In the annals of NFL history, a rivalry as intense as that between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s is hard to come by. Dubbed "America's Team" by NFL Films in 1979, the Dallas Cowboys emerged as both a dominant force and a symbol of gridiron excellence. Yet, it was the Steelers who secured the title of 'Team of the Decade,' creating a fierce on-field competition that delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in Super Bowl history.
The Rise of "America's Team"
The 1970s era saw the Cowboys win two Super Bowls and reach the big game five times, although they suffered three heartbreaking losses by a combined margin of just 11 points. Despite the setbacks, the decade established Dallas's NFL legacy, bolstered by significant contributions from players like Ed "Too Tall" Jones and running back Tony Dorsett, who joined the team in 1977. Reflecting on those times, Jones commented, "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball... 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."
Unforgettable Super Bowl Clashes
The rivalry between the Cowboys and Steelers peaked with two iconic Super Bowl matchups. In Super Bowl X, the Steelers emerged victorious with a narrow 21-17 win, a game capped by a dramatic end-zone interception by Dallas as time expired. The game also featured Lynn Swann’s electrifying 64-yard touchdown catch, propelling Pittsburgh's offense during a critical fourth-quarter surge.
Three years later, the teams met again in Super Bowl XIII, a game noted for several significant moments. The Steelers' offensive fireworks shifted the game's momentum after Dallas initially took the lead. However, Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach nearly orchestrated a late comeback, leading two scoring drives in the closing moments. Yet, mistakes haunted Dallas; Jackie Smith infamously dropped a crucial touchdown pass, and a controversial pass interference call on Benny Barnes set up a decisive Franco Harris touchdown. Ed "Too Tall" Jones reflected on the game, saying, "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."
Impactful Changes and Player Legacies
The 1978 season introduced critical rule changes aimed at reducing the dominance of Pittsburgh's defense, inadvertently bolstering their offensive capabilities. Terry Bradshaw, embodying this shift, earned the league MVP title that year, further cementing the Steelers' prowess. On the other side of the field, Ed "Too Tall" Jones made a lasting impact for the Cowboys, recording 106 sacks over his 15-year career.
Jones' legacy extends beyond the gridiron; today, he promotes mobility aids like Sportcane, crediting it for enabling him to maintain his quality of life. "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.
Legacy of Merriment and Valor
The Cowboys may have been named "America's Team," but their arduous battles against the Steelers during the 1970s ensured that both franchises remain etched in NFL lore. These encounters, marked by thrilling plays, heroic efforts, and heart-wrenching near misses, exemplify the spirit and resilience of professional football. As Ed "Too Tall" Jones aptly summarized, "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
The rivalry, encapsulated in those epic Super Bowl confrontations, continues to be a reference point for what makes the NFL so captivating: fierce competition, individual brilliance, and unforgettable drama.