The Dallas Cowboys stand as one of the NFL’s most recognizable, influential, and widely supported franchises. Founded in 1960, the team quickly evolved from an expansion club into a powerhouse that helped define the league’s modern era.
Known for star-driven rosters, innovative leadership, and a massive nationwide following, the Cowboys have built a legacy that blends on-field success with unmatched cultural impact.
Branded as “America’s Team,” the Cowboys command one of the largest and most loyal fan communities in sports.
Their iconic blue star logo, memorable championship runs, and history of Hall of Fame talent have made the franchise a defining part of NFL tradition. For decades, Sunday afternoons featuring the Cowboys have captured national attention, from iconic rivalry matchups against the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders to annual holiday appearances.
Today, the Dallas Cowboys continue to combine championship aspirations with a forward-looking approach to roster building and franchise operations. Their commitment to high-level competition, strong coaching, and player development keeps them positioned as one of the league’s most consistently competitive organizations.
Where Do the Dallas Cowboys Play?
The Dallas Cowboys play their home games at AT&T Stadium, one of the most advanced and visually striking venues in all of professional sports. Located in Arlington, Texas, the stadium seats more than 80,000 fans and can expand beyond 100,000 for major events.
Opened in 2009, AT&T Stadium features a retractable roof, massive center-hung video board, and modern fan amenities that reflect the Cowboys’ larger-than-life identity. It regularly hosts NFL playoff games, the Cotton Bowl Classic and other notable college football games, major concerts, Supercross events, boxing championships, and other large-scale sporting spectacles.
The stadium’s design and atmosphere create one of the most distinctive home-field environments in football, combining Texas flair with state-of-the-art technology.
History of the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys were established in 1960 and quickly developed into one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.
Led by head coach Tom Landry, the team built a foundation on discipline, innovation, and balanced play. Landry’s signature “Flex Defense” and calm sideline demeanor helped Dallas rise to prominence during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Cowboys’ first era of dominance arrived in the 1970s. Behind stars like Roger Staubach, Bob Lilly, Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson, and Randy White, Dallas appeared in five Super Bowls and captured two championships (Super Bowls VI and XII). Their consistent success and national appeal helped cement the nickname “America’s Team.”
A new dynasty emerged in the early 1990s under head coach Jimmy Johnson and owner Jerry Jones. Powered by the “Triplets” (quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin, all of whom are now in the Hall of Fame), the Cowboys won the Super Bowl three times in four seasons (XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX). This era is remembered for explosive offense, dominant offensive line play, and a roster packed with Pro Bowl-level talent.
In the years since, the Cowboys have remained competitive while adapting to evolving league trends. Led by quarterbacks Tony Romo and later Dak Prescott, Dallas has consistently fielded strong offensive units and built through the draft, highlighted by stars such as DeMarcus Ware, Ezekiel Elliott, Tyron Smith, and Micah Parsons.
While the team continues pushing for its next championship run, its historical influence and global popularity remain unmatched.
Interesting Facts & Franchise Milestones for the Dallas Cowboys
- Nicknamed “America’s Team” due to widespread national popularity and consistent prime-time appearances.
- Five-time Super Bowl champions: VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.
- Produced multiple dynasties: the Landry-era powerhouse of the 1970s and the Johnson-era champions of the 1990s.
- AT&T Stadium is one of the largest and most technologically advanced venues in the NFL.
- Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards.
- The Cowboys have one of the league’s highest all-time winning percentages.
Notable Dallas Cowboys Players and Coaches
Notable Players
Roger Staubach, Quarterback (1969–1979)
Roger Staubach, nicknamed “Captain America,” became the face of the Cowboys during the 1970s. A two-time Super Bowl champion and 1978 NFL MVP, Staubach was known for late-game comebacks, poise under pressure, and leadership. His impact helped establish Dallas as a perennial contender.
Emmitt Smith, Running Back (1990–2002)
Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and a key pillar of the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty. With 18,355 rushing yards, 164 total touchdowns, and three Super Bowl rings, he remains one of the most productive and durable running backs in league history. Smith won the 1993 NFL MVP award and the Super Bowl XXVIII MVP.
Michael Irvin, Wide Receiver (1988–1999)
Michael Irvin, “The Playmaker,” delivered clutch performances and emotional intensity throughout the 1990s. A member of the famed Triplets, he surpassed 11,000 receiving yards, earned five Pro Bowl selections, and played an essential role in three Super Bowl championship runs.
Troy Aikman, Quarterback (1989–2000)
Troy Aikman guided the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles and earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Known for accuracy, leadership, and big-game poise, Aikman became one of the defining quarterbacks of the 1990s.
DeMarcus Ware, Linebacker/Defensive End (2005–2013)
DeMarcus Ware is one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history. With 117 sacks as a Cowboy, Ware earned seven Pro Bowl selections and four first-team All-Pro honors. His athleticism and consistency made him the centerpiece of Dallas’s defense for nearly a decade.
Notable Coaches
Tom Landry (1960–1988)
Tom Landry served as the Cowboys’ first head coach and built the franchise into a model of consistency and innovation. His 29-year tenure produced two Super Bowl titles, five NFC championships, and 20 consecutive winning seasons. Landry is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
Jimmy Johnson (1989–1993)
Jimmy Johnson orchestrated one of sports’ greatest rebuilds, transforming the Cowboys into a 1990s dynasty. His strong drafting, bold trades, and intense leadership helped produce back-to-back Super Bowl victories and a generational roster. Johnson’s tenure reshaped the modern approach to team building.
Barry Switzer (1994–1997)
Barry Switzer took over after Johnson and led the Cowboys to a victory in Super Bowl XXX. Known for player relationships and offensive balance, Switzer kept the team competitive during the late stages of the Triplets era.