The Dallas Cowboys of the 1970s earned a unique place in the annals of NFL history. Dubbed "America's Team" by NFL Films in 1979, the Cowboys were a force on the field, despite their mixed fortunes in Super Bowl clashes.
The Rise of America's Team
The 1970s Dallas Cowboys, led by the legendary Roger Staubach, experienced both triumph and heartbreak. The team secured two Super Bowl victories during the decade, with their wins giving them a heroic status among their fervent fanbase. However, the team also endured three Super Bowl losses, with a combined deficit of only 11 points, underscoring the razor-thin margins that defined their championship battles.
The moniker "America's Team" was solidified in 1979, a signal of the Cowboys' immense popularity and their symbolic status in American sports culture. Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a towering figure in the Cowboys' defense, reminisced about the team's determination in those years. "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 said, encapsulating the resolve that characterized the Cowboys.
Epic Clashes with the Steelers
Central to the Cowboys' narrative of the 1970s was their storied rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers, recognized as the 'Team of the Decade', often found themselves pitted against the Cowboys in critical moments. The drama of Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII highlighted the competitive spirit between the two franchises.
In Super Bowl X, the Steelers emerged victorious with a 21-17 scoreline, driven by a strong fourth-quarter performance in which Pittsburgh scored four consecutive times. Dallas’ defense showed grit, with a memorable end-zone interception as time expired. Yet, the game is often remembered for Lynn Swann's spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch, a play that sealed the Steelers' win.
Super Bowl XIII was another thriller, ending in a 35-31 win for Pittsburgh. This matchup had the distinction of being the first Super Bowl between two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. The Cowboys took an early lead, but Pittsburgh’s offensive onslaught shifted the momentum. Despite late-game heroics from Staubach, who led two scoring drives, it was not enough to capture the victory.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones reflected on the controversy and close calls in those games. "You mention Benny Barnes and those calls, I'm not one to complain, because that's just one play," he said, addressing the critical pass interference call against Benny Barnes that led to a Franco Harris touchdown. "Even though every controversial call went against Dallas, but throw that to the side. The difference was experience."
Building a Legacy
Despite the close losses, the Cowboys had remarkable individual performances and much to celebrate. Noteworthy among their triumphs was their victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos, a game that showcased their dominance. The addition of running back Tony Dorsett to their roster in 1977 further bolstered the team, providing new momentum and strength to their lineup.
NFL rule changes in 1978, originally intended to curtail the Steelers' defensive effectiveness, inadvertently enhanced Pittsburgh’s offense. Terry Bradshaw’s offensive brilliance shone through, earning him the league MVP title in 1978. The Cowboys, committed to evolving and improving, continued to push the envelope in how the game was played.
The Lasting Impact of "Too Tall" Jones and His Peers
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a stalwart of the Cowboys' defense, left an indelible mark with his career tally of 106 sacks over 15 years. Today, Jones remains active, promoting mobility aids such as the Sportcane, which he credits for helping him maintain an active lifestyle. "Just my daily activities, it makes all the difference in the world," Jones said. "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 legacy of the 1970s Dallas Cowboys, punctuated by their fierce rivalry with the Steelers and their status as "America's Team," lives on in the memories of fans and the annals of NFL history. Their story is one of competitive spirit, resilience, and enduring popularity that transcends the sport.