The Dallas Cowboys, a professional American football team in the NFL's NFC East division, are based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Their headquarters are in Frisco, Texas, and they have played their home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, since 2009. Mike McCarthy was hired as the team's ninth head coach in January 2020, succeeding Jason Garrett.
The Cotton Bowl, originally named Fair Park Bowl, opened in 1932. Located in Fair Park, the site of the State Fair of Texas, the stadium quickly gained recognition for its role in hosting the annual Cotton Bowl Classic, a major college football bowl game.
The tradition of hosting an NFL game on Thanksgiving Day was popularized by the Detroit Lions, who began hosting games on the day mostly uninterrupted since moving to Detroit in 1934.
The Dallas Texans, a previous NFL team in Dallas, folded in 1952 after just one season, leaving a void in the South for a professional football team.
Clint Murchison Jr. attempted to purchase the Washington Redskins in 1958 with the intention of relocating the team to Dallas. However, the deal fell through due to a disagreement with Redskins owner George Preston Marshall.
In 1959, Clint Murchison Jr. leveraged his ownership of the Redskins' fight song to secure George Preston Marshall's vote for a Dallas franchise. Murchison subsequently assembled a leadership team, appointing Tex Schramm as president and general manager, Gil Brandt as head of player personnel, and Tom Landry as head coach, forming a triumvirate that would shape the Cowboys' future for decades.
In 1959, Clint Murchison Jr., seeking leverage in his quest for a Dallas NFL franchise, purchased the rights to the Washington Redskins' fight song, "Hail to the Redskins", from its composer, Barnee Breeskin, who was at odds with Redskins owner George Preston Marshall.
On December 4, 1960, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants played their inaugural game, ending in a 31-31 tie.
In 1960, the newly formed Dallas Cowboys football team adopted the Cotton Bowl as their home stadium. This decision marked the beginning of the Cowboys' association with the historic venue, which would host the team for over a decade.
The Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys first faced each other in 1960, resulting in a 26-14 victory for Washington, marking the beginning of their storied rivalry.
The Dallas Cowboys played their first ever regular-season game in 1960, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers and resulting in a 35-28 loss.
In 1960, the Dallas Cowboys debuted their original uniforms. The uniforms featured white helmets adorned with a simple blue star and a blue-white-blue stripe down the center. The team wore blue jerseys with white sleeves and a small blue star on each shoulder for home games, and the inverse color scheme for away games.
From 1960 to 1963, the Dallas Cowboys wore a specific uniform design that later became a significant part of their history. This uniform, characterized by its distinct features, was eventually revived as an alternate uniform in 2004, offering a nostalgic throwback to the team's earlier years.
During the 1994 season, the Dallas Cowboys, as part of a league-wide "throwback" initiative, wore their 1960-63 road jersey with a silver helmet for one game, paying homage to their earlier uniforms.
On October 29, 1961, the Dallas Cowboys secured their first win against the New York Giants, marking a significant milestone in their rivalry.
The Dallas Cowboys secured their first ever regular-season victory in 1961, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers and marking a significant milestone for the expansion team.
The New York Giants achieved their first victory over the Dallas Cowboys on November 11, 1962, adding a new chapter to their budding rivalry.
The year 1963 marked the end of the Dallas Cowboys' original uniform era, which spanned from 1960 to 1963. This period saw the team's first foray into the NFL and the establishment of their initial visual identity. The 1960-1963 uniform holds historical significance for the Cowboys and was later reintroduced as an alternate uniform, allowing for a connection to the team's roots.
In 1964, Tex Schramm, the general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, established the tradition of the team wearing their white jerseys for home games. This decision, contrary to the common practice of teams wearing colored jerseys at home, was motivated by Schramm's desire for fans to enjoy the visual variety of opposing teams' colors during home games.
In 1964, the Dallas Cowboys introduced their iconic blue star logo, representing Texas as "The Lone Star State." Initially a solid shape, the logo was modified with a white line and a blue border, a design that has remained largely unchanged since then. This logo is widely recognized in professional sports and has been extended to other ventures associated with the Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones.
In 1964, the Dallas Cowboys simplified their uniform design. They switched to solid-color jerseys and socks with three horizontal stripes on the sleeves. The white jersey featured royal blue stripes with a black border, while the royal blue jersey had white stripes with the same outline. The helmet became silver-blue with a blue-white-blue tri-stripe. The blue star logo remained, but with a white border, and the pants were silver-blue with a matching tri-stripe. This design marked the basis for the team's current uniforms.
Under Tom Landry's leadership, the Dallas Cowboys achieved a .500 record in 1965, marking a turning point in their development as a competitive team.
The Dallas Cowboys embarked on a remarkable 20-year streak of winning seasons starting in 1966.
The Dallas Cowboys won their first Eastern Conference title in 1966, establishing themselves as a force in the NFL.
In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys made further adjustments to their uniform, modifying the jerseys to have two slightly wider sleeve stripes. The socks were also updated to reflect this change.
