The Dallas Cowboys, often revered as "America's Team," earned their iconic moniker in 1979, courtesy of NFL Films. The honor was a testament to the Cowboys' national appeal and their remarkable performances throughout the 1970s. During this decade, the Cowboys secured two Super Bowl victories, reinforcing their place in the pantheon of NFL greats. However, their journey wasn't without heartbreak. They lost three Super Bowls by a combined total of just 11 points, illustrating the razor-thin margins that often separate triumph and tragedy in professional football.
One of the most riveting narratives from that era is the intense rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. This rivalry is etched into the annals of NFL history, punctuated by several legendary games. The Steelers, recognized as the 'Team of the Decade' of the 1970s, clashed with the Cowboys in Super Bowl X and XIII, producing some of the most memorable moments in football history.
Super Bowl X
Super Bowl X saw the Steelers edge the Cowboys with a score of 21-17. A game for the ages, it featured pivotal moments that are still discussed with reverence. Pittsburgh managed to score four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, a testament to their resilience and strategic prowess. A 64-yard touchdown pass to Lynn Swann and a last-ditch end-zone interception by Dallas as time expired further solidified the game's legendary status.
Super Bowl XIII
Super Bowl XIII represented another heart-pounding encounter between these two giants. Marking the first Super Bowl between teams with multiple championships under their belts, the game did not disappoint. Dallas initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh’s offensive barrage soon shifted the momentum. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans," reflected Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a key defensive player for the Cowboys. "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."
Roger Staubach, the Dallas quarterback, led two late scoring drives in an attempt to reclaim victory, but Pittsburgh's seasoned squad held firm. The match also featured Jackie Smith's notorious drop of a touchdown pass and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which led to a crucial touchdown by Franco Harris. Jones emphasized the importance of experience in such high-stakes games. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Reflecting on the critical calls, Jones remarked, "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."
Building a Legacy
The Cowboys' sense of identity in the '70s extended beyond their on-field exploits. They were the epitome of a team that blended youthful vigor with relentless determination. In 1977, they bolstered their roster with the addition of Tony Dorsett, a move that paid immediate dividends. The following year saw NFL rule changes that inadvertently enhanced Pittsburgh's offensive capabilities while attempting to mitigate their defensive dominance. Nonetheless, Terry Bradshaw of the Steelers claimed the league MVP title in 1978, underscoring Pittsburgh's adaptability and depth.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a towering presence in the Cowboys' defense, recorded 106 sacks over his 15-year career. Post-retirement, Jones contributed to the community by promoting mobility aids like the Sportcane. "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," Jones shared.
The saga of the 1970s Dallas Cowboys is one of perseverance, star power, and bitter rivalries. Their journey through this golden era, marked by both stunning victories and agonizing losses, continues to resonate with football fans today. While the Steelers may have claimed the title of 'Team of the Decade', the moniker "America's Team" remains synonymous with the Cowboys—a testament to their enduring legacy and the spirit they brought to the sport.