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
- 1972
- 1977
- 1989
- 1992
- 1993
- 1995
- 2009
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Dallas Cowboys Team Formation
The Dallas Cowboys were the NFL’s first modern-era expansion team. The NFL was late in awarding a franchise to Dallas; after Lamar Hunt was rebuffed in his efforts to acquire an NFL franchise for Dallas, he became part of a group of owners that formed the American Football League with Hunt’s AFL franchise in Dallas known as the Texans (later ... -
Super Bowl VI Winner 1971
Super Bowl VI – 1971 Super Bowl VI was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Miami Dolphins to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1971 season. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins by the score of 24–3, to win their first Super Bowl. The ... -
Super Bowl XII Winner 1977
Super Bowl XII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Denver Broncos to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1977 season. The Cowboys defeated the Broncos 27–10 to win their second Super Bowl. The game was played on January 15, 1978, at the ... -
Jerry Jones New Owner
On February 25, 1989, Jones purchased the Cowboys from H.R. “Bum” Bright for $140 million. Soon after the purchase, he fired longtime coach Tom Landry, to that point the only coach in the team’s history, in favor of his old teammate at Arkansas, Jimmy Johnson. A few months later, he fired longtime general manager Tex Schramm and assumed complete control ... -
Super Bowl XXVII Winner 1992
Super Bowl XXVII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Buffalo Bills and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1992 season. The Cowboys defeated the Bills by the score of 52–17, winning their third Super Bowl in team history, and their first one ... -
Super Bowl XXVIII Winner 1993
Super Bowl XXVIII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Buffalo Bills to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1993 season. The Cowboys defeated the Bills by the score of 30–13, winning their fourth Super Bowl in team history, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers ... -
Super Bowl XXX Winner 1995
Super Bowl XXX was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1995 season. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers by the score of 27–17. The game was played on January 28, 1996, at Sun Devil Stadium ... -
AT&T Stadium Opens
AT&T Stadium, previously named Cowboys Stadium, is a domed stadium with a retractable roof in Arlington, Texas. After failed negotiations to build a new stadium on the site of the Cotton Bowl, Jerry Jones along with the city of Arlington, Texas a suburb of Fort Worth, funded the stadium at a cost of $1.3 billion. The stadium is located in ...
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.
Sports Fan Products
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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
