The Legacy of "America's Team" and the Rivalry That Defined an Era
In 1979, the Dallas Cowboys earned the illustrious title of "America's Team," bestowed upon them by NFL Films. This moniker reflected not only their widespread popularity across the nation but also their remarkable achievements during the 1970s. The Cowboys won two Super Bowls during the decade, showcasing their prowess on the field. Yet, the era was also marked by heartbreak, as they narrowly lost three Super Bowls by a combined total of just 11 points.
A significant aspect of the Cowboys' journey was their fierce rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were recognized as the 'Team of the Decade.' This competitive tension produced some of the most memorable games in NFL history. The Steelers had the upper hand in two iconic Super Bowl clashes against the Cowboys, Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII, with final scores of 21-17 and 35-31, respectively.
The Battles of Super Bowl X and XIII
Super Bowl X stands out not just for the competition but for the dramatic moments it encapsulated. In this close encounter, Pittsburgh scored four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, a feat that shifted the momentum entirely. Lynn Swann's spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch remains a highlight, complemented by Dallas managing an end-zone interception as time expired.
Super Bowl XIII brought another thrilling chapter to this rivalry. Making history as the first Super Bowl to feature two teams that had previously won multiple championships, the game was fluid and dynamic. Dallas initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh’s offensive strength soon turned the tide. The Cowboys' legendary quarterback, Roger Staubach, however, did not back down. He led two late scoring drives, providing a nail-biting finish. Unfortunately for Dallas, a few key moments, including Jackie Smith’s infamous dropped touchdown pass and Benny Barnes being flagged for pass interference, ultimately worked against them. That critical interference call resulted in a touchdown by Franco Harris, swinging the game further in Pittsburgh's favor.
"That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball," remembered Ed "Too Tall" Jones, reflecting on the formidable opposition. "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."
Adapting and Overcoming
Despite the setbacks, the Cowboys demonstrated remarkable resilience and tenacity. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important," added Jones, underscoring the value of perseverance and grit.
In the face of controversial calls and critical mistakes, the Cowboys maintained their focus and determination. "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," stated Jones, acknowledging the challenges while focusing on the broader context of the team's performance.
The 1970s also saw pivotal changes in the NFL landscape. Running back Tony Dorsett's addition to the Cowboys roster in 1977 proved to be a game-changer, amplifying their offensive firepower. However, rule changes in 1978 aimed at curbing the Steelers' defensive dominance inadvertently strengthened Pittsburgh's offense. Terry Bradshaw’s performance that year earned him the league MVP title, further solidifying the Steelers' legacy.
Enduring Impact and Personal Triumphs
The influence of players like Ed "Too Tall" Jones extended beyond the gridiron. Over his 15-year career, Jones recorded an impressive 106 sacks. Post-retirement, he has continued to have a positive impact, promoting mobility aids such as Sportcane. "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," shared Jones, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience off the field as well.
Reflecting on an era that showcased the highs and lows of competitive sports, the Dallas Cowboys of the 1970s, forever known as "America's Team," left an indelible mark. Their battles, particularly against the Pittsburgh Steelers, remain legendary, embodying the spirit of competition and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.