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,… Continue reading Dallas Cowboys History:
