History of the Dallas Cowboys facts for kids

The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team that plays in the National Football League (NFL). This article tells the story of how the team started and grew into one of the most famous sports teams in the world.

Starting the Team (1960s)

How the Cowboys Began

The Dallas Cowboys were the NFL's first new team in the modern era. The NFL was a bit slow to give Dallas a team. This happened after Lamar Hunt tried to get an NFL team for Dallas but couldn't. So, he helped start the American Football League (AFL) with his own team, the Dallas Texans (who later became the Kansas City Chiefs).

To make sure the AFL didn't take over the South, the NFL finally gave Dallas a team on January 28, 1960. This was after the 1960 college draft, so the new team didn't get to pick any new college players that year.

At first, the owner of the Washington Redskins, George Preston Marshall, didn't want a new NFL team in Dallas. His team had been the only NFL team in the American South for over 20 years. But the Dallas owners, Clint Murchison Jr. and Bedford Wynne, found a clever way around him. They bought the rights to the Redskins' fight song, "Hail to the Redskins". They threatened to stop the Redskins from playing their own song at games! Marshall needed the song, so he changed his mind. This early disagreement started a big rivalry between the two teams that still goes on today.

The team was first called the Dallas Steers, then the Dallas Rangers. On March 19, 1960, they officially became the Dallas Cowboys to avoid confusion with a local baseball team. The main owners were Clint Murchison, Jr. and John D. Murchison. They hired Tex Schramm as president and general manager, Gil Brandt to find players, and Tom Landry as head coach.

Early Struggles (1960–1964)

First Winless Year (1960)

The Cowboys started playing in 1960. Their home games were at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. For their first three seasons, they shared the stadium with the AFL's Dallas Texans. The 1960 Cowboys had a tough first year, finishing with no wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie. Their team was mostly made up of older players.

Gradual Improvement (1961–1964)

In 1961, the Cowboys made their first college draft pick, choosing defensive tackle Bob Lilly. Even though they had the worst record in 1960, the first pick in the 1961 draft went to a brand new team, the Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys got their first win in team history that year, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first game. They finished the season with 4 wins, 9 losses, and 1 tie.

In 1962, Dallas got a little better, with 5 wins and 8 losses. After that season, the AFL's Dallas Texans moved to Kansas City and became the Kansas City Chiefs. This left the Cowboys as the only professional football team in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

In 1963, Dallas went back to 4 wins and 10 losses. In 1964, they had another 5-8-1 season. During this time, the city of Dallas was known for the assassination of President Kennedy. The Cowboys' success later in the decade helped bring back pride to the city.

Through the early and mid-1960s, the Cowboys slowly built a strong team. Key players like quarterback Don Meredith (1960), running back Don Perkins, linebacker Chuck Howley, and Bob Lilly (1961) joined the team. Also, linebacker Lee Roy Jordan (1963), cornerback Mel Renfro (1964), and wide receiver Bob Hayes and running back Dan Reeves (1965) were added.

First Tastes of Success (1965–1969)

In 1965, the Cowboys had their first season with an equal number of wins and losses, finishing 7–7.

In 1966, the Cowboys had their first winning season, finishing first in their conference with a 10–3–1 record. Eight Cowboys players were chosen for the Pro Bowl, including future Hall of Famers Hayes, Lilly, and Renfro. In their first playoff game ever, the Cowboys played the Green Bay Packers for a spot in the first-ever Super Bowl. Green Bay won 34–27 by stopping the Cowboys near the goal line with 28 seconds left.

Even with the loss, 1966 started an NFL record for the Cowboys: eight straight trips to the playoffs. They later broke their own record with nine straight playoff appearances from 1975 to 1983. This also began an NFL record of 20 straight winning seasons, lasting until 1985. That same year, the Cowboys started hosting games on Thanksgiving Day. They have hosted a game every Thanksgiving since, except for 1975 and 1977.

In 1967, the Cowboys finished 9–5 and got their first playoff win, beating the Cleveland Browns 52–14. They then faced the Packers again in the 1967 NFL Championship game. This game, played on December 31, 1967, in Green Bay, was the coldest NFL game ever (about -13° F with a -40° wind chill). The Cowboys lost 21–17 on a last-second play by Packers quarterback Bart Starr. This game became known as the "Ice Bowl."

