The Dallas Cowboys' journey to becoming "America's Team" is a story filled with glory, heartbreak, and fierce competition, particularly with their archrivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The nickname "America's Team" was bestowed upon the Cowboys by NFL Films in 1979, encapsulating the spirit and popularity they garnered across the nation. By then, the Cowboys had left an indelible mark on the NFL, winning two Super Bowls in the 1970s and participating in a total of five during that decade. Despite their successes, not all their Super Bowl outings ended in victory.
A Decade of Highs and Lows
Throughout the 1970s, the Cowboys experienced the pinnacle of triumph and the depths of near-miss heartbreaks. They secured two Super Bowl victories but also endured what must have been agonizingly close losses in three others, losing by a combined total of just 11 points. This era not only shaped the Cowboys but also solidified their rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team recognized as the 'Team of the Decade.'
The Rivalry: Cowboys vs. Steelers
During this period, the Cowboys and Steelers faced off in several significant clashes, most memorably in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII. In Super Bowl X, the Steelers prevailed with a score of 21-17, a game marked by Pittsburgh's extraordinary fourth-quarter performance, where they scored four consecutive times. One of the game's iconic moments was Lynn Swann's 64-yard touchdown reception, while the Cowboys' hopes were dashed with an end-zone interception as time expired.
Super Bowl XIII was equally dramatic, as it marked the first time two teams, each with multiple championships, faced off. Dallas initially grabbed the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive onslaught eventually shifted the game's momentum. The Cowboys' quarterback, Roger Staubach, showcased his leadership with two late scoring drives, yet the game was remembered for its dramatic moments, including Jackie Smith's infamous dropped touchdown pass and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which led to a Franco Harris touchdown.
Veteran Experience and Controversial Calls
Reflecting on these historic encounters, former Cowboys defensive player Ed "Too Tall" Jones emphasized the experience disparity between the two teams. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans," Jones recalled. "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 also highlighted the importance of experience, especially in high-stakes games. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important," he noted. Despite several controversial calls going against Dallas, including the contentious pass interference call in Super Bowl XIII, Jones remained philosophical about the outcomes. "You mention Benny Barnes and those calls, I'm not one to complain, because that's just one play. Even though every controversial call went against Dallas, but throw that to the side. The difference was experience."
Pillars of the Cowboys
The Cowboys had their share of standout stars during this era. Ed "Too Tall" Jones, renowned for his defensive prowess, recorded an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. The team also bolstered its roster in 1977 with the addition of running back Tony Dorsett, a move that proved instrumental in their 1978 Super Bowl victory against the Denver Broncos.
The 1978 NFL rule changes, aimed at curbing the defensive dominance of teams like the Steelers, inadvertently strengthened Pittsburgh's offense. This adjustment did little to halt the Steelers' momentum, as Terry Bradshaw earned the league MVP title that year, further underscoring their dominance.
A Legacy Remembered
Ed "Too Tall" Jones has continued to leave his mark off the field, promoting mobility aids such as Sportcane. Reflecting on his personal experiences, he stated, "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."
The legacy of the 1970s Dallas Cowboys as "America's Team" endures, emblematic of a golden era filled with unforgettable moments and intense rivalries. Their story is a testament to the team's resilience, talent, and the enduring allure of professional football. As fans reminisce about those historic games, the Cowboys' moniker remains a proud symbol of the team's storied past and its impact on the NFL.