Established
1960
City
Dallas
League History
1960 - Present / National Football League
Team History
1960 - Present / Dallas Cowboys
Nickname
Cowboys - The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic teams in NFL history, with a long and storied past. Fans of the team often refer to them as “America’s Team” due to their popularity across the country. But many fans don't know there's an interesting backstory behind how they got their nickname – The Cowboys!
The name "Cowboys" was first used by sportswriter Bob St. John when he wrote about then-coach Tom Landry in 1960 for his column in the Dallas Morning News: "Coach Landry looked like a cowboy, so I dubbed him 'the Cowboy.'" Though it wasn't officially adopted until several years later, this moniker stuck with fans and eventually became synonymous with America's Team.
Dallas Cowboys Origin
In 1965, general manager Tex Schramm began pushing for the official adoption of “Cowboys” as part of marketing efforts to increase fan interest and game attendance—and it worked! By 1966, all references to players being called Rangers were gone from media coverage; instead, they were referred to solely as Cowboys or America's Team (a term coined by NFL Films). This change also coincided with new uniforms featuring white helmets adorned with blue stars on either side—an homage to Texas' Lone Star flag and its Wild West heritage—further cementing The Cowboys' identity.
Today The Cowboy brand continues strong over fifty years later, thanks mainly due to its original nickname - something no other professional sports franchise can claim ownership over quite like Dallas does!
Championship
Super Bowl 5
1996, 1994, 1993, 1978, 1972
Stadium
2013 - Present / AT&T Stadium
2009 - 2012 / Cowboys Stadium
1971 - 2008 / Texas Stadium
1960 - 1971 / Cotton Bowl
Owner
1989 - Present / Jerry Jones
1984 - 1989 / Bum Bright
1960 - 1984 / Clint Murchison
- 1960
- 1971
- 1977
- 1989
- 1992
- 1993
- 1995
- 2009
Dallas Cowboys 1960: Team Formation in NFL
Dallas Cowboys 1960: Team Formation and NFL Expansion In the Dallas Cowboys 1960 timeline, the franchise officially came to life as the NFL’s first successful modern-era expansion team. The league had been slow to expand into Texas, but the threat from the new American Football League changed that. After Lamar Hunt failed to land an NFL team in Dallas and ...
Dallas Cowboys 1971 Season: Super Bowl VI Win
Dallas Cowboys 1971: Super Bowl VI Victory In the Dallas Cowboys 1971 timeline, the franchise finally broke through and won its first championship. After years of heartbreaking playoff losses, the Cowboys reached Super Bowl VI and delivered a convincing 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The game, played on January 16, 1972, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, marked ...
Dallas Cowboys 1977 Season: Super Bowl XII Win
Dallas Cowboys 1977: Super Bowl XII Victory In the Dallas Cowboys 1977 timeline, the franchise captured its second Super Bowl title in dramatic fashion. After a strong regular season, the Cowboys advanced through the playoffs and faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII. Played on January 15, 1978, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, the game delivered a ...
Dallas Cowboys 1989: Jerry Jones New Owner
Dallas Cowboys 1989: Jerry Jones Takes Over as Owner In the Dallas Cowboys 1989 timeline, the franchise underwent one of its most dramatic and controversial shifts when Arkansas businessman Jerry Jones purchased the team. On February 25, 1989, Jones bought the Cowboys from H.R. “Bum” Bright for $140 million. The sale marked the end of the original ownership era that ...
Dallas Cowboys 1992: Super Bowl XXVII Win
Dallas Cowboys 1992: Super Bowl XXVII Victory In the Dallas Cowboys 1992 timeline, the franchise returned to the top of the NFL in spectacular fashion. After rebuilding under owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys reached Super Bowl XXVII and delivered one of the most dominant performances in championship game history. On January 31, 1993, at the ...