Dallas remained one of the NFL's top teams in the late 1960s, winning their division in 1968 (12–2 record) and 1969 (11–2–1 record). However, each season ended with a big loss to the Cleveland Browns. Because they kept failing to win the big game, the Cowboys earned the nickname "Next Year's Champions."

In 1969, construction began on a new stadium for the Cowboys, Texas Stadium, in Irving, Texas. It was finished during the 1971 season.

The 1970s: America's Team

In the 1970s, the NFL changed a lot as it joined with the AFL. The Cowboys also changed, with players like Meredith and Perkins retiring. New stars joined, including Cliff Harris, and future Hall of Famers Rayfield Wright, Mike Ditka, Herb Adderley, and quarterback Roger Staubach.

First Super Bowl Appearance (1970)

Led by quarterback Craig Morton, the Cowboys had a 10–4 season in 1970. They made it to the playoffs, beating Detroit 5–0 in the lowest-scoring playoff game in NFL history. Then they defeated San Francisco 17–10 in the first-ever NFC Championship Game. This sent them to their first Super Bowl ever, Super Bowl V. They lost a close game 16–13 to the Baltimore Colts on a field goal with five seconds left. Even though they lost, linebacker Chuck Howley was named the Super Bowl MVP. He is the only player from a losing team to ever win this award.

First Super Bowl Victory (1971)

The Cowboys moved from the Cotton Bowl to Texas Stadium in week six of the 1971 season. They started the season 4–3. Coach Landry then made Staubach the main starting quarterback. After that, Dallas took off! The Cowboys won their last seven regular season games, finishing 11–3. They then beat the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs to return to the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl VI, Staubach was named MVP. The Cowboys crushed the Miami Dolphins 24–3, finally getting rid of the "Next Year's Champions" nickname. They ran for 252 yards, while holding the Dolphins (who went undefeated the next year) to only 185 total yards.

Playoffs and Popularity (1972-1974)

The 1972 season was another winning one for the Cowboys, with a 10–4 record. In the playoffs, they faced the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers were leading 28–13, but Staubach led a dramatic comeback, throwing two touchdown passes in the last two minutes for a 30-28 Dallas win. However, they lost to their rivals, the Washington Redskins, 26–3 in the NFC Championship Game.

The Cowboys were becoming very popular across the country. Their games on Thanksgiving Day helped them reach a national audience. Under Coach Landry, their defense, called the "Doomsday Defense," became very strong. Dallas also made new changes off the field. They were the first team to use computers to scout players. They also had the first modern cheerleading squad with fancy routines and were the first to broadcast games in Spanish. Dallas became known as the "glamour" team of the 1970s.

In 1974, the Cowboys finished 8–6 and missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Bob Lilly retired after this season.

More Super Bowl Appearances (1975-1978)

After missing the playoffs in 1974, the team drafted well in 1975, adding defensive lineman Randy White (a future Hall of Famer) and linebacker Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson. This new talent helped the Cowboys get back to the playoffs in 1975 as a wild card team. They beat the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams to reach Super Bowl X, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21–17.

In 1976, the team went 11–3 and won their division. But they were quickly knocked out of the playoffs by the Rams with a 14–12 loss.

The Cowboys started the 1977 season with 8 wins in a row. They had the best defense and offense in the NFL. In the playoffs, the Cowboys easily beat the Chicago Bears 37-7 and the Minnesota Vikings 23–6. Then they defeated the Denver Broncos 27–10 in Super Bowl XII in New Orleans. As a sign of their strong defense, defensive linemen Randy White and Harvey Martin were named co-Super Bowl MVPs. This was the first and only time two players shared the award.

After a slow start in 1978, Dallas won its last six regular season games to finish 12–4. After a close playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Cowboys shut out the Rams 28–0 in the NFC Championship Game to return to the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl XIII, Dallas faced the Steelers again. The Steelers won a high-scoring game 35–31, even though Dallas made a strong comeback late in the game. After this season, an NFL films editor called the Cowboys "America's Team."

