Dallas Cowboys Timeline

(1960 - Present)

The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1960 as an NFL expansion franchise, they grew from an struggling newcomer into one of the most valuable and popular sports franchises in the world. Known as 'America's Team,' the Cowboys have won five Super Bowl championships, produced legendary players like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith, and built a storied rivalry with teams like the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Coaching Era

Tom Landry hired as first head coach

1960

Tom Landry, a former New York Giants defensive coordinator, was named the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1960. He would lead the team for 29 seasons, inventing innovations like the 4-3 defense and the flex defense, and becoming synonymous with the franchise's identity.

Image source: Tom Landry

Tom Landry's 29-year tenure ends

Feb 22, 1990

Jerry Jones controversially fired Tom Landry upon purchasing the team, ending the only coaching tenure in franchise history. Landry finished with a 250-162-6 record, 20 consecutive winning seasons, and two Super Bowl titles, later entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Jimmy Johnson departs; Barry Switzer hired as head coach

Mar 29, 1994

After tension between Jimmy Johnson and owner Jerry Jones culminated following back-to-back championships, Johnson departed and former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer took over. Switzer guided the talented roster to another Super Bowl victory in his first season.

Image source: Barry Switzer

Jimmy Johnson departs; Barry Switzer hired as head coach

Bill Parcells named head coach

Jan 2, 2003

Two-time Super Bowl winner Bill Parcells took over a struggling Cowboys program in 2003. He led Dallas to two playoff appearances in four seasons, restoring credibility to the franchise before retiring after the 2006 campaign.

Image source: Bill Parcells

Founding and Early Years

Dallas Cowboys franchise founded as NFL expansion team

Jan 28, 1960

The Dallas Cowboys were granted an NFL expansion franchise on January 28, 1960, becoming the league's first expansion team after the merger era began. Clint Murchison Jr. paid $600,000 for the team, bringing professional football to Dallas for the first time and setting the stage for one of sports' most valuable franchises.

Cowboys play inaugural winless season at Cotton Bowl

Sep 24, 1960 - Dec 11, 1960

The expansion Cowboys played their first season in 1960, finishing 0-11-1 while hosting games at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Despite the winless record, the season established the foundation of the franchise and its early fanbase.

Image source: 1960 Dallas Cowboys season

Cowboys draft Bob Lilly in first NFL Draft

Nov 27, 1961

The Cowboys selected TCU defensive tackle Bob Lilly with their first-ever draft pick in 1961. Known as 'Mr. Cowboy,' Lilly became a Hall of Famer and anchor of the legendary 'Doomsday Defense.'

Image source: Bob Lilly

Draft of Roger Staubach

Jan 15, 1964

The Cowboys drafted Navy quarterback Roger Staubach in the 10th round of the 1964 draft. After his military service, Staubach joined the team in 1969 and led Dallas to two Super Bowl titles, becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Image source: Roger Staubach

First winning season in franchise history

Sep 12, 1965 - Dec 19, 1965

After five losing seasons, the Cowboys posted their first winning record in 1965, going 7-7 under Tom Landry. The turnaround marked the beginning of two decades of consistent excellence that would earn them the nickname 'America's Team.'

Ice Bowl loss to Green Bay Packers

Dec 31, 1967

In one of the most famous games in NFL history, the Cowboys lost 21-17 to the Green Bay Packers in the 1967 NFL Championship at Lambeau Field in sub-zero temperatures. Bart Starr's game-winning quarterback sneak on the final play became known as the Ice Bowl.

Image source: 1967 NFL Championship Game

Michael Irvin drafted to complete 'Triplets'

Apr 26, 1988

Miami wide receiver Michael Irvin joined Dallas in the 1988 draft, completing the famed offensive 'Triplets' alongside Aikman and Smith. Irvin amassed over 750 receptions and helped power the high-octane offenses of the early 1990s dynasty.

Image source: Michael Irvin

Troy Aikman selected first overall in NFL Draft

Apr 23, 1989

With the first pick of the 1989 draft, new owner Jerry Jones and coach Jimmy Johnson chose UCLA quarterback Troy Aikman. Aikman suffered through a 1-15 rookie year before leading Dallas to three Super Bowl championships and earning Hall of Fame induction.

Image source: 1989 NFL draft

Herschel Walker trade builds dynasty foundation

Oct 12, 1989

The blockbuster Herschel Walker trade sent the star running back to Minnesota for a haul of players and draft picks. The picks yielded Emmitt Smith and other key contributors, fueling the 1990s dynasty and becoming known as the greatest trade in NFL history.

Image source: Herschel Walker trade

Emmitt Smith drafted with 17th overall pick

Apr 22, 1990

The Cowboys selected Florida running back Emmitt Smith 17th overall in 1990. Smith became the NFL's all-time leading rusher, won three Super Bowls, and was named league MVP in 1993, cementing his place among the game's all-time greats.

Image source: Emmitt Smith

Championships

First Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl V

Jan 17, 1971

The Cowboys reached their first Super Bowl but lost 16-13 to the Baltimore Colts on Jim O'Brien's last-second field goal. Despite the defeat, linebacker Chuck Howley was named MVP, the only player from a losing team ever to win the award.

Cowboys win first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl VI

Jan 16, 1972

Dallas captured its first NFL championship by defeating the Miami Dolphins 24-3 in Super Bowl VI in New Orleans. Roger Staubach earned MVP honors as the Cowboys' dominant performance finally delivered the franchise its elusive first title.

