The Emergence of "America's Team"
In 1979, the Dallas Cowboys were anointed "America's Team" by NFL Films, a moniker that has since become synonymous with the franchise. The 1970s were a defining decade for the Cowboys, who cemented their status as a powerhouse in professional football. During this era, they clinched two Super Bowl victories and experienced three heart-wrenching losses in the big game by a combined total of just 11 points. Despite these setbacks, their resilience and tenacity earned them national admiration and a fervent fanbase.
Among the teams that contended fiercely with the Cowboys were the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were recognized as the 'Team of the Decade' for the 1970s. The Cowboys and Steelers rivalry was highlighted by memorable matchups, particularly in the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Clashes: Steelers vs. Cowboys
The Steelers emerged victorious over the Cowboys in Super Bowl X with a score of 21-17. This game was particularly notable for Pittsburgh's four consecutive scores in the fourth quarter, a 64-yard touchdown pass caught by Lynn Swann, and a last-second end-zone interception by Dallas. Further, the Steelers again bested the Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII with a score of 35-31, marking the first Super Bowl featuring two teams that had previously won multiple championships.
Super Bowl XIII saw Dallas initially take the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive onslaught quickly shifted the momentum. Despite Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach leading two late scoring drives, the Cowboys fell just short. Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a defensive stalwart for the Cowboys, reflected on these encounters: "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. 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."
Controversial Moments and Key Plays
Super Bowl XIII was laden with dramatic moments, including a dropped touchdown pass by Jackie Smith and a crucial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which led to a Franco Harris touchdown. Jones noted the challenges faced by his team: "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." His comments highlight the significance of experience in big games, a factor that distinguished the veteran Steelers from the younger Cowboys.
Legacy of the 1970s Cowboys
Despite the setbacks in their battles with the Steelers, the Cowboys managed to secure a victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos. The addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977 further bolstered their lineup, making them a formidable team throughout the late 1970s. The defensive prowess of players like Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who recorded 106 sacks over his 15-year career, was instrumental in the Cowboys' success. NFL rule changes in 1978 aimed at curbing the Steelers' defensive dominance inadvertently helped enhance Pittsburgh's offensive performance, leading to Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year.
Enduring Impact
Jones’ reflection on the period underscores the resilience and spirit of the Cowboys: "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important." His career, post-football, demonstrates his continued impact; he promotes mobility aids like Sportcane, valuing tools that assist in maintaining an active lifestyle: "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 1970s era cemented the Dallas Cowboys’ legacy as "America's Team," characterized by their competitive spirit, memorable clashes with the Steelers, and a series of defining moments that have become lore in NFL history. The team's enduring influence and the larger-than-life personas of its players continue to resonate with fans across generations.