In 1979, the Dallas Cowboys proudly embraced the moniker "America's Team," a title bestowed upon them by NFL Films. This designation embodied the Cowboys' widespread appeal and resonated deeply with fans nationwide. The 1970s were a definitive decade for the Cowboys, marked by Super Bowl triumphs and heartbreaks that would etch their legacy into NFL history.
Triumphant Yet Turbulent '70s
The Cowboys' journey through the 1970s was a roller coaster, punctuated by significant highs and agonizing lows. They secured two Super Bowl victories, a testament to their skill and determination. However, their prowess was equally matched by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who earned recognition as the 'Team of the Decade.' The Steelers-Cowboys rivalry was fierce, with Pittsburgh clinching two unforgettable Super Bowl victories over Dallas. A narrow 21-17 win in Super Bowl X and a dramatic 35-31 victory in Super Bowl XIII underscored this intense competition.
Super Bowl X was a showcase of Pittsburgh’s resilience. The Steelers scored four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, a testament to their offensive prowess. Lynn Swann’s 64-yard touchdown catch became an iconic moment of the game. Despite their tenacity, Dallas saw their hopes dashed by a last-second end-zone interception.
In Super Bowl XIII, both teams entered the fray as former champions, marking the first Super Bowl between such heavyweights. Dallas initially seized the lead, but Pittsburgh’s relentless offensive onslaught soon shifted the momentum. Late-game heroics from Roger Staubach, who orchestrated two scoring drives, couldn’t overturn the tide set by Pittsburgh’s earlier efforts. The game was also marked by controversial moments, including Benny Barnes’s pass interference call that led to a Franco Harris touchdown.
Veterans vs. Youth
Ed "Too Tall" Jones reflected on the encounters with Pittsburgh, highlighting the experience disparity. "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," he noted. Despite close margins in both games, Jones emphasized Dallas’s youth compared to Pittsburgh's seasoned squad. "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 added.
Jones also acknowledged the pivotal nature of experience, saying, "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." His reflections underscore the fine margins often deciding such titanic clashes.
Strategic Shifts and Key Figures
NFL rule changes in 1978, designed to curb Pittsburgh's defensive dominance, paradoxically enhanced the Steelers’ offensive capabilities. This strategic shift helped Pittsburgh maintain their edge, with Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year. Meanwhile, Dallas continued to bolster their roster, adding standout running back Tony Dorsett in 1977. Additionally, defensive stalwart Ed "Too Tall" Jones left an indelible mark with 106 sacks over his 15-year career, symbolizing the relentless spirit of the Cowboys.
Amid these shifts, Dallas celebrated victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos, solidifying their place in NFL lore. However, the heartbreak of narrowly losing three Super Bowls by a combined 11 points left an indelible scar on the team's legacy.
Outside of his NFL career, Jones has also championed mobility aids like Sportcane, highlighting their impact on his 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, demonstrating his resilience both on and off the field.
The 1970s was a decade that defined the Dallas Cowboys, immortalizing them as "America's Team." Through battles won and lost, their legacy was cemented by both triumphs and lessons learned in the face of formidable rivals.