In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys, seeking national recognition, agreed to host a second Thanksgiving Day game, a tradition popularized by the Detroit Lions. The game, played on November 24, 1966, saw the Cowboys defeat the Cleveland Browns 26-14 at the Cotton Bowl.
In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys hosted the NFL Championship Game at the Cotton Bowl, marking a significant event in the stadium's history and a testament to its role as the team's home field during that era. The game pitted the Cowboys against the Green Bay Packers, creating a memorable matchup between two prominent NFL franchises.
In 1967, Bill Mercer, one of the original voices of the Cowboys Radio Network, famously called the Ice Bowl and both Super Bowl V and VI.
In 1967, the Dallas Cowboys added a blue outline to the white-bordered star on their helmet decal. This change gave the logo a bolder and more prominent look, further solidifying its iconic status.
The Dallas Cowboys secured their second consecutive Eastern Conference title in 1967, cementing their status as a dominant team.
In 1968, the Dallas Cowboys wore their blue jerseys in only one regular season game, reflecting a pattern of minimizing the use of blue jerseys that would continue in various seasons.
The notion of a "jinx" associated with the Dallas Cowboys' blue jerseys began to take hold in 1968 following the team's unexpected loss to the Cleveland Browns in the divisional playoffs. This game, notable for being Don Meredith's last with the Cowboys, is seen as an early instance of the perceived curse.
With the NFL's adoption of a divisional format, the Dallas Cowboys secured their first division title in 1968.
The Dallas Cowboys won their second consecutive division title in 1969.
The Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious against the San Francisco 49ers in the 1970 NFC Championship game, marking the beginning of their intense rivalry.
The Dallas Cowboys embarked on a remarkably successful decade, winning 105 regular-season games from 1970 to 1979, more than any other NFL franchise during that period.
Since 1970, the Dallas Cowboys' uniform has seen minimal alterations, reflecting the timeless appeal and enduring recognition of the team's visual identity. This consistency has contributed to the iconic status of the Cowboys' uniforms in the world of sports.
In 1970, the Dallas Cowboys reached their first Super Bowl, ultimately losing a close game to the Baltimore Colts. Notably, linebacker Chuck Howley was named Super Bowl MVP, despite the Cowboys' loss.
Following the merger of the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) in 1970, new rules were implemented for Super Bowl games, including granting the home team the right to choose their jersey color. This change introduced a strategic element to uniform selection for the Super Bowl, with teams potentially leveraging perceived advantages associated with certain colors.
On October 24, 1971, the Texas Stadium opened its doors to the public. The stadium, built at a cost of $35 million, had a seating capacity of 65,675 and was known for its distinctive hole-in-the-roof design.
In 1971, the Dallas Cowboys moved to their new home, Texas Stadium, and with Roger Staubach as their starting quarterback, went on to win Super Bowl VI, defeating the Miami Dolphins.
In 1971, the Dallas Cowboys once again triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers, winning their second consecutive NFC Championship game and furthering their rivalry.
The Dallas Cowboys achieved their first Super Bowl victory in 1971, defeating the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.
The 1972 season marked the only time in Dallas Cowboys history where the team did not wear their blue jerseys in any regular season game, highlighting their commitment to the white jersey tradition for home games.
The Dallas Cowboys continued their dominance over the San Francisco 49ers in 1972, defeating them in the Divisional Playoff game.
The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs in 1974.
The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs in 1974.
In 1975, the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings played a game that featured a memorable Hail Mary pass, highlighting a key moment in their rivalry.
Similar to other specific seasons, the Dallas Cowboys only wore their blue jerseys in one regular season game in 1975, further showcasing their preference for white jerseys during this era.
The Dallas Cowboys secured a blowout win against the Los Angeles Rams on the road in 1975, winning the NFC Championship.
In 1975, bolstered by new talent, the Dallas Cowboys returned to the playoffs and reached Super Bowl X, where they lost a close game to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 1975, Bob Lilly became the first inductee into the Dallas Cowboys "Ring of Honor", a distinction meant to honor the team's legends instead of retiring jersey numbers.
In 1975, at the behest of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, the St. Louis Cardinals replaced the Dallas Cowboys as a Thanksgiving Day game host. This move was intended to give the Cardinals national exposure.
During the 1976 season, the Dallas Cowboys temporarily altered their helmet design to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. The blue-white-blue stripe on the crown of the helmets was changed to red-white-blue, reflecting the colors of the American flag and celebrating this significant historical milestone.
In 1976, the Dallas Cowboys hosted the St. Louis Cardinals on Thanksgiving. This arrangement was part of the NFL's strategy to give the Cardinals, known for their close victories as the "Cardiac Cards," greater national visibility.
In a 1976 regular season game, the St. Louis Cardinals, choosing to wear their white jerseys despite being the home team, defeated the previously undefeated Dallas Cowboys, who were wearing their blue jerseys. This game further fueled the narrative of a "curse" associated with the Cowboys' blue jerseys.
The 1976 season saw the Dallas Cowboys adhere to a pattern of limited blue jersey use, wearing them for only one regular season game.
