In the annals of NFL history, few teams have left as indelible a mark as the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s. Dubbed "America's Team" in 1979 by NFL Films, the Cowboys embodied the spirit of American football excellence. Yet, despite their two Super Bowl victories in that decade, the Cowboys often found themselves on the losing end of crucial encounters with the formidable Pittsburgh Steelers.
Throughout the 1970s, the Cowboys' rivalry with the Steelers captivated fans and defined an era. The Steelers, crowned the 'Team of the Decade,' won four Super Bowls, two of which came at the expense of Dallas. In Super Bowl X, Pittsburgh triumphed with a 21-17 victory, a game remembered for its nail-biting drama and pivotal plays. Lynn Swann's spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch and Pittsburgh's four consecutive scoring drives in the fourth quarter underscored their dominance. Dallas clawed back within reach, but a last-minute end-zone interception sealed their fate.
Super Bowl XIII proved equally thrilling. It was the first Super Bowl where both participating teams had previously won multiple championships. Dallas initially took the lead, but Pittsburgh's offensive assault shifted the momentum, leading to a 35-31 victory. Notably, Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, almost rallying the Cowboys to a dramatic comeback. However, controversial moments, such as Benny Barnes' pass interference call that led to a Franco Harris touchdown, left a lasting impact. Ed "Too Tall" Jones, reflecting on the game, remarked, "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."
Jones's insights offer a window into the mindset of a team that, despite narrow losses, displayed resilience and competitive spirit. "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," he noted. The Cowboys' youthfulness contrasted sharply with Pittsburgh's seasoned roster, a factor Jones believes was decisive in those critical games.
The Cowboys' success in the '70s wasn't limited to their near-misses against Pittsburgh. In Super Bowl XII, they claimed victory against the Denver Broncos, showcasing their prowess on the grandest stage. Key to their success was the addition of running back Tony Dorsett in 1977, whose dynamic play bolstered Dallas’s offensive capabilities.
Yet, the era wasn't without its challenges. NFL rule changes in 1978, designed to hinder the Steelers' defensive tactics, paradoxically enhanced Pittsburgh's offense. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw capitalized on these shifts, earning the league MVP title that year.
Throughout his illustrious 15-year career, Ed "Too Tall" Jones was a defensive cornerstone for the Cowboys, amassing 106 sacks. Even in retirement, his influence endures, now promoting mobility aids like 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," Jones shared.
The Dallas Cowboys of the 1970s remain etched in the memories of football aficionados not just as a team of great talent, but as "America's Team" – a moniker that symbolizes their enduring legacy in the sport. Their storied rivalry with the Steelers, marked by unforgettable Super Bowl clashes, encapsulates an era where the lines between victory and defeat were decided by the slimmest of margins and moments of high drama.