End of the Decade (1979)

Dallas finished the 1979 season 11–5. In their final regular season game against Washington, the Cowboys came back from a 17–0 deficit to win 35–34 with a touchdown pass from Staubach in the last minute. However, their season ended two weeks later when the Rams upset them 21–19 in the playoffs. After this game, Staubach announced his retirement due to repeated concussions.

From 1970 to 1979, the Cowboys won 105 regular season games, more than any other NFL team during that time.

The 1980s: New Era, New Challenges

"Next Year's Champions" Again (1980-1982)

Danny White became the Cowboys' starting quarterback in 1980. Many didn't expect much from the team without Staubach, but they surprised everyone with a 12–4 regular season. They won their first two playoff games, including a comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons. But they lost to the Eagles 20–7 in the NFC Championship Game.

In 1981, Dallas started 4–0 and won their division with another 12–4 record. They easily beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38–0 in the playoffs. They then traveled to San Francisco to play the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. Dallas was leading 27–21 with less than five minutes left. But 49ers quarterback Joe Montana led a long drive, ending with a touchdown pass to Dwight Clark with 51 seconds left. This play became famous as "The Catch" and marked a shift in power in the NFC. The 49ers won 28–27 and went on to win the Super Bowl.

In the 1982 season, which was shortened by a player strike, Dallas finished 6–3. They won two home playoff games against Tampa Bay and Green Bay. But in the NFC Championship Game, the Washington Redskins defeated Dallas 31–17. This ended an amazing run where the Cowboys played in 10 of 13 conference championship games.

Ups and Downs (1983-1985)

In 1983, the Cowboys came back from a 23–3 deficit to beat the Super Bowl champion Redskins 31–30. They then won their next six games. When Dallas and Washington played again, both teams had 12–2 records. However, the Redskins easily beat the Cowboys, and Dallas lost its next two games, missing the playoffs.

The 1984 season was the Cowboys' 25th. Danny White, despite leading Dallas to the playoffs every year, started to get criticized for not winning "the big game." Coach Landry decided to start backup quarterback Gary Hogeboom for a while. Dallas started 4–1, but Hogeboom's inconsistent play led to White getting his starting job back. The Cowboys finished 9–7 and missed the playoffs for the first time in ten years. Also, in 1984, Clint Murchison Jr. sold the Cowboys to Dallas oilman Bum Bright due to financial problems.

Bright's ownership saw a decline in the Cowboys' success. The 1985 season had mixed results, including a tough 44–0 loss to the amazing Chicago Bears. With a 10–6 record, the Cowboys won their division. But they were shut out by the Rams 20–0 in the playoffs. This was the team's last winning season and playoff appearance with Tom Landry as coach.

Decline and Change (1986-1989)

The 1986 season started well, with new offensive coordinator Paul Hackett and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker joining the team. The Cowboys started 6–2, but Danny White broke his wrist. The team only won one of its last seven games, finishing 7–9. This ended the franchise's streak of 20 straight winning seasons, an NFL record that no other team has matched.

In 1987, the NFL players went on strike. The Cowboys hired replacement players, and some starters crossed the picket line. However, the "Counterfeit Cowboys" lost at home to a Redskins team made entirely of replacement players. After the strike, Dallas' regular team lost six of its next eight games, finishing 7–8.

The Cowboys struggled in 1988. After starting 2–2, they had a 10-game losing streak. One bright spot was their first-round draft pick, wide receiver Michael Irvin. They did get a Week 15 victory against the Redskins, which was Tom Landry's last win as coach.

In 1989, Bum Bright was forced to sell the team to Arkansas businessman Jerry Jones on February 25, 1989. The very next day, Jones fired Landry, who had been the only coach the Cowboys ever had. This decision caused a lot of discussion. Jones replaced Landry with University of Miami head coach Jimmy Johnson. With the worst record in 1988, Dallas got the #1 draft pick in 1989, quarterback Troy Aikman. After Dallas started the 1989 season 0–5, Johnson traded Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings for many players and draft picks. This was the biggest trade in NFL history at the time. The Cowboys finished the 1989 season with a 1–15 record, their worst ever.

