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The Dallas Cowboys is a professional American football team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the National Football League's (NFL) National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The Cowboys were founded in 1960 as an expansion team and have become one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
The Dallas Cowboys were founded in 1960 as a National Football League (NFL) expansion team. In their early years, the Cowboys struggled to establish themselves as a competitive team in the league.
From 1960 to 1965, the Cowboys finished with losing records in each season. Their best record during this period was a 5-8-1 mark in 1962. However, despite their lack of success on the field, the Cowboys built a strong foundation for the future.
One key move for the Cowboys during this period was the acquisition of quarterback Don Meredith. In 1960, the Cowboys selected Meredith in the third round of the NFL Draft. Meredith would become one of the most critical players in the franchise's history, leading the team to their first winning season in 1965.
Another key figure for the Cowboys during their early years was head coach Tom Landry. Landry was hired by the team in 1960 and would become one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. Landry was known for his innovative defensive schemes, including the "Flex Defense," which he developed during his time with the New York Giants. Landry's defensive schemes helped to establish the Cowboys as one of the top defensive teams in the league during the 1960s and 1970s.
Despite their struggles, the Cowboys were able to lay the groundwork for future success during their early years. The team would establish itself as one of the top franchises in the NFL, winning five Super Bowls and producing numerous Hall of Fame players.
Sources:
"History of the Dallas Cowboys." Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/dallas-cowboys/history/
"Dallas Cowboys Franchise Encyclopedia." Pro Football Reference. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/
The Dallas Cowboys experienced a period of dominance in the National Football League (NFL) during the late 1960s and 1970s, known as the "Glory Years." During this period, the Cowboys were one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, reaching five Super Bowls and winning two.
Led by head coach Tom Landry and quarterback Roger Staubach, the Cowboys became known for their "Doomsday Defense" and innovative offensive schemes. The team also featured several standout players, including running back Tony Dorsett, defensive lineman Randy White, and wide receiver Drew Pearson.
The Cowboys' first Super Bowl appearance came in 1971 when they faced off against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V. The game was closely contested, with both teams committing numerous turnovers. Ultimately, the Colts secured a 16-13 victory on a last-second field goal by kicker Jim O'Brien.
The Cowboys would have to wait several more years before they would reach the Super Bowl again. In 1975, the team faced off against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game. With just seconds left on the clock, the Cowboys were trailing the Vikings 14-10 and faced a fourth down from midfield. Staubach launched a desperation pass to Pearson, who caught the ball and scored the game-winning touchdown. The play became known as the "Hail Mary" and is still remembered as one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.
The Cowboys would win their first Super Bowl in 1972, defeating the Miami Dolphins 24-3 in Super Bowl VI. The team would return to the Super Bowl in 1978, facing off against the Denver Broncos. Led by Staubach, the Cowboys secured a 27-10 victory in Super Bowl XII.
During the 1980s, the Cowboys continued to be a competitive team, reaching the playoffs in seven of the ten seasons from 1980 to 1989. However, despite featuring standout players such as running back Herschel Walker and quarterback Danny White, the team could not win another Super Bowl during this period.
Despite the team's inability to win another Super Bowl during the 1980s, the Cowboys' "Glory Years" remain one of the most successful periods in franchise history. The team established itself as a dominant force in the NFL and produced numerous Hall of Fame players and iconic moments.
Sources:
"History of the Dallas Cowboys." Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/dallas-cowboys/history/
"Dallas Cowboys Franchise Encyclopedia." Pro Football Reference. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/
The 1980s and early 1990s were a struggle for the Dallas Cowboys, known as the "Lean Years." The team failed to make the playoffs in nine of the ten seasons from 1986 to 1995 and underwent significant changes on and off the field.
During this period, one of the most significant changes for the Cowboys was the franchise sale to Jerry Jones. In 1989, Jones purchased the team from longtime owner Bum Bright and quickly made his mark on the organization. Jones famously fired legendary head coach Tom Landry and replaced him with Jimmy Johnson, his former college teammate at the University of Arkansas.
Johnson would lead the Cowboys to some success during his tenure, including a 1-15 season in his first year as head coach in 1989. The team would improve rapidly under Johnson's leadership, winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993. Johnson was known for his aggressive approach to building the team, often making controversial moves such as trading star running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings for a package of draft picks that helped to rebuild the Cowboys' roster.
Despite the success of the early 1990s, the Cowboys faced challenges during this period as well. Johnson and Jones famously feuded over control of the team, with Johnson eventually departing after the 1993 season. The team also faced a new challenge in the form of the salary cap, which was introduced in 1994 and forced teams to manage their finances more carefully.
Despite these challenges, the Cowboys continued to be a competitive team during the mid-1990s. Led by quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin, the Cowboys won another Super Bowl in 1995, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in Super Bowl XXX.
Overall, the "Lean Years" of the 1980s and 1990s were challenging for the Dallas Cowboys. However, the team was able to rebuild and establish a new core of players and coaches who would lead the team to further success in the years to come.
Sources:
"History of the Dallas Cowboys." Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/dallas-cowboys/history/
"Dallas Cowboys Franchise Encyclopedia." Pro Football Reference. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/
After a struggle in the 1980s and early 1990s, the Dallas Cowboys experienced a resurgence in the mid-1990s, known as the "Return to Glory." During this period, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls in four years and re-established themselves as one of the top National Football League franchises (NFL) franchises.
During this period, the key figure for the Cowboys was owner Jerry Jones, who continued to make bold moves to improve the team. One of the most significant moves Jones made was hiring head coach Barry Switzer in 1994, following the departure of Jimmy Johnson. Switzer had previously coached at the University of Oklahoma and had won three national championships there.
