Dallas Cowboys History: Owners, Stadiums, Hall of Famers, MVPs, Rookie of the Year Winners, and the Legacy of America’s Team
Introduction: The Dallas Cowboys —
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most recognizable franchises in professional sports. Founded in 1960, the Cowboys developed from an expansion team into one of the National Football League’s most celebrated organizations. Their silver-and-blue uniforms, star logo, passionate fan base, and championship tradition have made the team famous throughout the United States and around the world.
The Cowboys have won five Super Bowls, appeared in eight NFC Championship-winning seasons, and produced generations of outstanding players. Their history includes legendary quarterback Roger Staubach, running back Emmitt Smith, wide receiver Michael Irvin, quarterback Troy Aikman, defensive tackle Bob Lilly, linebacker Randy White, and head coaches Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson.
The franchise also changed the business of professional football through innovative marketing, television exposure, stadium development, and the creation of a national identity that extended far beyond Dallas.
This article explores the Cowboys’ complete ownership history, every home stadium, the Pro Football Hall of Fame members recognized for their Cowboys contributions, NFL Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year winners, and the people who built the team’s enduring legacy.
Founding of the Dallas Cowboys
The NFL awarded Dallas an expansion franchise in 1960. Businessman Clint Murchison Jr. became the team’s principal owner, and the organization assembled a management group that would eventually help transform the franchise into a football powerhouse.
Three individuals became particularly important to the early Cowboys:
Clint Murchison Jr. — The founding owner who brought professional football to Dallas.
Tex Schramm — The influential general manager and later team president who helped develop the Cowboys’ national identity.
Tom Landry — The franchise’s first head coach, who established its football philosophy and led the team for 29 seasons.
The Cowboys struggled in their early years, but the foundation was being built. By 1966, Dallas had begun a remarkable run of 20 consecutive winning seasons, a record-setting achievement that established the organization as one of the NFL’s premier teams.
The franchise reached its first Super Bowl following the 1970 season and won its first championship the following year. From that point forward, the Cowboys became a regular presence in the NFL’s biggest games.
Every Dallas Cowboys Owner
The Cowboys have had three principal controlling owners since their founding.
Clint Murchison Jr. — 1960–1984
Murchison was the founding owner who secured the franchise and established the organization in Dallas. His leadership helped create the infrastructure that supported the team’s eventual success. He supported the management team of Tex Schramm, Tom Landry, and personnel director Gil Brandt .Together, they developed a system for scouting, drafting, coaching, and marketing that became influential throughout professional football. Murchison’s ownership included the construction of Texas Stadium, which opened in 1971 and became one of the most recognizable football venues in the country.
During his tenure, the Cowboys reached multiple Super Bowls and won their first two championships, Super Bowls VI and XII.
H. R. “Bum” Bright — 1984–1989
Bright purchased the Cowboys from Murchison in 1984. His ownership coincided with the final years of the Tom Landry era and a difficult transition for the franchise.
Dallas continued to experience success during the early portion of Bright’s tenure, but the team declined during the second half of the 1980s. The Cowboys finished 3–13 in 1988, their worst season to that point in franchise history.
Bright sold the team in 1989, opening the door to a new era under
Jerry Jones — 1989–Present
Jerry Jones purchased the Cowboys in February 1989 and immediately began reshaping the organization. He hired Jimmy Johnson as head coach and made himself the team’s general manager. The transition initially produced controversy. Jones dismissed Tom Landry, the only head coach the Cowboys had known, and the team struggled through the 1989 season. However, Jones and Johnson rebuilt the roster through the NFL Draft and several important trades. Quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin became the foundation of a championship team. Dallas won three Super Bowls in four seasons: Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX. Jones later oversaw the move to AT&T Stadium and helped expand the Cowboys’ commercial reach. Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 as a contributor, recognizing his influence on the franchise and the business of the NFL.
Ownership summary: Clint Murchison Jr. founded the franchise, Bum Bright owned it during the 1980s transition, and Jerry Jones has controlled the team since 1989.
