1970s NFL: The Dallas Cowboys vs. The Pittsburgh Steelers
The 1970s were a defining decade for the NFL, marked by the intense rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. This period saw both teams competing fiercely on the field, each with their own claims to fame and moments of triumph. It was during this time that the Cowboys earned the title "America's Team," a designation given to them by NFL Films in 1979.
The Cowboys were a formidable force throughout the 1970s. They won two Super Bowls during this decade, victories that underscored their resilience and talent. However, the road was not always smooth. The Cowboys also suffered three Super Bowl losses in the 1970s, with a combined deficit of just 11 points. Among their most memorable battles were the Super Bowl showdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team recognized as the 'Team of the Decade.'
The Steelers and Cowboys clashed in several significant games, with two of the most notable being Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII. The Steelers emerged victorious in both encounters, starting with Super Bowl X, where they narrowly edged out the Cowboys with a 21-17 win. This game was highlighted by Pittsburgh's fourth-quarter surge, scoring four consecutive times. Lynn Swann shone brightly, catching a memorable 64-yard touchdown pass, and Dallas's hopes were dashed with a last-second end-zone interception.
Super Bowl XIII added another dramatic chapter to this rivalry. This game was historic, being the first Super Bowl to feature two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. Dallas initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive prowess ultimately shifted the momentum in their favor. Despite Roger Staubach leading two late scoring drives, the Cowboys fell short, losing 35-31. A dropped touchdown pass by Jackie Smith and a crucial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which led to a Franco Harris touchdown, were pivotal moments in this closely contested match.
Reflecting on these games, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense, remarked, "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’s comments underscore the experience gap that played a critical role in these high-stakes encounters. He added, "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Beyond the rivalry, the Cowboys celebrated their own successes. They secured a victory in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos, and in 1977, their roster was bolstered by the addition of running back Tony Dorsett. Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who recorded 106 sacks over his 15-year career, was another key player. His influence on the field was complemented by the NFL rule changes in 1978, which, despite being intended to hinder the Steelers' defensive prowess, inadvertently bolstered Pittsburgh's offense. That year, Terry Bradshaw earned the league MVP title.
Jones, now an advocate for mobility aids, credits the Sportcane for improving his quality of life post-retirement. "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," he shared, reflecting on his transition from the gridiron to everyday life.
The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers remains one of the most storied in NFL history, marked by unforgettable games, legendary players, and a shared legacy of excellence that continues to resonate with fans to this day.