History of The Dallas Cowboys – The Rise to Fame From Struggles
Posted: September 18, 2025
Updated: September 18, 2025
Dive into the history of the Dallas Cowboys and discover their legendary journey. From humble beginnings to dynastic glory, their saga continues to captivate fans.
Dive into the history of the Dallas Cowboys and discover their legendary journey. From humble beginnings to dynastic glory, their saga continues to captivate fans.
In this article, we are going to give you a highlight of the entire history of the Dallas Cowboys! The team was founded in 1960 as an expansion team. Initially, they struggled to find their footing, but destiny was about to change with the arrival of a Legendary coach. To this day, the Dallas Cowboys have their ups and downs, yet history can not be erased by modern struggles.
This is why people still believe that one day, the glory days of the Cowboys will return soon. Earning a worldwide reputation for the NFL, it is one of the strongest brands when it comes to merchandising. In fact, thousands of people bet whenever they see a market mentioning them at the online sportsbook sites in the US!
America’s Team – History of The Dallas Cowboys
The team’s first winning season started in 1966. Therefore, they had 6 years of struggle before the fruit of their effort started to bloom. But what was the watering? Well, it was an excellent coach who turned everything around. According to the Operations NFL, the team started to earn its name “America’s Team” after it had an extremely successful season between the 1970s and early 1980s. Even opposing fans respected their achievements. Their opponents often described them as composed, prepared, and relentless.
Thus, the Cowboys were no longer just a Texas team. They belonged to the whole country in spirit. The “America’s Team” label captured that truth perfectly. While many teams fade after success, the Cowboys built a lasting brand. Their confidence inspired generations of NFL followers. This stretch of history carved its place in football culture forever. However, this golden image was tied closely to one man’s leadership. That man was Tom Landry. Register at bet365 Sportsbook to bet on the next Cowboys game!
The Landry Era
Tom Landry, the stoic and brilliant head coach, defined the first two decades of the franchise. Under his leadership from 1960 to 1988, the Cowboys became a model of consistency. According to Pro Football Reference, to this day, he is the “winningest coach” in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Landry’s disciplined “Doomsday Defense” and innovative “Flex Defense” propelled the team to two Super Bowl victories and five Super Bowl appearances. He is revered as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, and his trademark fedora became an enduring symbol of the team’s golden age. He also developed stars who became household names. Players like Roger Staubach and Bob Lilly flourished under his guidance.
Their poise reflected Landry’s character. He believed in controlling emotions and executing with precision. This calm philosophy worked, and it made Dallas feared across the league. Because of his record, Landry is still called the “winningest coach” in their history. His career lasted until 1988, covering almost three decades of transformation. Even when the roster changed, Landry’s culture endured. Veterans passed his teachings to rookies. His staff planned every detail and left nothing to chance. Therefore, they often seemed prepared for anything. Fans felt safe trusting him, and players respected him deeply.
Jerry Jones & Jimmy Johnson – History of The Dallas Cowboys
Their success sparked massive national attention again. Merchandise sales soared, and their games drew record ratings. Johnson’s sharp tactics paired well with Jones’s business drive. Together, they created a modern dynasty. However, their partnership ended abruptly in 1994 due to clashing egos. Barry Switzer took over and won another Super Bowl with Johnson’s roster.
The glory felt unstoppable, yet cracks had formed behind the scenes. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jerry Jones bought the team in 1989. Very soon, Jimmy Johnson replaced Landry as a coach. Their winning rate has significantly dropped. However, he managed to bring some of the greatest MVPs into the team throughout this time. Soon, they rose back to the top. The duo won three Super Bowls in four years during the 1990s, with iconic players like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. While the partnership ended abruptly in 1994, it left an undeniable legacy of championships and a return to glory.
The Modern Struggles
The history of the Dallas Cowboys is not over! Since the 1990s, the Cowboys have faced a frustrating period of postseason struggles. Despite consistent regular-season success and talented rosters, they have been unable to advance past the Divisional Round of the playoffs. This era has been defined by the team’s inability to live up to the high expectations set by their storied past, with fans constantly questioning the team’s leadership and on-field execution in key moments. The team has seen multiple head coaches, and as of late, Brian Schottenheimer has taken the reins. Despite their struggles, they are still one of the most valuable sports franchises in the whole world!
The Cowboys also face intense media scrutiny. Their massive fanbase ensures every misstep becomes national news. Players must handle immense pressure, and sometimes it shows on the field. Despite their playoff struggles, talented stars continue to wear the star logo. Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb lead the current generation. They flash brilliance but have yet to break the postseason curse. Because of that, fans remain both hopeful and wary. This tension defines the modern Cowboys’ identity. They carry unmatched potential, yet history looms heavy on their shoulders. Until they win again, the debate over their future will never stop.
The Iconic Moments – History of The Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ history is filled with memorable moments that live on in NFL lore. From the legendary “Hail Mary” pass from Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson in the 1975 playoffs to the thrilling Super Bowl XXVII victory that cemented their ’90s dynasty, these plays and championships have created a legacy of excitement. More recently, kicker Brandon Aubrey’s record-setting kicks and the team’s exciting offensive firepower have given fans new moments to celebrate. Recently, they also played during the Thanksgiving games, which were not mind-blowing performances.
However, many young NFL fans will find warm and nostalgic memories after these games. Thus, in a sense, their effort is still iconic. These memories form the emotional heartbeat of the franchise. They remind fans why they keep believing. Because of such moments, the Cowboys remain relevant no matter their record. The brand endures through emotion, not just wins. Every new season brings the hope of another historic play. Thus, the Cowboys’ saga keeps growing, layered with both triumph and heartbreak. Their legacy stays alive through these flashes of greatness.
Bet On The Future of The Dallas Cowboys Online!
Now that you know the most important milestones in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, let’s talk about betting! The team is not over yet, and we are certain that at some point in the future, they will rise to the top once more! Thus, you can still bet on the future of the Cowboys! If you are new, we recommend taking a look at our list for the best NFL betting strategies.
Once you do that, then start looking at locally legal and trustworthy betting platforms. Many sports betting platforms are just entering the US markets. Therefore, it might be valuable to discover international options. Because each platform gives different props and bets. Register at bet365 Sportsbook for the widest NFL betting markets online!