Every Stadium the Cowboys Have Called Home
The Cowboys have played their home games in three stadiums.
The Cotton Bowl — 1960–1971
The Cotton Bowl in Dallas was the Cowboys’ original home. The team played there during its formative years, including the seasons in which it developed into a consistent contender. The stadium also hosted the Cotton Bowl college football game and numerous major sporting events. For Cowboys fans, it represents the beginning of the franchise’s history.
Texas Stadium — 1971–2008
Texas Stadium opened in Irving, Texas, in October 1971. It became the Cowboys’ home for 38 seasons and was closely associated with the team’s greatest years under Tom Landry.
The stadium was famous for its distinctive roof, which covered most of the seating area while leaving an opening over the field. Its design became part of the Cowboys’ identity.
Texas Stadium witnessed:
The first Cowboys Super Bowl championship following the 1971 season.
The Super Bowl XII championship following the 1977 season.
The careers of Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Randy White, and numerous other franchise legends. The rise of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin during the early 1990s championship era. The Cowboys played their final game at Texas Stadium in December 2008.
AT&T Stadium — 2009–Present
The Cowboys opened their new home in Arlington, Texas, in 2009. Originally called Cowboys Stadium, it was renamed AT&T Stadium in 2013. The facility is known for its enormous center-hung video display, retractable roof, large seating capacity, and ability to host major sporting and entertainment events. AT&T Stadium has hosted Super Bowls, college football championship events, concerts, and other major competitions. It reflects the modern Cowboys organization: a football franchise that operates as a global sports and entertainment brand.
Home stadium timeline
Stadium
Location
Years
Cotton Bowl
Dallas, Texas
1960–1971
Texas Stadium
Irving, Texas
1971–2008
AT&T Stadium
Arlington, Texas
2009–present
Pro Football Hall of Fame Members Recognized for Their Cowboys Contributions
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, recognizes players, coaches, executives, and contributors whose achievements shaped professional football. The Cowboys have produced an extraordinary collection of Hall of Famers.
This section focuses on people whose Hall of Fame recognition is closely associated with their Cowboys careers or contributions to the Dallas organization. It does not treat every player who briefly wore a Cowboys uniform as a Cowboys Hall of Famer.
The Hall of Fame players
Bob Lilly — Defensive tackle, 1961–1974
Known as “Mr. Cowboy,” Lilly was the first Cowboys player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, entering in 1980. He was a cornerstone of the defense during the team’s rise to championship contention.
Roger Staubach — Quarterback, 1969–1979
Staubach led Dallas to two Super Bowl championships and became one of the defining quarterbacks of the 1970s. His mobility, leadership, and ability to produce in pressure situations made him a franchise icon. He entered the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Tony Dorsett — Running back, 1977–1987
Dorsett supplied explosive rushing ability and became a central figure in the Cowboys’ late-1970s and 1980s offenses. He was inducted in 1994.
Randy White — Defensive tackle, 1975–1988
White was one of the dominant defensive players of his era. He shared Super Bowl XII co-MVP honors with Harvey Martin after Dallas defeated Denver. White entered the Hall of Fame in 1994.
Mel Renfro— Defensive back, 1964–1977
Renfro excelled in pass coverage and became an important part of the Cowboys’ championship defenses. He was inducted in 1996.
Troy Aikman — Quarterback, 1989–2000
Aikman directed the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. His accuracy, composure, and leadership made him the central figure in the team’s championship offense. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2006.
Rayfield Wright — Offensive tackle, 1967–1979
Wright protected Staubach and helped establish the physical identity of Dallas’s offensive line. He was inducted in 2006.
Michael Irvin — Wide receiver, 1988–1999
Irvin was a fierce competitor and a major component of the Cowboys’ 1990s championship teams. His combination of route running, physicality, and leadership earned him a place in the Hall of Fame in 2007.