Continuing a trend observed in other seasons, the Dallas Cowboys wore their blue jerseys in just one regular season game in 1977, underscoring their preference for white jerseys for most games.
In 1977, Brad Sham joined the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network as the color analyst and occasional fill-in for play-by-play announcer Verne Lundquist, eventually taking over the play-by-play duties permanently.
In 1977, the Dallas Cowboys dominated the season, finishing 12-2 and culminating in a decisive 27-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII. This victory showcased the strength of their defense, with Randy White and Harvey Martin becoming the first and only co-MVPs in Super Bowl history.
The Dallas Cowboys achieved a historic milestone in 1977 by securing their ninth consecutive win, surpassing the previous franchise record of eight straight wins established in 1977. This winning streak showcased the remarkable performances of rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, who broke Tony Dorsett's single-season rushing record for a Cowboys rookie, and quarterback Dak Prescott, who tied an NFL rookie record for throwing multiple touchdowns in five consecutive games. The Cowboys concluded the season with a 13-3 record, equaling their best 16-game regular-season record. Despite their regular-season success, their season ended with a loss to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
The Dallas Cowboys secured their second Super Bowl victory in 1977, triumphing over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII.
The St. Louis Cardinals once again hosted the Thanksgiving Day game in 1977, replacing the Dallas Cowboys for the second time. This continued the NFL's effort to provide the Cardinals with national exposure.
The Dallas Cowboys returned to the Super Bowl in 1978, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, but experienced a narrow 35-31 defeat. Despite the loss, NFL Films editor Bob Ryan dubbed the Cowboys "America's Team," a nickname that has persisted through both successful and challenging periods.
This is a duplicate event from a previous entry. See the description for 1978 under uuid 3326af58-73a1-449d-ac93-fd4a751f476f
Mirroring their 1975 victory, the Dallas Cowboys secured another NFC Championship win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1978, once again with a decisive blowout win on the road.
The Dallas Cowboys resumed their regular Thanksgiving Day hosting duties in 1978 after the St. Louis Cardinals' stint proved less successful. Factors like lackluster games and competition from local events led to the change. The Cowboys secured a guarantee from the NFL to host on Thanksgiving indefinitely, cementing their place in the holiday tradition.
In the 1978 NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, the Dallas Cowboys secured a victory while wearing their blue uniforms, marking one of their few playoff successes in this jersey color.
The Dallas Cowboys' exceptionally successful decade, in which they won 105 regular-season games, concluded in 1979.
During the 1980 NFC Championship Game, the Philadelphia Eagles made a strategic choice to wear their white jerseys at home against the Dallas Cowboys. This decision, like other instances of teams opting for white against the Cowboys, was likely influenced by the perceived "curse" associated with the Cowboys' blue jerseys.
In 1980, the Dallas Cowboys witnessed the retirement of their legendary quarterback Roger Staubach, leading to Danny White taking over the starting quarterback role. Despite a 12-4 record, they entered the playoffs as a Wild Card team, setting the stage for a new era.
In the 1980 Wild Card Round, the Dallas Cowboys avenged their previous year's playoff loss against the Los Angeles Rams with a decisive blowout victory.
In 1981, Joe Montana's game-winning pass to Dwight Clark in the final minute, known as "The Catch," propelled the San Francisco 49ers to a memorable NFC Championship victory against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys secured another divisional championship in 1981, entering the playoffs as the second seed. After a strong start, their season ended in a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The game featured "The Catch" - a remarkable game-winning touchdown drive led by 49ers quarterback Joe Montana.
In 1982, Washington triumphed over Dallas in the NFC Championship, a significant moment in their fierce rivalry.
In 1982, a player strike shortened the NFL season. The Dallas Cowboys made the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, reaching the NFC Championship Game for the third year in a row. However, they fell to their rivals, the Washington Redskins, marking the conclusion of a dominant era for the Cowboys.
This is a duplicate event from a previous entry. See the description for 1982 under uuid ac41f706-ddc1-423a-b9fd-d192c9e26178
This is a duplicate event from a previous entry. See the description for 1982 under uuid ac41f706-ddc1-423a-b9fd-d192c9e26178
In 1983, the Dallas Cowboys achieved a 12-4 record but faced a disappointing upset at home against the Rams in the Wild Card round. This season marked a missed opportunity as they had a chance to clinch the NFC East but suffered a significant loss to Washington, relinquishing control of the division.
Prior to the 1984 season, the Dallas Cowboys underwent a change in ownership with H.R. "Bum" Bright acquiring the team. They finished the season with a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs in 1984.
Longtime WFAA-TV sports anchor Dale Hansen became the Dallas Cowboys color analyst alongside Brad Sham as the play-by-play announcer in 1985.
The Dallas Cowboys bounced back in 1985, securing a divisional title with a 10-6 record. However, their playoff run ended abruptly with a 20-0 shutout against the Rams in the Divisional round, highlighting the challenges they faced in maintaining consistency.
The Dallas Cowboys' remarkable 20-year streak of winning seasons came to an end in 1985.