Dallas Cowboys 1993: Super Bowl XXVIII Win
Dallas Cowboys 1993: Super Bowl XXVIII Victory In the Dallas Cowboys 1993 timeline, the franchise proved they were a true dynasty by winning back-to-back Super Bowls. Just one year after their dominant victory in Super Bowl XXVII, the Cowboys returned to the big stage and defeated the Buffalo Bills again, this time by a score of 30-13. The game was ...
Dallas Cowboys 1995 Season: Super Bowl XXX Win
Dallas Cowboys 1995: Super Bowl XXX Victory In the Dallas Cowboys 1995 timeline, the franchise completed one of the most successful dynasties in NFL history by winning its fifth Super Bowl. The Cowboys faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX and came away with a hard-fought 27-17 victory. The game was played on January 28, 1996, at Sun Devil ...
Dallas Cowboys 2009: AT&T Stadium Opening
Dallas Cowboys 2009: AT&T Stadium Opens In the Dallas Cowboys 2009 timeline, the franchise entered a bold new era with the grand opening of its spectacular new home. After years of planning and negotiations, AT&T Stadium (originally called Cowboys Stadium) officially opened in May 2009. Built in Arlington, Texas, this massive retractable-roof venue represented a huge leap forward for the ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Dallas Cowboys History
The Dallas Cowboys, home to the NFL Greatest Player Emmitt Smith, are one of the most iconic teams in the NFL, and their history is full of memorable moments. From its founding in 1960 to now, they have become a powerhouse franchise with five Super Bowl championships and numerous division titles. The team has had some of the greatest players ever to play football grace its roster over its long tenure, including Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Bob Lilly, and Roger Staubach, to name a few.
The Dallas Cowboys history began in 1960 when the team entered the league as an expansion franchise under coach Tom Landry. Early struggles marked their first decade, but success soon followed. In 1970, they reached Super Bowl V, narrowly losing 16–13 to the Baltimore Colts. A year later, the Cowboys earned their first championship by defeating the Miami Dolphins 24–3 in Super Bowl VI.
This victory launched the dynasty years of the Dallas Cowboys history. From 1972 to 1978, the team made eight straight playoff appearances and claimed multiple Lombardi Trophies. The Cowboys built their reputation as “America’s Team” during this era, led by stars like Roger Staubach and a dominant defense. Their consistency defined the 1970s and secured their place among elite franchises in the Dallas Cowboys NFL legacy.
Dallas Cowboys Achievements
After Landry’s long tenure ended in 1988, Jimmy Johnson took charge and reshaped the franchise. With Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin forming the legendary “Triplets,” the Cowboys dominated once again. Supported by defenders like Charles Haley and Ken Norton Jr., they secured three Super Bowl titles in 1992, 1993, and 1995. This era cemented the Dallas Cowboys NFL dynasty of the 1990s.
Since then, the Dallas Cowboys history has seen both highs and lows. The team earned multiple division titles but also endured tough playoff droughts, including missing three straight postseasons starting in 2013. Still, the Cowboys remain one of the most beloved franchises in the league. Fans continue to wear the star proudly, hoping for another championship era to begin soon.
The Dallas Cowboys history is filled with remarkable achievements, including five Super Bowl victories and multiple NFC Championships. The team set records for consistent playoff appearances during the 1970s and 1990s, solidifying their reputation as one of the strongest Dallas Cowboys NFL franchises. Legends such as Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin shaped dynasties that left a lasting mark on professional football.
Dallas Cowboys Team History: From Humble Beginnings to Glory!
Dive into the captivating history of one of the NFL's most storied franchises. Explore the Dallas Cowboys' journey from inception to rise as America's Team. This video highlights iconic moments, legendary players, and the team's impact on the sport.
Mount Rushmore Dallas Cowboys: The Greatest Players in NFL History | Dallas Cowboys Highlights!
Let’s explore the Mount Rushmore of the Dallas Cowboys, featuring the greatest players in NFL history! This video highlights the legends who defined the franchise and impacted the game. From unforgettable plays to career-defining moments, relive the glory and legacy of these iconic Cowboys. Join us for an exciting journey through football history!
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
