in 17 out of 18 seasons between 1966 and 1983 for example. With five Super Bowl wins to their name, they are one of the biggest and most popular teams in the world with only soccer teams like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid rivalling them.

Fast Facts

• Full Name: Dallas Cowboys
• Conference: National Football Conference
• Division: East
• Location: Arlington, Texas
• Stadium Name: AT&T Stadium
• Year Established: 1960
• Owner: Jerry Jones
• Head Coach: Jason Garrett
• Manager: Jerry Jones
• Nickname: Big D, America’s Team
• Mascot: Rowdy
• Team Colours: Navy blue, metallic silver, white, royal blue, silver-green

History

The history of the Dallas Cowboys begins in 1960 when oilman, Clint Murchison, was awarded an expansion franchise. Taking on head coach, Tom Landry, the early days for the Cowboys were not great, posting a losing record in each of their first five seasons. However, this initial lack of form was soon reversed and the Dallas Cowboys soon became one of the in-form NFL teams and made the playoffs in 17 out of 18 seasons between 1966 and 1983.

1969 saw the arrival of star quarterback, Roger Staubach, and this spurred the Cowboys to win five NFC championships and two Super Bowls in 1972 and 1978. Other notable players starring for the Cowboys at this time included Bob Lilly, Randy White and Tony Dorsett. It was during this period that the Dallas Cowboys began to use scantily clad cheerleaders, further bringing them to national attention and leading to them being called ‘America’s other team’.

Landry’s 28 year stint as head coach ended in 1989 when the businessman, Jerry Jones, purchased the Cowboys and sacked him. Displeasing many loyal Cowboys fans, the situation was quelled when the Cowboys made a series of excellent drafts, including Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith – both future Hall of Famers. The Cowboys then went on to dominate the NFL in the 90s, winning Super Bowls in 1993, 1994, and 1996.

During the early 2000s, the Cowboys form dipped and much of this was due to many of their star players retiring or leaving for other NFL franchises. The Cowboys still made the playoffs occasionally but they did not win a playoff game between 1996 and 2010. 2014 saw the Cowboys make a return to form winning 12 games but sadly they lost their second playoff game.

Super Bowl Appearances

1995 Super Bowl XXX Dallas Cowboys 27 – Pittsburgh Steelers 17

The first ever Super Bowl to be played in Phoenix, it was the Cowboys against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the third ever time in a Super Bowl. Both teams entered the game looking to enter the record book by tying with the San Francisco 49ers for the record of the most Super Bowl wins (5). The Cowboys dominated the game from the start and Larry Brown – the Cowboys’ quarterback – was named the Most Valuable Player. The game was watched by over 95 million TV viewers – the record for the most watched sporting event on US TV.

1993 Super Bowl XXVIII Dallas Cowboys 30 – Buffalo Bills 13

Super Bowl XXVII saw the Cowboys take on the Buffalo Bills once again, this time at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Cowboys were the out and out favourites and they did not disappoint, sending the Buffalo Bills to their fourth straight Super Bowl defeat – a Super Bowl record. Watched by over 90 million viewers, the crowd were entertained by The Judds and Clint Black during the halftime show and Emmitt Smith – the Cowboy’s running back – was named Most Valuable Player.

1992 Super Bowl XXVII Buffalo Bills 17 – Dallas Cowboys 52

Super Bowl XXVII saw the Cowboys take on the Buffalo Bills at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Cowboys totally dominated the game and won by 52 points to 17 and helped the Bills become the first ever team to lose three consecutive Super Bowls. With a halftime show by Michael Jackson, the event was watched by over 90 million viewers.

1978 Super Bowl XIII Pittsburgh Steelers 35 – Dallas Cowboys 31

The Miami Orange Bowl was the location for Super Bowl XIII which saw the Cowboys take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The first ever Super Bowl that was a rematch (they had previously met in 1975) both teams were attempting to win their third Super Bowl. The game was watched by over 74 million TV viewers who saw the Cowboys became the first ever team to score over 30 points in a Super Bowl and lose.

