The term "America's Team" is synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys, a brand born in 1979 through the lens of NFL Films. Their audacious charm and on-field prowess earned them this moniker, even as their closest NFL contemporaries, the Pittsburgh Steelers, were gaining ground as the 'Team of the Decade' during the 1970s.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The Cowboys and Steelers forged a fierce rivalry in the 1970s, which included several unforgettable encounters. The pinnacle of this rivalry was perhaps their clashes in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII. While the Steelers triumphed in both battles, the Cowboys proved to be worthy opponents, losing by slim margins – 21-17 and 35-31, respectively.
In Super Bowl X, the Steelers showcased their resilience by scoring four consecutive times in the fourth quarter, capped by Lynn Swann's memorable 64-yard touchdown reception. However, it was an end-zone interception as time expired that ensured Pittsburgh's victory.
Super Bowl XIII was historic for being the first to feature two teams that had each previously won multiple championships. Despite Dallas taking an early lead, the Steelers' offensive machine, powered by league MVP Terry Bradshaw, shifted the momentum. Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach led two late scoring drives, but the efforts fell short. Ed "Too Tall" Jones, reflecting on the game, lamented, "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."
Key Moments and Controversial Calls
Super Bowl XIII was not without its controversy. Benny Barnes received a pass interference call that led to a crucial Franco Harris touchdown. Jones refrained from dwelling on the officiating, stating, "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."
Other critical moments included Jackie Smith’s infamous dropped pass that could have altered the game's outcome. Despite these setbacks, Dallas’s resilience was evident, with Staubach's late-game heroics nearly tipping the scales in their favor.
Success Amidst Setbacks
Despite their Super Bowl losses to Pittsburgh, the 1970s were a successful era for the Cowboys. They captured two Super Bowl titles (VI and XII), the latter coming against the Denver Broncos. The team’s roster was bolstered in 1977 by the addition of running back Tony Dorsett, whose impact was immediate and profound.
Meanwhile, the Steelers thrived under the leadership of Bradshaw, whose MVP performance in 1978 was a testament to their offensive prowess–aided, curiously enough, by rule changes intended to hinder their formidable defense.
Legacy and Reflection
The rivalry between the Steelers and Cowboys remains one of the most storied in NFL history, characterized by closely contested games and dramatic moments. For Ed "Too Tall" Jones, the experience gained from facing such a veteran-laden Pittsburgh team was invaluable: "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team, because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Jones's career itself stands as a testament to enduring excellence. Over 15 years, he recorded an impressive 106 sacks. Even in retirement, his contributions continue, promoting mobility aids like Sportcane to help others maintain an active lifestyle. "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.
While the '70s Cowboy-Steelers rivalry may have created more heartbreaks than victories for Dallas fans, it also cemented the team's legacy and showcased the grit and determination that they'd carry into future decades. It remains a period celebrated by football aficionados, embodying the fierce competitive spirit of the NFL.