Origins of "America's Team"
In 1979, NFL Films dubbed the Dallas Cowboys “America’s Team,” capturing a sentiment that echoes through the annals of football history. The moniker didn't arise from thin air; it was a product of their stellar performances throughout the 1970s. During that decade, the Cowboys etched their name into football lore, winning two Super Bowls and reaching the championship game five times. While they celebrated victories, the agony of defeat was also part of their journey, as they suffered three Super Bowl losses by a combined margin of just 11 points.
Rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cowboys' battles with the Pittsburgh Steelers are legendary, especially their skirmishes in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII. The Steelers, recognized as the 'Team of the Decade' in the 1970s, proved to be a thorn in Dallas’s side. Pittsburgh triumphed 21-17 in Super Bowl X, a game where the Steelers dominated the fourth quarter, scoring consecutively four times. Lynn Swann’s 64-yard touchdown catch was a highlight, capping a game of intense, nail-biting moments. The Cowboys’ last-second end-zone interception, however, brought their comeback hopes to an abrupt end.
In Super Bowl XIII, the two teams faced off once again, marking the first time both contenders had previously won multiple championships. Dallas initially surged ahead, but Pittsburgh’s offensive onslaught soon shifted the momentum. Despite Roger Staubach’s valiant effort, leading two late scoring drives, the Cowboys fell short, losing 35-31. The game was rife with pivotal moments, including Jackie Smith’s infamous dropped touchdown pass and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes that led to a Franco Harris touchdown. Reflecting on these encounters, Cowboys defensive stalwart Ed "Too Tall" Jones noted, "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball... we only lost by four points both games and Staubach had the ball driving late in those games."
Beyond the Gridiron
Super Bowl XII offered a brighter chapter for Dallas, as they clinched a victory against the Denver Broncos. Adding to their arsenal in 1977 was running back Tony Dorsett, a key acquisition that further bolstered their already formidable lineup. Yet, the late 1970s also brought challenges off the field. In 1978, NFL rule changes were introduced, primarily intended to curb the Steelers' defensive dominance. Ironically, these changes ended up fortifying Pittsburgh’s offensive strategy, allowing Terry Bradshaw to capture the league MVP title that same year.
Jones, an unmistakable presence on the Cowboys’ defensive front, recorded an impressive 106 sacks during his 15-year career. Despite the highs and lows on the field, Jones remains philosophical about those tight encounters with Pittsburgh. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team," he remarked. "Experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Legacy and Impact
Beyond football, Ed "Too Tall" Jones has continued to impact lives, promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, which he credits for aiding his daily activities. "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.
The legacy of the 1970s Cowboys as "America's Team" endures, emblematic of their resilience, skill, and the way they captivated a nation. From their on-field triumphs and trials to their lasting influence beyond the game, the Cowboys' story in that decade remains a compelling chapter in the grand narrative of NFL history. Their storied rivalry with the Steelers only adds to the rich tapestry of memories that define the golden age of football in the 1970s.