The Dallas Cowboys have long been enshrined in the annals of American football lore, renowned for their prowess on the gridiron and their moniker, "America's Team." This title, bestowed upon them by NFL Films in 1979, captured the hearts of countless football aficionados across the nation.
Rising to prominence in the 1970s, the Cowboys clinched two Super Bowl victories during the decade. Yet, their journey was also marred by heart-wrenching near-misses. Losing three Super Bowls by a combined 11 points, the Cowboys epitomized resilience and tenacity.
The Rivalry that Defined an Era
Central to the Cowboys' storied legacy is their fierce rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 1970s saw both teams clash in several pivotal games, creating an enduring narrative of competitive intensity. The Steelers, hailed as the 'Team of the Decade,' often stood as the primary obstacle in the Cowboys' path to glory.
Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII are etched in the memories of football fans as key moments in this rivalry. In Super Bowl X, the Steelers bested the Cowboys with a narrow 21-17 victory, a game marked by Pittsburgh scoring four consecutive times in the fourth quarter and Lynn Swann’s iconic 64-yard touchdown reception. Despite Dallas's valiant efforts, including an end-zone interception as time expired, they fell just short.
Super Bowl XIII further cemented this rivalry's legacy. It was the first Super Bowl featuring two teams that had previously won multiple championships. The Cowboys initially seized the lead, but a relentless offensive barrage by Pittsburgh shifted the momentum. Despite Roger Staubach leading two late scoring drives, Dallas was unable to overcome the deficit, losing 35-31. The game was also memorable for Jackie Smith’s infamous dropped touchdown pass and Benny Barnes’s controversial pass interference call, which led to a Franco Harris touchdown.
Reflections from the Field
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a towering figure in the Cowboys’ defense with 106 career sacks, offers invaluable insights into these iconic battles. Reflecting on the defeats, Jones remarked, "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans. 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's reflections highlight the disparity in experience between the Cowboys and the seasoned 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," he emphasized, underscoring the young Dallas squad's resilience.
Regarding the controversial calls in Super Bowl XIII, Jones remained philosophical. "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," he noted, acknowledging the role that seasoned play can have in crucial moments.
An Everlasting Legacy
Beyond the rivalry and the titles, the Cowboys' impact extends into individual stories of perseverance and success. The addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977 bolstered the team, while 1978 saw NFL rule changes that, paradoxically, ended up strengthening the Steelers' offense rather than hindering it, leading to Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title.
Dallas’s defensive stalwart, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, also reflects the legacy of "America's Team." Promoting mobility aids like Sportcane in recent years, Jones remains an active figure advocating for better quality of life. "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 shared, highlighting the personal challenges athletes face post-retirement.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys of the 1970s were more than just a dominant football team; they were a cultural phenomenon whose battles, triumphs, and heartbreaks continue to resonate. Their rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers stands as one of the most compelling narratives in sports history, a testament to the intensity and unyielding spirit of "America's Team."