The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic franchises in the National Football League (NFL), with a rich history that dates back to their establishment in 1960.
Early Years (1960-1970): The Cowboys were admitted to the NFL as an expansion team in 1960. Tex Schramm was appointed as the team's general manager, Tom Landry as head coach, and Gil Brandt as player personnel director, a trio that would shape the franchise's destiny for the next three decades. The team struggled in its early years, not winning a game in its inaugural season.
Golden Era (1970-1985): The Cowboys' fortunes turned around in the 1970s. They had their first winning season in 1966 and reached the Super Bowl for the first time in the 1970 season, though they lost to the Baltimore Colts. The team returned to the Super Bowl in the 1971 season and won their first championship, defeating the Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys, led by players such as Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett and Randy White, remained a dominant force throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, earning the nickname "America's Team."
Down Years (1986-1989): The Cowboys went through a period of decline in the late 1980s. In 1989, the team was sold to Jerry Jones, who controversially fired Tom Landry and hired Jimmy Johnson as head coach.
Return to Glory (1990-1995): The 1990s brought a return to success for the Cowboys. They won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1992 and 1993 seasons, led by the famous trio of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin, often referred to as "The Triplets." The team won another Super Bowl in the 1995 season.
Post-Aikman Era (2000-Present): Since the retirement of Troy Aikman, the team has had mixed results, with several playoff appearances but no return to the Super Bowl. The team has been led by a succession of quarterbacks, including Tony Romo and Dak Prescott.
The Dallas Cowboys are known not only for their on-field success but also for their cheerleaders, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, one of the most recognized cheerleading squads in professional sports. The team's home, the AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium), opened in 2009 in Arlington, Texas, and is one of the most state-of-the-art stadiums in the world.
The Cowboys remain one of the most valuable sports franchises globally, with a passionate fan base that extends far beyond the Dallas area.