The 1990s: Super Bowl Dynasty

Coach Johnson quickly turned the Cowboys into one of the NFL's best teams with smart draft picks. After picking Aikman, fullback Daryl Johnston, and center Mark Stepnoski in 1989, Johnson added running back Emmitt Smith in 1990, defensive tackle Russell Maryland and offensive tackle Erik Williams in 1991, and safety Darren Woodson in 1992. These young talents joined experienced players like wide receiver Michael Irvin, guard Nate Newton, linebacker Ken Norton, Jr., and defensive end Charles Haley.

Building a Winner (1990-1991)

In 1990, the Cowboys finished 7–9. Emmitt Smith was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Johnson earned Coach of the Year honors.

In 1991, Dallas finished with an 11–5 record, making the playoffs for the first time since 1985. The Cowboys beat the Chicago Bears 17–13 in the first round. But in the next round, they lost badly to the Detroit Lions 38–6. The 1991 Cowboys were also the first team to have the league leaders in both rushing yards (Smith) and receiving yards (Irvin).

Third Super Bowl Victory (1992)

In 1992, the Cowboys finished with a 13–3 record, the second best in the league. They had the NFL's #1 defense and were very popular. They finally got revenge for their 1981 NFC Championship Game loss to San Francisco by beating the 49ers 30–20. The Cowboys then crushed the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII, 52–17, forcing a Super Bowl record nine turnovers. Quarterback Troy Aikman was named MVP. Emmitt Smith rushed for 108 yards and became the first NFL rushing champion to win a Super Bowl in the same season. Coach Johnson became the first coach to win a college football National Championship and a Super Bowl.

Fourth Super Bowl Victory (1993)

The next season, the Cowboys finished with a 12–4 record. They again defeated the 49ers in the NFC Championship, 38–21. And they again defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl, this time 30–13. The Cowboys sent an NFL record 11 players to the Pro Bowl. Emmitt Smith won his third rushing title and was named both NFL and Super Bowl MVP. He is one of only six players to win both awards in the same season, and the only one who wasn't a quarterback.

The Switzer Era (1994-1997)

Attempt for a Three-Peat (1994)

Just weeks after Super Bowl XXVIII, Coach Johnson resigned due to disagreements with Jerry Jones. The next day, Jones hired former University of Oklahoma head coach Barry Switzer to replace him. In 1994, the Cowboys played in front of the largest crowd ever for an NFL game, with 112,376 people watching a preseason game in Mexico City. The Cowboys won another division title, finishing 12–4. However, key players like Erik Williams and Emmitt Smith got injured. Dallas reached the NFC Championship Game, where they faced San Francisco for the third year in a row. The 49ers got a big lead early and held on to win 38–28, stopping the Cowboys from winning three Super Bowls in a row.

Fifth Super Bowl Victory (1995)

In 1995, Jerry Jones made a big move by signing All-Pro cornerback Deion Sanders from San Francisco. Dallas had another 12–4 regular season and won their division. Emmitt Smith won his third rushing title and scored an NFL record 25 rushing touchdowns. After beating the Eagles 30–11 in the playoffs, the Cowboys won their 8th NFC Championship by defeating the Green Bay Packers 38–27. The Cowboys then beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX 27–17, getting revenge for two past Super Bowl losses to Pittsburgh. Coach Switzer became the second coach to win a college National Championship and a Super Bowl. Since then, Dallas has not returned to the NFC Conference Championship game.

Later Switzer Years (1996-1997)

Injuries and off-field issues affected the 1996 Cowboys. Still, Dallas won its fifth straight NFC East title with a 10–6 record. They beat the Vikings 40–15 in the first round of the playoffs. But they lost to the Panthers 26–17 after Irvin and Sanders left the game with injuries.

In 1997, Dallas finished with a disappointing 6–10 record. The team struggled, losing its final five games. Switzer resigned as head coach in January 1998 and was replaced by Chan Gailey.

The Gailey Era (1998-1999)

Playoffs and Changes (1998-1999)

After missing the playoffs in 1997, Gailey led the team to a 10–6 record in 1998. Dallas became the first NFC East team to beat every division opponent both home and away. However, the Cowboys lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Arizona Cardinals 20–7. Jones signed wide receiver Raghib "Rocket" Ismail hoping to boost the team.