The Dallas Cowboys experienced a period of decline, finishing the 1986 season with a 7-9 record, signaling the ongoing challenges they faced in replicating past successes.
The Cowboys' struggles continued in 1987, resulting in a 7-8 record. This season was marked by public criticism from owner H.R. "Bum" Bright, who expressed dissatisfaction with Tom Landry's play-calling, further highlighting the team's difficulties.
In September 1988, the Dallas Cowboys ended a prolonged home losing streak, marking a small but significant step in their journey back to competitiveness. This victory provided a glimmer of hope during a challenging period.
On December 11, 1988, Tom Landry coached his final game for the Dallas Cowboys, securing a victory against their rivals, the Washington Redskins.
The Dallas Cowboys reached a low point in 1988, finishing with a dismal 3-13 record, their worst performance in almost three decades. This outcome underscored the need for significant changes within the organization.
On February 25, 1989, Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys for $150 million, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. This acquisition followed a period of financial struggles for previous owner H.R. "Bum" Bright and set the stage for a new era under Jones' leadership.
In 1989, Jerry Jones made sweeping changes, firing longtime coach Tom Landry and hiring Jimmy Johnson, his former University of Arkansas teammate. They drafted quarterback Troy Aikman and made a pivotal trade, sending running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings for a substantial return. Despite a 1-15 record, this trade laid the foundation for rebuilding the team.
The Dallas Cowboys secured their only win of the 1989 season against their rivals, the Washington Redskins, a memorable moment in their history.
This is a duplicate event from a previous entry. See the description for 1989 under uuid 39c050fb-3f6c-47e7-aad3-b46a499fabc3
The Dallas Cowboys showed signs of improvement in 1990, achieving a 7-9 record and finishing fourth in their division. This season, despite not making the playoffs, demonstrated their progress under Jimmy Johnson's leadership.
In 1990, the Dallas Cowboys drafted running back Emmitt Smith, who would go on to become a cornerstone of their future success. This draft pick exemplified their commitment to acquiring young talent through strategic drafting.
The Dallas Cowboys continued their rebuilding process in 1991, drafting defensive tackle Russell Maryland and offensive tackle Erik Williams. These additions further strengthened their roster, bolstering both their offensive and defensive lines.
The Dallas Cowboys returned to the playoffs in 1991 after a six-year absence, achieving an 11-5 record and winning their Wild Card matchup against the Chicago Bears. However, their season ended with a decisive 38-6 loss to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional round.
In 1992, the Dallas Cowboys selected safety Darren Woodson in the draft, adding another key piece to their defensive unit. Woodson's arrival contributed to the team's growing defensive strength, which would play a pivotal role in their future success.
In the first of three consecutive NFC Championship games, the Dallas Cowboys bested the San Francisco 49ers in 1992. The victor of each of these pivotal games went on to win the Super Bowl.
The Dallas Cowboys achieved a franchise-best 13-3 record during the 1992 regular season, showcasing their dominance and establishing themselves as a top contender in the NFL. This remarkable performance set the stage for their Super Bowl run.
On January 17, 1993, the Dallas Cowboys secured their first NFC Championship in 10 years by defeating the San Francisco 49ers, earning a spot in Super Bowl XXVII. They went on to dominate the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl, winning 52-17 and forcing a record nine turnovers. This victory marked the culmination of their impressive turnaround under Jimmy Johnson's guidance.
In 1993, after four years of persuasion, Tom Landry agreed to be inducted into the Dallas Cowboys "Ring of Honor", with a ceremony held on the day of the Cowboys-Giants game.
In 1993, the Dallas Cowboys overcame a 0-2 start to achieve a 12-4 regular season record and secure the top seed in the NFC. They went on to win their second consecutive Super Bowl, defeating the Buffalo Bills 30-13 in Super Bowl XXVIII, becoming the first team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl after an 0-2 start. This victory solidified their status as a dominant force in the league.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1994, the Dallas Cowboys unveiled their white "Double-Star" jersey for the first time. This game became memorable for Jason Garrett's performance, who, as a third-string quarterback, led the team to victory against the Green Bay Packers. Garrett would later serve as the Cowboys' head coach from 2010 to 2019.
In 1994, following Super Bowl XXVIII, coach Jimmy Johnson resigned, and Barry Switzer was hired as his replacement. The Cowboys finished the season 12-4, securing a first-round bye and defeating Green Bay in the Divisional Round, but ultimately lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
In 1994, the Dallas Cowboys celebrated the NFL's 75th anniversary and their consecutive Super Bowl victories by unveiling a white "Double-Star" jersey on Thanksgiving Day. This jersey, featuring two blue stars on the shoulders, was used for special occasions and worn throughout the 1994-95 playoffs.
The "Double-Star" jersey, a significant design in the history of Dallas Cowboys uniforms, was first introduced in 1994. This jersey, with its distinctive star pattern, would go on to influence subsequent uniform variations and become a recognizable element of the Cowboys' visual identity.
The San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious against the Dallas Cowboys in the third consecutive NFC Championship game in 1994. The victor of each of these pivotal games went on to win the Super Bowl.
