In 1979, the Dallas Cowboys earned the illustrious title of "America's Team," a moniker bestowed upon them by NFL Films. This label encapsulated the team’s widespread popularity and success during the 1970s, a period marked by both triumph and heartbreak for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys' performance in the 1970s was nothing short of spectacular. They clinched two Super Bowl victories and made an impressive five Super Bowl appearances. However, the glory was accompanied by near-misses—they narrowly lost three Super Bowls by a combined 11 points. One of their most formidable opponents during this era was the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were recognized as the 'Team of the Decade.'
The Rivalry with the Steelers
The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s is etched in NFL lore. These teams clashed in several significant games, with two of the most memorable encounters unfolding in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII.
Super Bowl X saw the Steelers edge out the Cowboys with a 21-17 victory. The game was fiercely contested, especially in the fourth quarter when Pittsburgh scored four consecutive times. One of the highlights was Lynn Swann's spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch. The game ended in dramatic fashion with a Dallas end-zone interception as time expired, sealing the Steelers' victory.
In their next Super Bowl encounter, Super Bowl XIII, the Steelers once again emerged victorious, defeating Dallas 35-31. This matchup was historic as it was the first Super Bowl between two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. Although Dallas initially took the lead, Pittsburgh's offensive barrage shifted the momentum. Cowboys' quarterback Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The game also featured a crucial moment when Jackie Smith dropped a touchdown pass, and Benny Barnes was called for pass interference, a penalty that led to a Franco Harris touchdown.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones Reflects
Former Cowboys defensive star Ed "Too Tall" Jones has vivid memories of those intense battles against the Steelers. Reflecting on the experience, he 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 acknowledged the importance of experience in big games, saying, "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important." He was philosophical about the controversial calls that went against Dallas, noting, "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."
A Legacy of Excellence
Despite the heartbreaks, the Dallas Cowboys cemented their legacy in the 1970s with their resilience and skill. They won Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos and added star running back Tony Dorsett to their roster in 1977. Defensively, Ed "Too Tall" Jones was a towering presence, recording 106 sacks over his 15-year career.
The 1970s also saw significant rule changes intended to hinder the Steelers' defensive dominance. Ironically, these same changes bolstered Pittsburgh's offense, enabling Terry Bradshaw to earn the league MVP title in 1978.
Today, Ed "Too Tall" Jones continues to be a notable figure. He promotes mobility aids like the Sportcane, which he credits for enhancing his daily activities. "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.
The enduring rivalry between the Cowboys and the Steelers, marked by intense clashes and remarkable performances, remains a highlight of NFL history. The Cowboys, known as "America's Team," and the Steelers, the 'Team of the Decade,' exemplified the competitive spirit and excellence of 1970s football.