1977 Super Bowl XII Dallas Cowboys #21 – Denver Broncos 10

The Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans was the host of Super Bowl XII which saw the Dallas Cowboys take on the Denver Broncos. The first ever Super Bowl to be played in a domed stadium, it was also the first one ever played in primetime. The Cowboys dominated the game thanks to their defense and came out 21-10 winners. This game was the only ever one that saw two people being named Most Valuable Player, the honours going to defensive end, Harvey Martin, and defensive tackle, Randy White.

1975 Super Bowl X Dallas Cowboys 17 – Pittsburgh Steelers 21

Played at the Miami Orange Bowl on January 18, 1976, the Dallas Cowboys took on favourites the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl X. At the time the two most popular NFL teams, the Steelers were known for their robust defense and the Cowboys famed for their dynamic offense. The Cowboys led the match until the fourth quarter when a late rally by the Steelers saw them eventually win 21-17 in front of the global TV audience of over 57 million.

1971 Super Bowl VI Dallas Cowboys 24 – Miami Dolphins 3

Super Bowl VI was the Dallas Cowboy’s second ever Super Bowl and saw them take on the Miami Dolphins at the Tulane Stadium in New Orleans in front of 81,000 spectators and an estimated TV audience of over 56 million. The Cowboys dominated the game and set a number of Super Bowl records including the most first dons, the most rushing yards and the least points allowed. Cowboys star quarterback was named Most Valuable Player.

1970 Super Bowl V Baltimore Colts 16 – Dallas Cowboys 13

The Dallas Cowboys first ever Super Bowl, it saw them take on the Baltimore Colts at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. The first ever Super Bowl to be played on artificial turf, it saw the Cowboys take an early lead against the Colts, leaving tem 13-6 up after the second quarter. However, a late fight back from the Colts saw the Cowboys eventually defeated 16-13. Not the greatest of Super Bowls ever – it was known as the ‘Blunder Bowl’ thanks to the amount of poor play, penalties and turnovers.

Stadium

The Dallas Cowboys play at the AT&T Stadium, which was formerly known as the Cowboys Stadium. With an 80,000 capacity and retractable roof, it was a replacement for their former home of the Texas Stadium. Often referred to as Jerry World in recognition of the Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, it is the fifth largest stadium in the NFL and has one of the world’s largest high definition screens.

As well as being home to the Dallas Cowboys, it has also hosted a range of other sporting events. This includes the NBA All-Star Weekend, NCAA Basketball, professional soccer, boxing and it was also the venue for Wrestlemania 32. It has also hosted a large number of music gigs including Paul McCartney, The Jonas Brothers, Guns and Roses, Coldplay, and One Direction.

Famous Players

Roger Staubach (1969-1979)

Known as ‘Roger the Dodger’, Staubach was undoubtedly the best player in Dallas’ history. Leading the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles and five NFC championships, he was also a six-time Pro Bowl selection. One of the highest rated passers of all-time; he is one of the most popular players to ever play for the Cowboys.

Emmitt Smith (1990-2002)

Emmitt Smith played for the Cowboys for 13 seasons and was a consistent and dynamic performer, rarely missing a game. With 17,162 yards and 153 touchdowns, he was selected to eight Pro-Bowls and was the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl XXVIII.

Bob Lilly (1961-1974)

Dallas were known for their defense in the 1960s and 1970s and that was largely down to Lilly. The best defensive player in the team, he was nearly unblockable in his 14 seasons as a Cowboy. Today, he still is remembered by fans and is as popular as ever.

Did You Know?

• So popular are the Dallas Cowboys, they are known as ‘America’s Other Team’
• The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most valuable teams in the world, alongside soccer teams FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
• They are the wealthiest team in the NFL with an estimated value of $2.1 billion.
• The Dallas Cowboys do not actually play in Dallas but in Arlington, Texas.
• The Cowboys are the only NFL team to record 20 straight winning seasons (1966–85).