The moniker "America's Team" has been synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys since 1979, bestowed upon the franchise by NFL Films. This accolade followed a decade marked by both brilliance and heartache, as the Cowboys etched their legacy in the annals of the NFL.
The Glory and the Heartbreak
During the 1970s, the Cowboys were a team of resilience and tenacity, securing two Super Bowl titles while also suffering three excruciating losses by a combined total of just 11 points. This bittersweet period saw Dallas come agonizingly close to further greatness, only to be thwarted by narrow margins.
A fierce rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers intensified the drama of the decade. The Cowboys faced the Steelers in two pivotal Super Bowl clashes, both of which ended in narrow defeats. Super Bowl X saw Pittsburgh clinch victory with a score of 21-17, a game highlighted by Lynn Swann's spectacular 64-yard touchdown reception and a crucial end-zone interception by Dallas as time expired. In a remarkable sequence, the Steelers scored four consecutive times in the fourth quarter to seal their triumph.
Super Bowl XIII: A Battle for the Ages
The rematch in Super Bowl XIII was equally dramatic. It was the first Super Bowl where both teams had previously won multiple championships. Dallas initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive onslaught quickly shifted the momentum. Despite Roger Staubach orchestrating two late scoring drives, the Cowboys fell just short, losing 35-31. Critical moments included Jackie Smith's dropped touchdown pass and a contentious pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which paved the way for a Franco Harris touchdown.
Reflecting on these epic battles, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a defensive stalwart for the Cowboys, expressed a deep sense of pride. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans. 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."
Jones continued, "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important." His words underscore the significant impact of experience and veteran presence in high-stakes contests.
Triumph Amidst Adversity
Despite the heartbreaking losses, the Cowboys did taste Super Bowl glory in 1978, defeating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII. This victory was bolstered by the addition of formidable running back Tony Dorsett in 1977. However, the Steelers' dominance in the '70s also underscored their position. Recognized as the 'Team of the Decade,' Pittsburgh's strength was evident, with Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title in 1978.
NFL rule changes in 1978, designed to limit the Steelers' defensive dominance, paradoxically ended up enhancing their offensive capabilities, further complicating the Cowboys' quest for victory.
A Reflection on a Storied Rivalry
The rivalry between the Cowboys and Steelers remains one of the most storied in NFL history. Each encounter was a testament to determination and skill, with the grit of both teams on full display. "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," Jones opined, highlighting the fine margins that often separate victory from defeat.
Jones himself had a remarkable career, recording 106 sacks over 15 years. Today, he promotes mobility aids like Sportcane, emphasizing their impact on his daily life. "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, known affably as "America's Team," continues to resonate. Their journey through a decade of triumphs and near-misses encapsulates the essence of competitive sports — a blend of unyielding spirit, unwavering determination, and an ongoing quest for greatness.