The Birth of "America's Team" and the 1970s Showdown
In 1979, NFL Films heralded the Dallas Cowboys as "America's Team," a moniker that has endured for decades. This title was born from the Cowboys' remarkable performances during the 1970s, a period defined by thrilling highs and heart-wrenching lows.
Throughout the '70s, the Cowboys' resilience and spirit were evident. The team managed to secure two Super Bowl victories, albeit suffering three narrow Super Bowl defeats by a combined margin of just 11 points. It's a testament to their prowess that despite these losses, they carved out a lasting legacy, largely thanks to the dramatics of the games they played.
Rivalry with the Steelers
The era's narrative wouldn't be complete without mentioning the fierce rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers, who earned the distinction of being the 'Team of the Decade,' faced the Cowboys in several memorable encounters that have since become legendary.
Their epic battles included Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII, both of which resulted in nail-biting finishes favoring the Steelers. In Super Bowl X, Pittsburgh managed a 21-17 victory, punctuated by a sequence of four consecutive scores in the fourth quarter. Lynn Swann's 64-yard touchdown catch remains a highlight, and Dallas' attempt to clinch the game ended with an end-zone interception as the clock expired.
Super Bowl XIII, the first-ever Super Bowl battle between two teams with multiple championships under their belts, saw Dallas initially taking the lead. However, Pittsburgh's relentless offensive barrage shifted the momentum. Although Roger Staubach led two valiant late scoring drives, they fell short, culminating in a 35-31 Pittsburgh triumph.
Key Moments and Player Reflections
Veteran Cowboys' defensive lineman Ed "Too Tall" Jones recalls the toughness of facing a seasoned Steelers squad. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball," he said. "We were a very young team both times, when they beat us in '75 and when they beat us in '78, even though we only lost by four points both games and [Roger] Staubach had the ball driving [late] in those games."
Jones credits the team's grit despite lacking the same level of big-game experience as the Steelers. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important," Jones added.
Super Bowl XIII was a game fraught with controversial moments, including a critical pass interference call against Cowboys' Benny Barnes, which led to a Franco Harris touchdown. Yet Jones opts not to dwell on officiating. "You mention Benny Barnes and those calls, I'm not one to complain, because that's just one play," Jones remarked. "Even though every controversial call went against Dallas, but throw that to the side. The difference was experience."
Impact of Key Players and Rule Changes
Significant players from that Dallas era included the likes of Roger Staubach, and notable defensive stalwarts such as Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who recorded an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. Another crucial addition to the Cowboys' roster was running back Tony Dorsett in 1977, who brought a new level of dynamism to their offensive game.
Interestingly, 1978 saw rule changes in the NFL designed to hinder the Steelers' dominant defense. Ironically, these changes bolstered Pittsburgh's offense, with Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year.
The Cowboys also tasted victory during this period, securing a Super Bowl XII win against the Denver Broncos. Such achievements solidified the team's reputation and added to the legacy that led to their "America's Team" designation.
Legacy and Influence
The legacy of the 1970s Cowboys extends beyond their on-field performances. Figures like Ed "Too Tall" Jones continue to influence, promoting products like the Sportcane that help with mobility. "Just my daily activities, it makes all the difference in the world. I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for the Sportcane as far as being able to get around and still not letting anything hinder what I do in life," he said.
The enduring appeal of the Dallas Cowboys as "America's Team" lies not just in their victories or their losses, but in their relentless spirit and ability to rise to the challenge, making every game a spectacle that etched their name permanently into the history of the NFL.