In the 1995 season, the Dallas Cowboys introduced a navy "Double-Star" jersey, featuring two blue stars on the shoulders. They wore this jersey for games against Washington and Philadelphia and permanently switched to solid-color socks for both their white and dark uniforms.
In 1995, the Dallas Cowboys signed Deion Sanders and started the season strong with a 4-0 record. Emmitt Smith set a new NFL record with 25 rushing touchdowns. The team finished 12-4, clinched the number one seed, and ultimately triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX, marking their fifth Super Bowl championship.
In January 1996, the Dallas Cowboys triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry and marking their third Super Bowl victory.
In 1996, Dale Hansen ended his tenure as the Dallas Cowboys color analyst, a position he held alongside play-by-play announcer Brad Sham since 1985.
In 1996, the Dallas Cowboys ended a streak of six consecutive NFL post-season losses.
In 1997, Dave Garrett ended his tenure as the Dallas Cowboys' play-by-play announcer.
In 1998, the Dallas Cowboys again opted to wear their blue jerseys for only one regular season game, maintaining a pattern of limited use of blue jerseys that spanned across various seasons.
In 1999, the Washington Redskins last won the NFC East division title.
Since 2001, the Dallas Cowboys have achieved a record of 15 wins and 11 losses when wearing their blue uniforms at home, highlighting their performance in this specific jersey color within their home stadium over a significant period.
The Dallas Cowboys brought back their navy "Double-Star" jersey for the NFL's Classic Throwback Weekend on Thanksgiving Day from 2001 to 2003. This temporary revival allowed fans to revisit this distinctive uniform design from the team's history.
In 2002, the NFL realigned its divisions, with the Arizona Cardinals moving from the NFC East to the NFC West. Despite this change, the NFC East, consisting of the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants, remains one of the least-changed divisions since the NFL-AFL merger.
The Dallas Cowboys set an NFL record in 2002 with 190 consecutive sold-out regular and postseason games.
Jerry Jones decided to induct Tex Schramm into the Dallas Cowboys "Ring of Honor" in 2003. Despite a joint press conference announcing the induction, Schramm sadly passed away before the ceremony at the Cowboys-Eagles game that fall.
The Dallas Cowboys' navy "Double-Star" jersey made its last appearance during the NFL's Classic Throwback Weekend on Thanksgiving Day in 2003. This marked the end of this particular jersey's use in games.
In 2004, the Dallas Cowboys brought back their 1960-1963 uniform as an alternate or "third jersey." This uniform was typically worn at least once a year, most notably on Thanksgiving Day, with some exceptions in 2007 and 2008 when they opted for their regular white uniforms on the holiday.
In the 2004 season, the Dallas Cowboys paid homage to their early years by introducing throwback uniforms inspired by the jerseys worn during the team's first four seasons from 1960 to 1963. These uniforms featured white helmets and pants, with the blue jerseys using a navy blue shade instead of the original royal blue.
On September 19, 2005, during halftime at a Monday Night Football home game against the Washington Redskins, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin, known as 'The Triplets,' were inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
The Dallas Cowboys wore their throwback uniforms for a Monday Night game against the Washington Redskins in 2005. This game coincided with the induction of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, making the occasion even more special.
By 2005, the Dallas Cowboys "Ring of Honor" included seventeen individuals, predominantly former Dallas players but also a head coach and a general manager/president.
In 2006, the City of Irving repainted the roof of Texas Stadium for the first time since its opening. The roof's paint had become worn and unsightly over time, prompting the repainting effort.
In 2006, the Dallas Cowboys chose not to renew Babe Laufenberg's contract as the analyst for their radio broadcasts, replacing him with former safety Charlie Waters.
The Dallas Cowboys wore their throwback uniforms for a Christmas Day game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006. This unique choice of attire added a special element to the holiday game.
In a notable instance of attempting to exploit the perceived "curse" associated with the Dallas Cowboys' blue jerseys, the Philadelphia Eagles opted to wear their white jerseys at home during their November 4, 2007, matchup against the Cowboys. This strategic decision reflects the enduring belief in the jinx surrounding the Cowboys' blue uniforms.
On November 29, 2007, the Dallas Cowboys sported their throwback uniforms in a game against the Green Bay Packers. This marked one of the instances where they wore the throwback uniform on a date near Thanksgiving rather than on the holiday itself.
In 2007, former Cowboy quarterback Babe Laufenberg returned as the analyst for the Dallas Cowboys' radio broadcasts after a one-year absence.
In 2007, the New York Giants emerged victorious against the Dallas Cowboys during the playoffs, advancing on their path to ultimately winning Super Bowl XLII.
The Dallas Cowboys decided to put their throwback uniforms on hold for the 2007 season. This temporary suspension of the throwback uniforms suggests a strategic decision based on factors related to team branding or marketing considerations.
On November 23, 2008, the Dallas Cowboys wore their throwback uniforms during a game against the San Francisco 49ers. This was another occasion where they donned the throwbacks near Thanksgiving instead of on Thanksgiving Day.
