The Dallas Cowboys have a storied history, not least because they earned the moniker "America's Team" back in 1979, a title bestowed upon them by NFL Films. During the 1970s, the Cowboys were a force to be reckoned with, conquering two Super Bowls but also tasting defeat in three others by agonizingly narrow margins.
Rivalry with the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers-Cowboys rivalry was among the most significant of the decade. The Steelers, crowned the 'Team of the Decade,' clashed with the Cowboys in several memorable Super Bowl encounters. In Super Bowl X, the Steelers emerged victorious with a 21-17 win, followed by another triumph in Super Bowl XIII where they edged out the Cowboys 35-31. Notably, Super Bowl XIII marked the first-ever championship face-off between two teams that had each previously won multiple titles.
Pittsburgh’s superiority was evident in Super Bowl X, where they scored four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, demonstrating their offensive prowess. One of the standout moments came when Lynn Swann caught a 64-yard touchdown pass. Despite Dallas fighting to the end, the game concluded with the Cowboys throwing an end-zone interception as time expired.
Super Bowl XIII Drama
Super Bowl XIII was a rollercoaster. The Cowboys initially took the lead, only for Pittsburgh’s relentless offensive barrage to shift the game’s momentum. Cowboys’ quarterback Roger Staubach showcased his grit, rallying his team with two late scoring drives. Yet, the game is perhaps most remembered for its dramatic moments, including the infamous drop by Jackie Smith on a potential touchdown pass and a crucial pass interference call against Benny Barnes, which set up a touchdown for Franco Harris.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a defensive standout for the Cowboys, reflected on the competitive nature of these matchups, noting, "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 expressed pride in the resilience the Cowboys demonstrated despite their youth: "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 1978 Turning Point
The year 1978 was transformative, not only for the Cowboys but also for the NFL landscape. Rule changes intended to curb the dominance of the Steelers’ defense paradoxically enhanced Pittsburgh’s offensive capabilities. This shift helped Terry Bradshaw secure the league MVP title in 1978, marking a pivotal moment in Pittsburgh’s football dynasty.
For Dallas, 1978 was bolstered by their Super Bowl XII victory against the Denver Broncos, with newly added running back Tony Dorsett playing a crucial role. Defensive stalwart Ed "Too Tall" Jones added to his legend with a career tally of 106 sacks over 15 seasons.
Jones also weighed in on controversial decisions that affected the outcomes: "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."
Legacy and Endorsements
Beyond his storied football career, Ed “Too Tall” Jones has found ways to remain active and connected to fans. Promoting mobility aids like Sportcane, he credits these products for maintaining 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."
The Dallas Cowboys’ legacy as "America’s Team" persists due in no small part to the competitive spirit and memorable battles of the 1970s. As Ed "Too Tall" Jones and his teammates proved, the heart of a champion is defined not just by victories, but by the ability to rise and compete against the very best.