The Cowboys started the 1999 season with a big comeback win against Washington. But in their fourth game, Dallas lost Michael Irvin to a neck injury that ended his career. Other key players also missed time due to injuries. Dallas finished 8–8 in 1999. They got a wild-card spot but lost to the Minnesota Vikings 27–10 in the first round of the playoffs. Gailey was fired in January 2000.

The 2000s: Rebuilding and Romo

Dave Campo Era (2000–2002)

Defensive coordinator Dave Campo became head coach, but the team had three straight 5–11 seasons. One of the few highlights was on October 27, 2002, when running back Emmitt Smith broke Walter Payton's record for most career rushing yards. Many fans thought Jerry Jones was to blame for the team's struggles, saying he preferred coaches who let him control player decisions.

Bill Parcells Era (2003–2006)

Return to Playoffs (2003)

In 2003, Jones hired Bill Parcells to coach the Cowboys. The Cowboys surprised everyone, finishing 10–6 and making the playoffs. They led the NFL in sacks and turnovers and had the best overall defense. However, they lost to the Carolina Panthers 29–10 in the wild-card round.

New Stadium Plans (2004)

The 2004 season was difficult due to injuries and many penalties. Dallas was 3–5 at midseason. They finished the season 6–10 and missed the playoffs. In November 2004, the city of Arlington voted to build a new stadium. The team started playing there in 2009, after 38 years in Irving.

Close Calls (2005)

The Cowboys improved their defense in 2005, adding players like DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears. They also signed veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe. The Cowboys had an up-and-down 2005 season. They were 7–3 by Thanksgiving but finished 2–4 in their last six games, missing the playoffs with a 9–7 record.

Tony Romo Takes Over (2006)

The Cowboys started 2006 with a 3–2 record. In a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants, quarterback Drew Bledsoe was replaced by Tony Romo. Romo won his first game as a starter the next week against the Carolina Panthers with a comeback win. He then led the Cowboys to big wins over the previously unbeaten Colts and Tampa Bay on Thanksgiving Day. Romo threw for 306 yards and five touchdowns in the Thanksgiving game, tying a team record. The Cowboys took a two-game lead in their division by beating the Giants again.

However, the Cowboys struggled in their last four games, losing to the Saints, Eagles, and Lions. In their playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, Romo, who was also the holder for field goals, fumbled the snap on a potential game-winning field goal. He tried to run for a first down but was tackled short, and the Cowboys lost 21–20.

On January 22, Bill Parcells retired. On February 8, Wade Phillips was hired as the new head coach.

Wade Phillips Era (2007–2010)

Record-Setting Season (2007)

In 2007, the Cowboys tied a team record by winning 13 regular season games. Tony Romo signed a big contract, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Terrell Owens had a great year, setting a team record for most touchdown receptions in a season (15). Romo also set team records for touchdowns (36) and passing yards (4,211).

In Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, the Cowboys had many turnovers, but still won dramatically with a 53-yard field goal by rookie kicker Nick Folk. In Week 9, tight end Jason Witten famously ran 30 yards without his helmet after a big hit. Dallas started 5–0 before losing to the undefeated New England Patriots. They finished the season 13–3 and got the top seed in the NFC playoffs. However, they lost their first playoff game to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants, a team they had beaten twice in the regular season. A record thirteen Cowboys players were named to the Pro Bowl.

Last Season in Texas Stadium (2008)

The Cowboys started the 2008 season by beating the Cleveland Browns. In their Week 2 home opener, the last Monday Night Football game at Texas Stadium, Dallas beat the Philadelphia Eagles 41–37 in a high-scoring game. After starting 4–1, Romo broke his finger in Week 6. He missed three games. The Cowboys also traded for wide receiver Roy Williams. After their bye week, they won four more games. However, Dallas finished the season 1–3, losing their final game in Texas Stadium to the Baltimore Ravens and then a big loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With a 9–7 record, the team missed the playoffs. After the season, Terrell Owens was released.