The Dallas Cowboys played their final game at Texas Stadium on December 20, 2008, losing to the Baltimore Ravens 33-24.
The Dallas Cowboys experienced a rollercoaster 2008 season marked by a strong start, a mid-season slump due to Tony Romo's injury, and ultimately, failure to reach the playoffs after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the final game.
The Dallas Cowboys extended their suspension of the throwback uniforms into the 2008 season, indicating a continued commitment to their then-current uniform choices and a potential reassessment of the throwback design's place within the team's branding strategy.
Prior to 2013, the Cowboys had not defeated the New York Giants at home since 2008.
On May 2, 2009, tragedy struck the Dallas Cowboys as their practice facility collapsed during a windstorm. The incident resulted in injuries to twelve players and coaches, with Joe DeCamillis and Rich Behm suffering the most severe consequences.
AT&T Stadium, then known as Cowboys Stadium, was completed on May 29, 2009. The domed stadium with a retractable roof, located in Arlington, Texas, cost $1.3 billion and has a seating capacity of 80,000, expandable to 100,000.
On August 22, 2009, the day after Tennessee Titans kicker A.J. Trapasso's punt struck the scoreboard during a preseason game, fans touring Cowboys Stadium noticed that half of the field was removed and cranes were repositioning the screen. Some tour guides reportedly explained that Jerry Jones had the screen moved up another 10 feet after professional soccer players consistently hit it during a drop-kick test.
On September 28, 2009, the Cowboys secured their first regular-season home win at Cowboys Stadium by defeating the Carolina Panthers 21-7. The game, televised on Monday Night Football, had 90,588 fans in attendance and marked the Cowboys' record 42nd win on Monday Night Football.
On October 11, 2009, the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs played a game where both teams wore throwback uniforms as part of the NFL's AFL Legacy Weekend. The Cowboys donned their 1960-1963 alternative uniform, while the Chiefs wore the uniforms of their AFL predecessor, the Dallas Texans. This game marked a rare occurrence where neither team wore a white jersey and the first time the Cowboys wore their alternate uniform as the visiting team.
The Dallas Cowboys played their first regular season home game at Cowboys Stadium in 2009 against the New York Giants. The game set a league record with 105,121 fans in attendance and marked the debut of the traditional "blue star" at the 50-yard line. However, the Cowboys lost a close game 33-31.
The Dallas Cowboys began playing their home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in 2009.
In 2009, the New York Giants secured a victory against the Dallas Cowboys, marking the first regular season game win at the newly built Cowboys Stadium.
In 2009, the Cowboys moved to their new home, Cowboys Stadium, and Texas Stadium was turned over to the City of Irving.
Brett Favre led the Minnesota Vikings to victory against the Dallas Cowboys in 2009, securing what would be his last playoff win in his illustrious career.
A highlight of AT&T Stadium, which opened in 2009, is its gigantic high-definition television screen, at one point the largest in the world. The 160 by 72 feet (49 by 22 m), 11,520-square-foot (1,070 m2) scoreboard surpassed the previous record holder at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2009 season was a rollercoaster ride, starting strong, faltering mid-season, then making a late surge to clinch the NFC East title before being eliminated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Vikings.
In January 2010, the Cotton Bowl Classic, a prominent college football bowl game, was relocated from its longtime home at the Cotton Bowl stadium to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This move marked a significant change for the bowl game and its connection to the historic Cotton Bowl stadium.
In 2010, the Dallas Cowboys only wore their blue jerseys in one regular season game, similar to their approach in several other seasons throughout their history.
The Dallas Cowboys had a difficult start to the 2010 season, leading to the firing of head coach Wade Phillips and the appointment of Jason Garrett as the interim head coach. The team finished with a 6-10 record.
Jason Garrett began his tenure as the Dallas Cowboys' head coach in 2010.
As of 2010, the Dallas Cowboys' flagship radio station is KRLD-FM, with Brad Sham as the longtime play-by-play voice and Babe Laufenberg as the analyst.
On February 2, 2011, the Dallas Cowboys began a five-year partnership with Compass Media Networks, resulting in the creation of America's Team Radio Network to expand the franchise's radio broadcasting scope nationally.
On November 6, 2011, during halftime of the Cowboys' game against the Seattle Seahawks, defensive end Charles Haley, offensive lineman Larry Allen, and wide receiver Drew Pearson were inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
In 2011, Charlotte Motor Speedway unveiled a new HDTV screen that surpassed the size of AT&T Stadium's scoreboard, taking the title of the world's largest.
In the 2011 season, the Dallas Cowboys faced challenging games, including a narrow loss to the New York Jets and a thrilling overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers, showcasing resilience and dramatic moments on the field.
In a decisive week 17 game in 2012, Washington defeated Dallas 28-18, securing the NFC East title.
In 2012, the Dallas Cowboys started strong by defeating the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants, but struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, narrowly missing the playoffs once again and finishing with an 8-8 record.
For the Thanksgiving Day game in 2012, the Dallas Cowboys brought back their throwback uniforms, providing a nostalgic element to the annual holiday matchup.
