The storied legacy of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s is a tale of triumphs, rivalries, and near misses. Dubbed "America's Team" in 1979, this franchise captured the hearts of millions across the nation. NFL Films bestowed this evocative title on the Cowboys, symbolizing their widespread popularity and the significant cultural imprint they left on the decade.
The Rivalry with the Steelers
One of the most compelling narratives from this era revolves around the fierce rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. This rivalry saw the Cowboys come close yet fall short in two memorable Super Bowl encounters. In Super Bowl X, the Steelers emerged victorious with a 21-17 win, thanks in part to a fourth-quarter surge where they scored four consecutive times. Another highlight of that game was Lynn Swann's 64-yard touchdown reception, a pivotal moment etched in Super Bowl history. Despite a valiant effort, which included an end-zone interception as the clock wound down, the Cowboys could not secure a win.
The teams met again in Super Bowl XIII, marking the first Super Bowl between two teams with multiple championships. Initially, Dallas took the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive barrage shifted the momentum. Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, showcasing the resilience of the team. However, notable moments such as Jackie Smith's infamous dropped touchdown pass and a controversial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which led to a Franco Harris touchdown, tilted the scales in favor of the Steelers, culminating in a 35-31 victory.
Reflections from Ed "Too Tall" Jones
Reflecting on the intense battles against the Steelers, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a defensive standout for the Cowboys, recalled the challenges posed by Pittsburgh's experienced squad. "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 said. "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' reflections also touched on the controversial officiating in these pivotal games. He remarked, "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."
A Decade of Achievements and Challenges
Despite these heartbreaks, the Cowboys had their share of victories in the 1970s. Among their crowning achievements was winning Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos. The roster, bolstered by key additions like running back Tony Dorsett in 1977 and the formidable presence of Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who recorded an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career, was a testament to the team's talent and determination.
The NFL rule changes in 1978, which aimed to curb the Steelers' dominant defense, ironically bolstered Pittsburgh's offense, with Terry Bradshaw earning the league MVP title that year. Yet, these changes did little to hamper the Cowboys' competitive spirit, as they remained a formidable force throughout the decade.
Legacy and Personal Triumph
Today, Ed "Too Tall" Jones continues to inspire, having transitioned from the gridiron to promoting mobility aids like the Sportcane. Reflecting on its impact, he said, "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."
The 1970s Dallas Cowboys may be best remembered for their moniker as "America's Team," a symbol of their enduring legacy and the indelible mark they left on the NFL. As they navigated a decade marked by both victory and defeat, their story remains a compelling chapter in the annals of American football history.