50th Season and New Stadium (2009)

The 2009 season was the Cowboys' 50th. In May, the new Cowboys Stadium (now AT&T Stadium) was finished in Arlington, Texas. The first regular season game there was a close loss to the Giants. By Week 9, the Cowboys were 6–2. They then had some ups and downs, but finished strong. On January 3, they shut out the Eagles 24–0, making it the first time Dallas had shut out two straight opponents. This gave them the division title and a playoff spot.

In the playoffs, they beat the Eagles again, 34–14, for their first playoff win since 1996. But in the next round, they lost badly to Brett Favre and the Vikings 34–3.

The 2010s: Garrett Era and New Stars

Tough Start (2010)

The Cowboys opened 2010 with a tough loss to the Washington Redskins. They also lost their second straight home opener to the Chicago Bears, starting 0–2 for the first time since 2001. They beat the Houston Texans but then lost three more games. In Week 7, Tony Romo broke his collarbone while playing the New York Giants. Backup quarterback Jon Kitna stepped in, but the Cowboys lost again.

By Week 8, the Cowboys were 1–6. After a big 45–7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Wade Phillips was fired, and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett became the interim head coach. The team improved under Garrett, winning against the Giants and Lions. They finished the season 6–10 and missed the playoffs.

Jason Garrett Era (2011–2019)

Close Calls and Missed Playoffs (2011-2013)

Jason Garrett became the full-time head coach. In 2011, the Cowboys started with a close loss to the New York Jets. Romo played through a painful rib injury and punctured lung to lead a comeback win against the San Francisco 49ers. They had a strong November, but struggled in December. In a key game against the New York Giants, they lost 37–34 after leading by 12 points late in the game. They finished 8–8 and missed the playoffs.

In 2012, the Cowboys started by beating the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. But they lost three of their next four games. In their Thanksgiving Day game, they lost to the Washington Redskins and rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Cowboys won their next three games, but again lost a Week 17 game to the Redskins, finishing 8–8 and missing the playoffs for the third straight year.

The Cowboys opened 2013 by beating the New York Giants 36–31. They lost three of their next four games, including a high-scoring 51–48 loss to the Denver Broncos where Romo threw for over 500 yards. They won their next two division games. In December, they lost two crucial games, including a 37–36 loss to the Green Bay Packers after leading 26–3 at halftime. Romo suffered a serious back injury in Week 16 but finished the game, helping them win. However, the injury ended his season. For the third year in a row, the Cowboys played a Week 17 game for the division title, but lost to the Eagles with backup quarterback Kyle Orton, finishing 8–8 and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

Division Title and Playoff Win (2014)

After starting 2014 with a loss, the Cowboys went on a six-game winning streak, their longest since 2007. This included a win against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks. The streak ended with a loss to the Redskins, and Romo injured his back again. He returned in Week 10 as the Cowboys played in London for the first time, winning 31–17. They lost a big Thanksgiving Day game to the Philadelphia Eagles but then beat the Chicago Bears to clinch their first winning season since 2009.

In Week 15, the Cowboys beat the Eagles 38–27, taking over first place. They then routed the Indianapolis Colts 42–7 to win the NFC East and make the playoffs for the first time since 2009. They finished the season 12–4, undefeated in away games, and won all their December games.

In the playoffs, the Cowboys hosted the Detroit Lions. They came back from a 14–0 deficit to win 24–20, their first playoff comeback from more than 10 points down at halftime. In the next round, they faced the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay. The Cowboys were leading 21–13 in the third quarter. But the Packers came back to take a 26–21 lead. Late in the game, Romo threw a pass to Dez Bryant that was first ruled a catch but then overturned after a review, ending the Cowboys' season.

Injuries and Struggles (2015)

After their successful 2014 season, the Cowboys had high hopes for 2015. They won their first two games, but Tony Romo suffered a collarbone injury in Week 2 and missed seven games, which the Cowboys lost all of. Romo returned in Week 11 for a win, but injured his collarbone again on Thanksgiving Day and missed the rest of the season. The team finished 4–12 and in last place in their division. They were 3–1 with Romo as starter, but 1–11 without him.