Bob Hayes — Wide receiver, 1965–1974
Hayes, an Olympic gold medalist in sprinting, brought exceptional speed to professional football. His ability to stretch defenses changed how opponents covered receivers. He was inducted in 2009.
Emmitt Smith — Running back, 1990–2004
Smith became the NFL’s all-time leading career rusher during his playing career. He won three Super Bowls with Dallas, earned the 1993 NFL MVP award, and was the MVP of Super Bowl XXVIII. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2010.
Deion Sanders — Cornerback, 1995–1999
Sanders brought elite coverage skills, exceptional athleticism, and playmaking ability to the Cowboys. He helped Dallas win Super Bowl XXX and was inducted in 2011.
Larry Allen — Offensive guard, 1994–2005
Allen was one of the most physically powerful offensive linemen in NFL history. His strength and versatility helped Dallas maintain an outstanding offensive line during the 1990s and beyond. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2013.
Charles Haley — Defensive end and linebacker, 1986–1996, with a brief interruption
Haley was a major defensive contributor to the Cowboys’ championships and also won Super Bowls with San Francisco. His five career Super Bowl victories made him one of the most decorated players of his era. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2015.
Cliff Harris — Safety, 1970–1979
Harris was a hard-hitting safety on the Cowboys’ championship defenses of the 1970s. He was inducted in 2020.
Drew Pearson — Wide receiver, 1973–1983
Pearson became famous for his clutch catches, particularly in important playoff games. His 1975 Hail Mary reception against Minnesota remains one of the most memorable plays in Cowboys history. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Chuck Howley — Linebacker, 1961–1973
Howley was a standout defensive leader and the MVP of Super Bowl V, despite Dallas losing that game. His eventual Hall of Fame recognition acknowledged his outstanding career. He was inducted in 2023.
DeMarcus Ware — Linebacker and defensive end, 2005–2013
Ware became one of the most productive pass rushers in franchise history. His speed and technique made him a defensive centerpiece, and he later won a Super Bowl with Denver. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2023.
Cowboys coaches, executives, and contributors in the Hall of Fame
Tom Landry — Head coach, 1960–1988
Landry built the Cowboys into a perennial contender. He won two Super Bowls, developed innovative defensive concepts, and guided the franchise through 29 seasons. He entered the Hall of Fame in 1990.
Tex Schramm — General manager and president
Schramm helped establish the Cowboys’ organizational structure, scouting operations, and national marketing strategy. He was inducted in 1991.
Gil Brandt — Player personnel executive
Brandt was instrumental in modernizing player scouting and talent evaluation. His work helped Dallas identify and develop players who became the foundation of its championship teams. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2019.
Jimmy Johnson — Head coach, 1989–1993
Johnson rebuilt the Cowboys through the draft and bold trades, then led them to consecutive Super Bowl championships. He was inducted in 2020.
Jerry Jones — Owner, president, and general manager
Jones’s influence extends beyond the playing field to stadium development, sports marketing, and the business of professional football. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2017.
Hall of Fame note: The Hall of Fame also includes other people who played or coached for Dallas but earned their greatest recognition elsewhere. The list above concentrates on Cowboys franchise legends and principal contributors rather than every Hall of Famer with a Dallas connection.
NFL Most Valuable Player Award Won as a Cowboy
Emmitt Smith — 1993 NFL MVP
Emmitt Smith is the Dallas Cowboys player who won the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award while playing for the franchise.
His 1993 season was remarkable. Despite missing the first two games because of a contract dispute, Smith finished with 1,486 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver and helped Dallas win the NFC East and advance through the playoffs.
In Super Bowl XXVIII, Smith rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills. He was named Super Bowl MVP as the Cowboys won their second consecutive championship.
Smith’s 1993 season remains one of the strongest examples of an individual player driving a championship team’s success.
Important distinction: Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Dak Prescott have all had outstanding seasons, but the Associated Press NFL MVP award won by a Cowboys player was Emmitt Smith’s 1993 honor. Other awards, such as Super Bowl MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year, are separate distinctions.