Under Switzer's leadership, the Cowboys continued to be a dominant team in the NFL. Led by quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin, the Cowboys won their third Super Bowl in four years in 1995, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in Super Bowl XXX.
However, the team faced challenges during this period as well. Following the 1995 season, Switzer resigned as head coach and was replaced by former offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. While the team continued to be successful under Gailey, they could not win another Super Bowl during his tenure.
In 2003, the Cowboys hired Bill Parcells as head coach, marking the franchise's beginning of a new era. Parcells was a seasoned coach with experience leading multiple NFL teams to the playoffs. During his tenure with the Cowboys, Parcells helped to rebuild the team, drafting key players such as quarterback Tony Romo and linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Despite some success under Parcells, the Cowboys could not win a Super Bowl during his tenure. Following his departure in 2007, the team hired Wade Phillips as head coach. Phillips led the team to two playoff appearances in his first two seasons but was fired in 2010 following a disappointing 1-7 start.
Overall, the "Return to Glory" period of the 1990s was successful for the Dallas Cowboys. The team established itself as a dominant force in the NFL, winning three Super Bowls in four years and producing numerous Hall of Fame players. While the team faced challenges in the years following this period, it remained a competitive franchise and one of the world's most recognizable and famous sports teams.
Sources:
"History of the Dallas Cowboys." Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/dallas-cowboys/history/
"Dallas Cowboys Franchise Encyclopedia." Pro Football Reference. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/
The Dallas Cowboys have had a mixed record recently, with the team making the playoffs considerably since 2011. However, the team has also undergone significant changes during this time, including the emergence of new stars and controversies.
One of the critical changes for the Cowboys during this period has been the emergence of quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys drafted Prescott in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and they quickly became the team's starting quarterback. Prescott led the team to a 13-3 record and a playoff appearance in his rookie season, earning himself the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Another standout player for the Cowboys in recent years has been running back Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys drafted Elliott in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he has quickly established himself as one of the top running backs in the league. Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards in his first season and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Despite the emergence of new stars, the Cowboys have faced controversy and criticism in recent years. In 2018, the team faced backlash over their handling of protests during the national anthem, with owner Jerry Jones famously stating that players who did not stand for the anthem would not play for the team.
The Cowboys have also faced criticism for their on-field performance, with the team failing to make the playoffs in four consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2021. However, the team has changed to address these issues, including hiring head coach Mike McCarthy in 2020.
Overall, the recent years for the Dallas Cowboys have been marked by both success and controversy. While the team has produced new stars and undergone significant changes, they have also faced criticism for handling social issues and their on-field performance.
Sources:
"History of the Dallas Cowboys." Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/dallas-cowboys/history/
"Dallas Cowboys Franchise Encyclopedia." Pro Football Reference. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/
The Dallas Cowboys have a rich and storied history in the National Football League (NFL), spanning over six decades. From their early struggles as an expansion team in the 1960s to their dominant "Glory Years" of the 1970s and 1980s, the Cowboys have established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in the league.
The Cowboys have produced numerous Hall of Fame players and iconic moments, including the "Hail Mary" pass and their three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. However, the team has also faced challenges and controversies throughout its history, including the team's sale to Jerry Jones and the departure of legendary head coach Tom Landry.
Despite these challenges, the Cowboys have remained a popular and successful franchise, with a dedicated fan base and recognizable brand. The team's recent years have been marked by both success and controversy, with the emergence of new stars and criticism over their handling of social issues and on-field performance.
Overall, the history of the Dallas Cowboys reflects the NFL as a whole, with highs and lows, iconic moments and controversies, and an enduring legacy of success and dedication to the game of football.
Sources:
"History of the Dallas Cowboys." Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/dallas-cowboys/history/
"Dallas Cowboys Franchise Encyclopedia." Pro Football Reference. Accessed April 9, 2023. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/
The Dallas Cowboys were initially called the "Dallas Steers" during the team's founding in 1960. However, this name was quickly changed to the "Dallas Rangers" to avoid confusion with a local high school team. The term "Rangers" was also short-lived, as team general manager Tex Schramm decided it did not fit the team's image. The group eventually settled on "Cowboys" before their inaugural season in 1960.
The Dallas Cowboys have had many famous players, including multiple Hall of Famers. Some of the most famous Dallas Cowboys players include: Roger Staubach - Hall of Fame quarterback, led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. Troy Aikman - Another Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. Emmitt Smith - Hall of Fame running back who is the NFL's all-time leading rusher and helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories. Michael Irvin - Hall of Fame wide receiver vital to the Cowboys' success in the 1990s. Tony Dorsett - Hall of Fame running back who played for the Cowboys in the 1970s and 1980s, helping the team win a Super Bowl in 1977. These are just a few famous Dallas Cowboys players throughout the team's history.
The oldest NFL team is the Arizona Cardinals, founded in 1898 in Chicago. The team has undergone several name changes and moves throughout its history, including a move to St. Louis in 1960 and Arizona in 1988. The Cardinals are one of the oldest professional football teams in the world, with a history of over 120 years.
Evelyn D. Shah
Evelyn D. Shah is a seasoned sports blogger with 15 years of experience covering the NFL. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a reliable news source and analysis for football fans worldwide. Her passion for the sport is evident in her writing, as she delivers insightful and engaging content on various topics related to the NFL. With her extensive knowledge and expertise, Evelyn is a trusted voice in the world of sports journalism, and she continues to be a go-to resource for all things NFL.
