The moniker "America's Team" is synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys, a title bestowed upon them by NFL Films in 1979. Yet, even with their glorious wins and legendary status in the NFL, the Cowboys have encountered numerous challenges, especially from formidable rivals like the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s.
The Birth of "America's Team"
In the 1970s, the Dallas Cowboys cemented their legacy by winning two Super Bowls. Their fiery spirit and dominant presence on the field earned them widespread admiration. In 1977, they made a significant roster addition by bringing in the unstoppable running back Tony Dorsett, further solidifying their powerhouse status. Their accomplishments earned them the "America's Team" title in 1979, a label that has endured for decades.
The Steelers Showdown
The 1970s also saw the rise of the Pittsburgh Steelers, recognized as the 'Team of the Decade'. The Steelers and Cowboys developed a fierce rivalry that became legendary, with several pivotal encounters defining their competition. The Steelers edged out the Cowboys in not one but two nail-biting Super Bowls - Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII.
In Super Bowl X, Pittsburgh made a staggering comeback by scoring four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, clinching the game 21-17. A memorable 64-yard touchdown pass caught by Lynn Swann and a dramatic end-zone interception by Dallas as time expired highlighted the intensity of the game.
Super Bowl XIII: The Clash of Titans
Super Bowl XIII is etched in the annals of NFL history for its high stakes and thrilling gameplay. It was a groundbreaking match as it was the first Super Bowl featuring two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. The game began with Dallas taking the lead, but an offensive surge from Pittsburgh shifted the momentum dramatically.
Despite Roger Staubach's valiant efforts, leading two late scoring drives, the Cowboys fell short. A controversial call where Benny Barnes was flagged for pass interference led to a crucial touchdown by Franco Harris, tipping the scales in favor of the Steelers. Ed "Too Tall" Jones reflected on the challenge posed by the experienced Pittsburgh squad, stating, "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball...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."
Resilience Amidst Rivalry
The Cowboys' clash with the Steelers wasn't just a battle of talent but also a test of experience and resilience. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team because experience in big games is very important. Very important," Jones remarked. Despite facing a slew of controversial calls, including the one against Benny Barnes, Jones emphasized that experience was the real differentiator. "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," he said.
Legacy of Players
Ed "Too Tall" Jones carved out a remarkable career, recording 106 sacks over his 15-year tenure with the Cowboys. His contributions on the defensive side of the ball were immeasurable, and his post-football endeavors, like promoting mobility aids such as the Sportcane, further showcase his enduring impact on and off the field. "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 expressed regarding its significance in his life.
The 1970s were a transformative period for the Cowboys, marked by intense rivalries, significant triumphs, and memorable performances. Their journey through the decade, highlighted by the fierce competition against the Steelers, cemented their status as "America's Team" and laid the groundwork for future generations of football enthusiasts.