On July 25, 2013, the Dallas Cowboys announced that AT&T had acquired the naming rights to Cowboys Stadium, officially renaming it AT&T Stadium.
Breaking from the tradition of wearing white jerseys at home, the Dallas Cowboys wore their blue jerseys for the Thanksgiving game in 2013.
In 2013, the Cowboys sold the stadium's naming rights to telecommunications company AT&T.
In 2013, the NFL implemented a rule prohibiting players from using alternate helmets due to heightened concerns about concussions. This rule impacted the Dallas Cowboys as their white 1960s throwback helmets became non-compliant.
In 2013, the NFL introduced a new rule requiring teams to use only one helmet throughout the season. This "one-helmet" rule was primarily intended to enhance player safety by reducing the risk of concussions, as switching helmets during a game was believed to potentially compromise the fit and effectiveness of the helmet's protective features.
The 2013 season saw the Dallas Cowboys continue their trend of finishing with an 8-8 record for the third consecutive year. Despite strong performances in division games, key losses in December and a season-ending defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles cost them the NFC East title.
The NFL's implementation of a "one-helmet" rule in 2013, aimed at enhancing player safety by reducing potential concussions, significantly limited the Dallas Cowboys' ability to use their traditional throwback uniforms. This rule prevented teams from using alternate helmets, forcing the Cowboys to abandon the white helmets associated with their throwback uniforms and instead wear their regular blue jerseys for Thanksgiving.
The Dallas Cowboys set a record for U.S. sports teams by generating $620 million in revenue in 2014.
The Dallas Cowboys kicked off the 2014 season with a loss against the San Francisco 49ers but managed to bounce back with an impressive six-game winning streak. However, a back injury to Tony Romo and subsequent losses hampered their progress.
The Dallas Cowboys continued their recent trend of wearing blue jerseys at home for Thanksgiving in 2014.
In 2014, the Dallas Cowboys clinched their first NFC East division title since 2009. They secured the championship with a win against the Indianapolis Colts and a loss by the Philadelphia Eagles to the Washington Redskins, concluding the regular season with a 12-4 record and an undefeated 8-0 away record.
Despite trailing the Cowboys in the standings, Washington pulled off a surprising upset against Dallas in 2014, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of their rivalry.
On January 4, 2015, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Detroit Lions in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs. Despite a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter, the Cowboys rallied to secure a 24-20 victory. This marked the first time in franchise playoff history that Dallas had overcome a deficit of 10 or more points at halftime to win a game.
Safety Darren Woodson was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor on November 1, 2015.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2015, the Dallas Cowboys opted to wear a variation of their 1994 "Double-Star" jersey as their Color Rush uniform for their game against the Carolina Panthers. This marked a distinct uniform choice for the annual Thanksgiving game.
During the 2015 offseason, the Dallas Cowboys made significant roster changes, releasing running back DeMarco Murray, who subsequently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, and securing wide receiver Dez Bryant on a five-year, $70 million contract on July 15.
In 2015, the Dallas Cowboys achieved a groundbreaking valuation of $4 billion, becoming the world's most valuable sports team.
The Dallas Cowboys commenced the 2015 season with a 27-26 win against the New York Giants, but a fractured bone in Dez Bryant's foot sidelined him early. In week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Tony Romo suffered a broken left collarbone, the same injury he sustained in 2010. Despite starting 2-0 with backup Brandon Weeden, the Cowboys experienced a seven-game losing streak and ended the season 4-12, last in their division.
The Dallas Cowboys debuted their "Color Rush" uniforms, a variation of the 1990s "Double Star" alternates, in the 2015 Thanksgiving game against the Carolina Panthers.
For the Thanksgiving game in 2016, the Dallas Cowboys again wore their blue jerseys at home.
In 2016, rookie quarterback Dak Prescott stepped into the starting role following a preseason injury to Tony Romo, who was anticipated to be out for 6-8 weeks. After an initial loss to the New York Giants, Dallas embarked on an eleven-game winning streak, solidifying Prescott's position as the team's starting quarterback despite Romo's return.
Starting in 2016, the Dallas Cowboys adopted the practice of using their "Color Rush" uniforms for all Thursday Night Football games, adding a unique visual element to these prime-time matchups.
On February 4, 2017, Dak Prescott received the prestigious NFL Rookie of the Year award, while Ezekiel Elliott claimed the league's rushing title, marking the first time the Cowboys sent two rookies to the Pro Bowl.
On December 10, 2017, the Dallas Cowboys introduced a new uniform combination, featuring a navy blue jersey with white pants, during their game against the New York Giants.
Since its introduction in 2017, the Dallas Cowboys have a record of 8 wins and 2 losses when wearing the combination of their primary blue uniform and white pants. This statistic suggests a successful performance in this particular uniform combination.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2017 season became the subject of the third season of Amazon's sports documentary series "All or Nothing," offering an inside look at the team's challenges and triumphs throughout the year. The series, produced by NFL Films, provided fans with a behind-the-scenes perspective on the inner workings of the Cowboys' organization.