Second Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XII

Jan 15, 1978

The Doomsday Defense crushed the Denver Broncos 27-10 in Super Bowl XII in New Orleans. Co-MVPs Randy White and Harvey Martin became the first teammates to share the award as Dallas dominated with eight turnovers forced.

Image source: Super Bowl XII

Third championship won in Super Bowl XXVII

Jan 31, 1993

Under coach Jimmy Johnson, the young Cowboys dynasty routed the Buffalo Bills 52-17 in Pasadena, forcing a Super Bowl-record nine turnovers. Troy Aikman won MVP as Dallas claimed its first title in 15 years and launched a new era of dominance.

Image source: Super Bowl XXVII

Back-to-back titles with Super Bowl XXVIII win

Jan 30, 1994

Dallas repeated as champions by defeating Buffalo 30-13 in Atlanta. Emmitt Smith rushed for 132 yards and two second-half touchdowns, earning MVP honors as the Cowboys became the first NFC team to win consecutive Super Bowls since the 1970s.

Image source: Super Bowl XXVIII

Fifth Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXX

Jan 28, 1996

Dallas defeated Pittsburgh 27-17 in Tempe, Arizona, to capture its fifth Super Bowl title. Larry Brown's two interceptions earned him MVP honors, making the Cowboys the first franchise to win three Super Bowls in four seasons.

Image source: Super Bowl XXX

Stadiums and Ownership

Texas Stadium opens in Irving

Oct 24, 1971

The Cowboys moved from the Cotton Bowl to Texas Stadium in Irving, famous for its partially open roof design. Owner Tex Schramm famously quipped the hole allowed 'God to watch His favorite team play,' and the stadium served as the team's home for 37 seasons.

Image source: Texas Stadium

Jerry Jones purchases the Dallas Cowboys

Feb 25, 1989

Arkansas oilman Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys from Bum Bright for approximately $150 million and promptly fired Tom Landry, replacing him with college teammate Jimmy Johnson. Jones transformed the franchise into the world's most valuable sports team.

Image source: Jerry Jones

AT&T Stadium opens in Arlington

May 27, 2009

The Cowboys moved into their state-of-the-art $1.3 billion home in Arlington, featuring the world's largest video board. The retractable-roof venue, initially called Cowboys Stadium, hosted the Super Bowl XLV, NCAA Final Fours, and major boxing matches.

Image source: AT&T Stadium

Cowboys valued as most valuable sports franchise in the world

Aug 2020

Forbes valued the Dallas Cowboys at approximately $5 billion in 2020, ranking them as the most valuable sports franchise in the world. Under Jerry Jones's stewardship, the team grew from a $150 million purchase into a global brand generating unmatched revenues.

Modern Era

Tony Romo emerges as starting quarterback

Oct 15, 2006

Undrafted free agent Tony Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe during the 2006 season and revitalized the offense. Over the next decade he threw for over 34,000 yards, made four Pro Bowls, and became the face of the franchise despite postseason frustrations.

Image source: Tony Romo

Jason Witten sets single-game receiving record for tight ends

Oct 8, 2007

Tight end Jason Witten caught 15 passes for 138 yards against Buffalo, setting an NFL single-game record for receptions by a tight end. He went on to become the franchise's all-time leading receiver and one of the most durable players in league history.

Image source: Jason Witten

Dez Bryant's overturned catch in playoff loss to Packers

Jan 11, 2015

Dez Bryant's spectacular fourth-down catch attempt against Green Bay was ruled incomplete on review, a call that helped decide the divisional playoff game and prompted the NFL to clarify its catch rule. The play remains one of the most debated moments in Cowboys history.

Dak Prescott drafted and wins Offensive Rookie of the Year

Apr 28, 2016

Fourth-round pick Dak Prescott stepped in when Tony Romo was injured and led Dallas to 13 wins as a rookie. He broke numerous rookie passing records, earned Pro Bowl honors, and established himself as the franchise's long-term quarterback.

Image source: Dak Prescott

Ezekiel Elliott leads NFL in rushing as rookie

Sep 11, 2016 - Jan 1, 2017

First-round pick Ezekiel Elliott rushed for a league-leading 1,631 yards in 2016, powering the NFL's top offense alongside Prescott. The dynamic rookie duo returned the Cowboys to national prominence with a 13-3 regular-season record.

Image source: Ezekiel Elliott

Micah Parsons wins Defensive Rookie of the Year

Feb 10, 2022

Linebacker Micah Parsons recorded 13 sacks in his debut season, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-Pro honors. His explosive pass-rushing ability from multiple positions made him one of the NFL's premier defenders and anchored Dallas's top-ranked scoring defense.

Image source: Micah Parsons

Key Facts

The Dallas Cowboys were founded in 1960 as an NFL expansion team and played their first season without winning a game.
The Cowboys won five Super Bowl championships: Super Bowls VI (1972), XII (1978), XXVII (1993), XXVIII (1994), and XXX (1996).
The team earned the nickname 'America's Team' in 1978 due to its widespread national fanbase and popularity.
The Cowboys played at Texas Stadium from 1971 until 2008, when they moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Running back Emmitt Smith became the NFL's all-time leading rusher while playing for the Cowboys from 1990 to 2002.

Source

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