NFL Rookie of the Year Winners as Cowboys Players
Rookie of the Year awards have different versions, including Associated Press offensive and defensive awards. The following Cowboys players earned major NFL rookie honors while playing for Dallas.
Calvin Hill — 1969
Running back Calvin Hill made an immediate impact after joining the Cowboys. He rushed for 942 yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie season and was named the Associated Press NFL Rookie of the Year.
Hill became an important part of the Dallas offense and was the first Cowboys player to receive this AP honor.
Emmitt Smith — 1990
Smith rushed for 937 yards and scored 11 touchdowns during his rookie season. His early production demonstrated the potential that would eventually make him the NFL’s career rushing leader.
He earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year recognition in 1990 and later became a three-time Super Bowl champion with Dallas.
Dak Prescott — 2016
Prescott took over as the starting quarterback during his rookie season and led Dallas to a 13–3 regular-season record. His poise, decision-making, and ability to protect the football helped transform the Cowboys’ offense.
He won the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and became one of the franchise’s most important quarterbacks of the modern era.
Micah Parsons — 2021
Parsons immediately became one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive players. His versatility allowed Dallas to deploy him as both an off-ball linebacker and an edge rusher.
He won the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2021 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the defense.
Rookie award summary
| Player | Season | Major rookie honor |
|---|---|---|
| Calvin Hill | 1969 | AP NFL Rookie of the Year |
| Emmitt Smith | 1990 | NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |
| Dak Prescott | 2016 | AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |
| Micah Parsons | 2021 | AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |
These awards demonstrate the Cowboys’ ability to find immediate contributors at several important positions, from running back and quarterback to defensive playmaker.
Cowboys Super Bowl Championships
Dallas has won five Super Bowls. The championships came under two different head coaches and in two distinct periods of franchise history.
| Super Bowl | Season | Opponent | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|
| VI | 1971 | Miami Dolphins | Cowboys 24–3 |
| XII | 1977 | Denver Broncos | Cowboys 27–10 |
| XXVII | 1992 | Buffalo Bills | Cowboys 52–17 |
| XXVIII | 1993 | Buffalo Bills | Cowboys 30–13 |
| XXX | 1995 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cowboys 27–17 |
The 1970s championships
The first championship arrived after the 1971 season, when Dallas defeated Miami in Super Bowl VI. Roger Staubach was named the game’s MVP.
The Cowboys added a second title after the 1977 season, defeating Denver in Super Bowl XII. Defensive players Randy White and Harvey Martin shared MVP honors.
The 1990s championships
The Cowboys returned to the top of the NFL under Jimmy Johnson, defeating Buffalo in Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII.
After Johnson departed, Barry Switzer coached Dallas to its third championship of the decade, a victory over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XXX following the 1995 season.
These five championships established Dallas as one of the most successful teams of the Super Bowl era.
The Legacy of Tom Landry
Tom Landry is the most enduring coaching figure in Cowboys history.
He led the franchise from its first season in 1960 through 1988, providing continuity during the team’s growth from an expansion club into a championship organization.
Landry’s accomplishments included:
- Two Super Bowl championships.
- Five Super Bowl appearances.
- Thirteen consecutive seasons without a losing record during the franchise’s celebrated run of 20 straight winning seasons.
- The development of defensive strategies that influenced teams throughout the NFL.
- The establishment of a professional culture built around preparation, discipline, and tactical innovation.
Landry’s signature fedora became one of the most recognizable images in professional football. His long tenure also helped define the Cowboys as an organization that valued stability and consistency.
Although his final seasons were difficult, Landry’s overall contribution to Dallas remains foundational.
Jimmy Johnson: The Coach Who Rebuilt the Cowboys
While Landry built the original dynasty, Jimmy Johnson constructed the foundation of the 1990s championship teams.
Johnson took over in 1989, inheriting a struggling roster. Rather than attempting a quick fix, he focused on acquiring young talent and accumulating draft resources.
