The Legacy of America's Team in the 1970s
The Dallas Cowboys, enshrined as "America's Team" in 1979 by NFL Films, left an indelible mark on the 1970s NFL landscape. Known for their glamorous appeal and on-field success, the Cowboys secured two Super Bowl victories during this era, even as heartbreakingly tight losses punctuated their championship quests.
In the much-celebrated decade, the Cowboys clinched triumphs in Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos. Their prowess wasn't confined to the highlights; figures such as Ed "Too Tall" Jones wreaked defensive havoc, recording an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. The team's robust defense and strategic acumen made them perennial contenders.
However, the Cowboys' journey through the 1970s is inextricably linked with their fierce rivalry against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers, dubbed the 'Team of the Decade,' emerged victorious in two memorable Super Bowl duels—Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII. The Steelers edged out the Cowboys with scores of 21-17 and 35-31, respectively, underscoring a competitive fervor that thrilled fans and solidified legacies.
Super Bowl X remains etched in history. The Cowboys, despite their valiant efforts, succumbed to a fourth-quarter barrage by Pittsburgh. Lynn Swann’s sensational 64-yard touchdown catch epitomized the Steelers’ clutch performance. Yet, Dallas almost turned the tide with a desperate end-zone interception as time expired. Reflecting on the loss, Ed "Too Tall" Jones acknowledged the experienced Steelers' edge over his then-young Cowboys squad: "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball.”
Super Bowl XIII further intensified the rivalry, marking the first Super Bowl between teams boasting multiple championships. Dallas initially seized momentum, but Pittsburgh's offensive onslaught soon tipped the balance. Amidst the game's many twists, Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes set up a pivotal Franco Harris touchdown. Despite calls deemed unfavorable, Jones remained stoic: "You mention Benny Barnes and those calls, I'm not one to complain... The difference was experience."
Dallas’s roster evolution was crucial in the transformative decade. The 1977 addition of running back Tony Dorsett invigorated their offense. Coupled with rule changes in 1978 aimed at curbing the Steelers’ defense, these factors bolstered Pittsburgh's offense while providing Dallas a chance to recalibrate. Pittsburgh’s offensive dynamo Terry Bradshaw earned the league MVP title that year, reflecting the competitive edge that could tilt the smallest of margins.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, reflecting on the tenacity and fortitude of the Cowboys, shared, "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important." His career, dovetailing the highs and lows of the 1970s Cowboys era, exemplified resilience and adaptability—qualities echoed in his current promotion of mobility aids like Sportcane. He attests, "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 narrative of the 1970s Cowboys is one of grit interwoven with moments of brilliance and near-misses. Their battles, particularly against the Steelers, highlighted a golden era of NFL football where every play resonated and every game was a testament to endurance and strategic mastery. As the Steelers claimed the decade's ultimate accolade, the Cowboys' place in the annals of football as "America's Team" was undoubtedly deserved, encapsulating the spirit of determination and excellence that defines the NFL's storied history.