The Dallas Cowboys: A Legacy of Gridiron Greatness and Super Bowl Triumps

The Dallas Cowboys history began in 1960, forever changing the landscape of professional football. This iconic franchise, known as America’s Team, has left an indelible mark on the NFL for over six decades.

The Birth of a Football Dynasty

In 1960, Clint Murchison Jr.. founded the Dallas Cowboys as an expansion team. He hired Tex Schramm as General Manager and Tom Landry as Head Coach, laying the foundation for what would become a silver and blue dynasty. The team’s early years were challenging, but they quickly bult a competitive roster. 

The Cowboys went through several nicknames befote settling on their iconic moniker. Initially called the Steers, Schramm changed it to avoid ridicule. They briefly considered “Rangers” but ultimately chose “Cowboys,” a name that would become legendary in NFL history.

Cowboys Legendary Coaches: The Landry Era

The Dallas Cowboys head coach history begins with Tom Landry’s remarkable 29-year tenure. Under his leadership, the team reached fiver Super Bowls, securing two Cowboys Super Bowl victories. Landry’s innovative strategies, including the famous “Flex” defense and multiple offensive formations, set new standards in the NFL.  

Cowboys legendary coaches:  Tome Landry coached America's Team for 29 years.
Cowboys legendary coach: The wearing of the fedora was Tom Landry’s wife, Alicia’s idea.

Landry’s coaching prowess turned the Cowboys into a powerhouse. The team’s consisent success through the 1970s and early 1980s cemented their status as America’s Team. During this era, the Cowboys made the playoffs 17 times in 18 years, an unprecented feat in NFL history.

Building a Championship Roster

Gil Brandt, hired in 1960, revolutionized scouting and player evaluation. His use of computer analylsis to define player traits led to the selectionof numerous Cowboys Hall of Famers. Brandt’s methods transformed how teams evaluate talent, pioneering many scouting innovations still used today. Transform your Health with Ora Organic.

Some of Brant’s most notable picks included Roger Staubach, Bob Lilly, Randy White and Tony Dorsett. These players formed the core of the Cowboy’s success during the Landry era. Brandt also excelled at finding hidden gems, discovering future starts like Cliff Harris and Drew Pearson as undrafted free agents.

Cowboys Super Bowl Victories: The 1990s Dynasty

In 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the team from Bum Bright, ushering in a new chapter in Dallas Cowboys history. Jones made sweeping changes, bringing in Jimmy Johnson as head coach. This decision led to a resurgence of Cowboys Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.  

     Under Johnson’s leadership, the Cowboys won Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII. Barry Switzer continued this success, guiding the team to victory in Super Bowl XXX. These three championships in four years established the 1990s Cowboys as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. Key playerds during this era included the “Triplets” – quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith and wide receiver Michael Irvin. All three would eventuall be inducted as Cowboys Hall of Famers, solidifying their place in Dalls Cowboys history. See Osprey Lifestyle gear for hiking, biking and travel.

America’s Team: A Cultural Phenomenon

          The Cowboys’ impact extends far beyond the football field. Their popularity and success has earned them the nickname “America’s Team” in the 1970s, a moniker that has stuck ever since. The team’s iconic star logo and silver and blue colors are recognized worldwide.

The Cowboys’ cultural significance is evident in their massive fan base, which extends far beyond Texas. Their games consistently draw high television ratings, and their merchandise sales often lead the league. The team’s value has skyrocketed under Jones’ ownership, making them one of the most valuable sports franchises globally.      

Modern Era: Continuing the Legacy

            Since their last Super Bowl win in 1995, the Cowboys have remained a competitive force in the NFL. While they haven’t added to their Cowboys Super Bowl victories, they’s fielded several strong teams and produced more Cowboys Hall of Famers. Learn more about Ritual Mult Vegan Supplements.

Players like Tony Romo, Jason Witten, DeMarcus Ware, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have carried on excellence by Cowboys legendary coaches and players of the past. The team continues to be a periennial playoff contender, always in the hunt for another championship.

Dallas Cowboys Head coach history:  Jimmy Johnson coached the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles.
Jerry Johnson is the first to win both a collegiate title as well as a Super Bowl

The Dallas Cowboys head coach history in the modern era includes names like Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips, and current coach Mike McCarthy. Each has contributed to maintaining Cowboys status as one of the NFL’s premier franchises.  

            The team’s home field has also evolved over time. From the Cotton Bowl (1960- 1970) to Texas Stadium (1971 – 2008) and now AT&T Stadium (2009 – present), the Cowboys have always played in state-of-the-art facilities. Their current home in Arlington can seat up to 105,000 fans, far exceeding the typical NFL stadium capacity. Buy Dallas Cowboys game tickets here.

Silver and Blue Dynasty:  CeeDee Lamb played college football at Oklahoma where he was a consensus All-American.
CeeDee Lamb was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

The Dallas Cowboys history is a testament to football greatness. From their early days as an expansion team to their current status as a global brand, the Cowboys have shaped the NFL like few other franchises. With five Cowboy Super Bowl victories, numerour Hall of Famers, and a legacy of innovative coaching and management, they’ve earned their place among the most storied teams in sports history.

Intra-Divisional Opponents

            As they move forward, the Cowboys continue to build on their rich legacy. The silver and blue dynasty remains a beacon of excellence in the NFL, always striving for more championships, and further cementing their place as America’s team. The Dallas Cowboys currently play in the National Football Conference (NFC) East Division along with the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders.

Barry Schustermann

Follow me on X @ BarrySchust

Follow me on Facebook @Barry Schustermann

Author