The Dallas Cowboys have long held the title "America’s Team," a moniker coined by NFL Films in 1979. The nickname reflects not only their widespread fanbase but also their influential presence in the NFL throughout the 1970s. While the Cowboys secured two Super Bowl victories during this decade, their fierce rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team declared the 'Team of the Decade,' often took center stage, encapsulating the drama and intensity of the era.
The Pittsburgh-Dallas Rivalry
The rivalry between the Cowboys and the Steelers was one of the defining narratives of the 1970s NFL. Both teams were powerhouses, with the Steelers boasting a seasoned lineup that would eventually dominate the decade. As Ed "Too Tall" Jones put it, "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."
Memorable Super Bowl Clashes
The Cowboys and Steelers clashed dramatically in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII. Super Bowl X saw Pittsburgh eke out a 21-17 victory, with the Steelers scoring four consecutive times in the fourth quarter to pull ahead. Lynn Swann’s remarkable 64-yard touchdown catch remains one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history, and Dallas’s end-zone interception as time expired underscored the heartbreak of the loss for the Cowboys.
Super Bowl XIII further cemented this rivalry’s status in the annals of NFL lore. It was the first Super Bowl featuring two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. Dallas initially took the lead in this hard-fought battle, but a powerful offensive display by Pittsburgh shifted the momentum. Despite Roger Staubach’s valiant effort to lead two late scoring drives, which displayed the tenacity of the Cowboys, it was the Steelers who triumphed with a 35-31 victory.
Decisive Moments and Controversial Calls
Super Bowl XIII was studded with pivotal plays and contentious decisions. Jackie Smith’s dropped touchdown pass and Benny Barnes’ pass interference penalty were significant turning points. The call against Barnes led directly to a Franco Harris touchdown, a critical moment that swung the game’s outcome. Reflecting on these events, Ed "Too Tall" Jones noted, "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."
Adding Talent and Overcoming Challenges
The Cowboys’ roster in the late 1970s featured significant talent, including the addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977. Their defensive lineup was led by stalwarts such as Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who recorded 106 sacks over his 15-year career. Despite their youth, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and competitiveness against more experienced opponents like the Steelers.
In 1978, NFL rule changes aimed at curbing the Steelers' defensive dominance inadvertently enhanced Pittsburgh’s offensive capabilities. That same year, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw earned the league MVP title, underscoring his pivotal role in their success. Despite these challenges and unfavorable calls, the Cowboys' ability to fight fiercely in these high-stakes games was a testament to their determination and fortitude.
Legacy of "America's Team"
The term "America’s Team" not only captures the Cowboys' popularity but also their prominent role in some of the most thrilling moments in NFL history. While their matchups with the Steelers often ended in narrow defeats, these games were hallmarks of 1970s football, filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. As Ed "Too Tall" Jones eloquently stated, "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Today, Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains a respected figure, promoting products like Sportcane to aid mobility and demonstrating that even off the field, the spirit of America's Team endures. "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, illustrating his continued resilience and adaptability.
The legacy of the 1970s Cowboys, encapsulated by their fierce rivalry with the Steelers and their enduring moniker, remains an integral part of NFL history and the psyche of football fans across the nation.