The Herschel Walker trade with Minnesota in 1989 became one of the most consequential transactions in NFL history. Dallas received players and draft selections that helped it build a championship roster.
Johnson’s teams won Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII, making Dallas the dominant team of the early 1990s.
His approach emphasized competition, conditioning, depth, and aggressive personnel decisions. Johnson’s willingness to trade established players for future assets helped accelerate the rebuilding process.
Landry and Johnson represent two different eras of Cowboys excellence: Landry established the franchise’s identity, while Johnson led its return to championship status in the 1990s.
The Most Outstanding Cowboys Player: Emmitt Smith
Selecting one outstanding player from more than six decades of Cowboys history is difficult. Roger Staubach, Bob Lilly, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and several other legends have strong claims.
However, Emmitt Smith has an especially compelling case because of his individual production, postseason success, and lasting place in NFL history.
Smith became the league’s career rushing leader, won three Super Bowls with Dallas, earned the 1993 NFL MVP award, and was named Super Bowl XXVIII MVP.
His career also included 11 consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 1991 through 2001. He combined durability with exceptional vision, balance, and an ability to gain difficult yards.
Smith’s achievements made him more than a great running back. He became the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ championship offense and one of the defining players of the franchise’s history.
Other players who shaped the Cowboys legacy
- Roger Staubach: The championship quarterback who helped establish the Cowboys as a national football power.
- Bob Lilly: The original defensive superstar and the franchise’s first Hall of Fame player.
- Troy Aikman: The quarterback who directed three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.
- Michael Irvin: The emotional leader and star receiver of the championship offense.
- Randy White: A dominant defensive lineman who helped lead the Cowboys to two Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s and the Super Bowl XII championship.
- Deion Sanders: An elite defensive back whose arrival strengthened the Cowboys’ championship roster in the 1990s.
Each played a different role in defining what Cowboys excellence meant during his era.
The Cowboys’ Lasting Impact on Professional Football
The Dallas Cowboys helped shape the modern NFL in several ways.
A national brand
The Cowboys became known as “America’s Team” during the 1970s. Television exposure, merchandise, promotional campaigns, and the team’s distinctive identity helped create a national following.
A model for scouting and personnel development
The early organization, especially through Gil Brandt, helped modernize scouting and player evaluation. Dallas’s emphasis on finding talent and building a deep roster became influential throughout the league.
A major sports and entertainment business
Under Jerry Jones, the Cowboys became a major force in sports marketing and stadium development. AT&T Stadium represents the combination of professional football, large-scale entertainment, and commercial partnerships.
A tradition of star players
The franchise has consistently featured players who became household names. From Staubach and Dorsett to Aikman, Smith, Irvin, and Prescott, Dallas has remained closely associated with marquee talent.
A passionate fan base
Cowboys supporters span generations and geographic regions. The team’s success, distinctive logo, and national exposure have helped it maintain a following even during seasons without championship results.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys’ story is one of innovation, championship success, famous players, and changing eras of leadership.
Clint Murchison Jr. established the franchise. Tex Schramm and Gil Brandt helped build its organizational foundation. Tom Landry created its first dynasty. Jerry Jones transformed the team’s business and competitive direction, while Jimmy Johnson led its return to championship glory.
The Cotton Bowl, Texas Stadium, and AT&T Stadium each represent a different chapter of the franchise’s history. Its Hall of Fame members reflect excellence across the roster, coaching staff, and front office.
Emmitt Smith stands out for his rushing records and MVP season, while Landry remains the franchise’s defining longtime coach and Johnson its architect of the 1990s revival.
With five Super Bowl championships and a place among the NFL’s most recognizable franchises, the Cowboys have created a legacy that extends beyond wins and losses. Their history is a major part of the history of professional football itself.
The star on the helmet continues to symbolize a franchise whose past is rich with achievement and whose future will be judged against one of the most celebrated traditions in the NFL.
Artie Fischal
