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The Early Years
The Dallas Cowboys were established in 1960, as part of the NFL expansion that included the Minnesota Vikings. At the time, the team was owned by Clint Murchison Jr, a wealthy oil magnate, who saw football as a way to build his business and reputation. The Cowboys, however, had a rocky start, losing their first-ever game 35-28, and finishing their inaugural season with a 0-11-1 record. It looked like the team would be in for an uphill climb, but Murchison was determined to turn things around.
In 1961, the Cowboys made an inspired draft pick, selecting running back Don Perkins out of the University of New Mexico. Perkins became an instant star, leading the team in rushing for six consecutive seasons and helping to bring stability to the Cowboys’ struggling offense. The team had a breakthrough season in 1966, finishing with a 10-3-1 record and earning their first-ever playoff berth. Though they lost their first playoff game to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys had shown that they were a team on the rise.
The Tom Landry Era
In 1960, the Cowboys made one of the most significant hires in their history, bringing on former New York Giants defensive coordinator Tom Landry as their head coach. Landry would go on to lead the team for 29 seasons, creating a legacy that is still felt in Dallas today. Landry’s innovative defensive schemes, including the famous “Flex Defense,” helped to turn the Cowboys into one of the most dominant teams of the 1960s and 1970s.
Under Landry’s guidance, the Cowboys won five conference championships and two Super Bowls, and many of the team’s most notable players, including Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, and Randy White, were brought in during his tenure. Landry is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, and his impact on the Dallas Cowboys is undeniable.
The Jerry Jones Era
In 1989, the Dallas Cowboys underwent a massive change when billionaire businessman Jerry Jones bought the team from Clint Murchison Jr. Jones, who made his fortune in the oil and gas industry, had big plans for the Cowboys, and he wasted no time putting them into action. One of his first moves was to fire Tom Landry, a decision that was met with outrage by the team’s fans and pundits alike.
Jones replaced Landry with Jimmy Johnson, a former college coach who had led the University of Miami to a national championship. Johnson proved to be an inspired choice, as he quickly turned the Cowboys into one of the most dominant teams of the 1990s. With a roster that included future Hall of Famers Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls in four seasons between 1992 and 1995.
Although Johnson left the team after the 1993 season, the Cowboys remained a force throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, under the guidance of coaches like Barry Switzer and Bill Parcells. Led by stars like Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, and Michael Irvin, the Cowboys remained one of the most popular and successful franchises in the NFL.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys are a team that has experienced both dramatic highs and devastating lows over the years, but they have always remained one of the most beloved and respected franchises in the NFL. From their early struggles in the 1960s to their dominance in the 1990s, the Cowboys have always been a team that has inspired passion and devotion in their fans. And with a roster that includes rising stars like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, it’s clear that the Cowboys are still a force to be reckoned with in today’s NFL.
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