Prescott and Elliott Arrive (2016)

The Cowboys drafted running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott in the 2016 NFL Draft. Romo suffered a back injury in the preseason, making Prescott the starter for 2016. With Prescott's great play and Elliott's strong running, the Cowboys finished 13–3, earning home field advantage in the playoffs. But their season ended with a 34–31 loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. After the season, Romo retired, and Prescott was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Elliott's Suspension and Playoff Miss (2017)

The 2017 season was challenging. Star running back Ezekiel Elliott was suspended for the first six games of the season due to a league policy violation, though the suspension was delayed several times. The Cowboys started 5–3. After Elliott's suspension began, the Cowboys lost their next three games. They then won three straight, including a win where Dez Bryant became the Cowboys' all-time leader in receiving touchdowns. Elliott returned in Week 16, but the Cowboys lost to the Seattle Seahawks, which eliminated them from playoff contention. They finished 9–7.

Return to Playoffs (2018)

Before the 2018 season, the Cowboys released wide receiver Dez Bryant and longtime tight end Jason Witten retired. The team started 3–5. However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones traded for star wide receiver Amari Cooper. This trade helped the Cowboys turn their season around. They won seven of their last eight games, earning the NFC East title with a 10–6 record. The Cowboys defeated the Seahawks 24–22 in the wild-card round, but lost to the Los Angeles Rams 30–22 in the next round.

Garrett's Final Season (2019)

After a contract holdout, Ezekiel Elliott signed a big extension. Dallas started 3–0 but finished 8–8 and missed the playoffs, even though Dak Prescott had a career high in passing yards and touchdowns. After the season, Jerry Jones decided not to renew Jason Garrett's contract, ending his time as head coach.

The 2020s: McCarthy Era

New Coach, New Challenges (2020)

The Cowboys hired former Packers head coach and Super Bowl champion Mike McCarthy to replace Garrett. The Cowboys had a tough start, losing to teams that would later make the playoffs. Their only win in the first four games was a comeback against the Atlanta Falcons, winning 40–39. Their second win was costly: quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury. The Cowboys then lost six of their next seven games. They won three straight games late in the season, but lost Week 17 to the Giants, which eliminated them from playoff contention for the second straight year.

Back to Playoffs (2021)

With Dak Prescott healthy and an improved defense, Dallas finished 12–5 and returned to the playoffs for the first time in three years. However, they lost to the San Francisco 49ers 23–17 in the wild-card round.

Another Playoff Run (2022)

The Cowboys started 3–1, but Dak Prescott injured his hand in Week 1. Backup Cooper Rush played well, winning four of his five starts. With Prescott back, the Cowboys finished with the same 12–5 record as the previous season. In the playoffs, they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31–14 in what was Tom Brady's final NFL game. But the next week, Dallas' season ended when they were again eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers, losing 19–12.

Notable Firsts

The Dallas Cowboys team has achieved many "firsts" in NFL history, including:

• The first NFL team to win three Super Bowls in four years (1992, 1993, and 1995 seasons). Only the New England Patriots have done this since.
• The first team to hold the opposing team to no touchdowns in a Super Bowl. Dallas beat the Miami Dolphins 24–3 in Super Bowl VI.
• The first NFL team to play in five, six, seven, and eight Super Bowls. They have won 5 and lost 3 Super Bowls.
• The first and only NFL team to lose a Super Bowl and still have a player selected as the Super Bowl MVP. (Linebacker Chuck Howley in Super Bowl V).
• The first NFL team to win the Super Bowl after losing it the previous year. After losing Super Bowl V (1970 season), they won Super Bowl VI (1971 season).
• The first NFL team to lose the Super Bowl after winning it the previous year. After winning Super Bowl XII (1977 season), they lost Super Bowl XIII (1978 season).
• The first team in NFC East history to beat all its division opponents (home and away) in a single season, going 8–0 in 1998.
• The first and only NFL team to have 20 consecutive winning seasons (1966–1985).
• The first NFL team to send at least 13 players to the Pro Bowl (2007 season).
• The first and only NFL team to play 58 postseason games.
• The first NFL team to win 33 postseason games.
• The first wild card NFL team to go to the Super Bowl (1975).

Images for kids

• 1976 Cowboys vs. Steelers program. submitted by Ron McKee