The year 2017 marked the end of an era for the Dallas Cowboys, as quarterback Tony Romo retired on April 4 after 14 seasons with the team. This was the first season since 2002 without Romo. The team also faced challenges with running back Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension for violating the league's conduct policy. After eight seasons, Dez Bryant was released, and tight end Jason Witten, holder of several franchise receiving records, retired after 15 seasons, signifying a changing of the guard for the franchise. The Cowboys concluded the season with a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs.
In 2017, the Dallas Cowboys initially announced a plan to wear blue jerseys at home more frequently but quickly reversed this decision.
On November 29, 2018, executive Gil Brandt was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
In 2018, the Dallas Cowboys chose to wear their regular white uniforms for their Thanksgiving game, continuing a trend of variety in their uniform choices.
In 2018, the Dallas Cowboys continued their financial ascent, becoming the first NFL franchise to be valued at $5 billion and earning the top spot on Forbes' list of most valued NFL teams for the 12th consecutive year.
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the 2018 Divisional Round, further solidifying their lead in the all-time playoff series.
Following the 2019 season, in which the Dallas Cowboys failed to make the playoffs for the seventh time in the preceding ten seasons, the team announced the departure of longtime head coach Jason Garrett. This decision marked a significant turning point for the franchise, prompting a search for a new leader to guide the team back to playoff contention.
For the Thanksgiving game in 2019, the Dallas Cowboys wore their regular white uniforms, continuing a pattern of alternating uniform choices for this annual game.
Jason Garrett's time as the Dallas Cowboys' head coach ended in 2019.
The 2019 season witnessed the Dallas Cowboys wearing their blue uniforms for a total of eight games, setting a new record for the most appearances in blue jerseys within a single season. This departure from their traditional preference for white jerseys highlights a shift in the team's approach to uniform choices.
In January 2020, Mike McCarthy was hired as the ninth head coach in Dallas Cowboys history, succeeding Jason Garrett.
After a few years, the Dallas Cowboys brought back their Color Rush uniforms for Thanksgiving Day once again, wearing them for their game against the Washington Football Team on November 26, 2020.
The Dallas Cowboys, in 2020, continued their practice of limiting the use of blue jerseys, wearing them for just one regular season game, as they had done in other specific seasons.
The Dallas Cowboys wore their "Color Rush" uniforms for Thanksgiving in 2020 when they played against the Washington Football Team.
In 2020, Mike McCarthy took the helm as the Dallas Cowboys' head coach, securing their first victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. However, the season took a drastic turn when quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury on October 11. Despite Prescott's absence, the team remained in playoff contention for most of the season. The Cowboys finished with a 6-10 record, ranking third in the NFC East Division. The team's defense struggled significantly throughout the season, leading to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula after the season.
Maintaining the recent pattern, the Dallas Cowboys wore their regular white uniforms for the Thanksgiving game in 2021.
On February 16, 2022, the Dallas Cowboys reached a $2.4 million settlement in response to allegations of voyeurism made by four cheerleaders against Rich Dalrymple, the retired senior vice president of public relations and communications. The cheerleaders accused Dalrymple of improper conduct in their locker room during a 2015 event at AT&T Stadium. This incident brought scrutiny to the organization's handling of such sensitive matters and resulted in a financial settlement to address the allegations.
On April 13, 2022, the Dallas Cowboys made history by becoming the first NFL team to secure a blockchain sponsorship. They signed a multi-year agreement with Blockchain.com, capitalizing on the NFL's newly granted permission for teams to pursue such sponsorships.
With the NFL lifting the restrictions on alternate helmets in 2022, the Dallas Cowboys seized the opportunity to bring back their white helmet and navy throwback uniforms for their Thanksgiving Day game against the New York Giants on November 24, 2022. This decision marked the return of a popular uniform combination.
As of 2022, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams have reached a tie in their all-time regular season series, standing at 18-18.
As of 2022, the Dallas Cowboys have kept six jersey numbers unofficially inactive: Troy Aikman's No. 8, Roger Staubach's No. 12, Bob Hayes' and Emmitt Smith's No. 22, Bob Lilly's No. 74, and Jason Witten's No. 82. The Cowboys are one of three NFL teams that do not officially retire numbers.
In 2022, the Dallas Cowboys introduced a modification to their "Color Rush" uniforms by incorporating a white helmet, creating a distinctive look reminiscent of their silver helmets but without the metallic element.
In 2022, the NFL reversed its stance on alternate helmets, once again allowing teams to utilize them. This change prompted the Dallas Cowboys to reintroduce their 1960s white helmet, bringing back a beloved element of their throwback uniform.
The Dallas Cowboys achieved a playoff victory while wearing their blue uniforms in the 2022 NFC Wild Card Round game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adding to their limited instances of playoff success in this jersey color.
DeMarcus Ware was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor on October 29, 2023.
On December 30, 2023, Jimmy Johnson was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
As of the 2023 season, the Dallas Cowboys have a cumulative regular season record of 97 wins, 100 losses, and 3 ties when wearing their blue uniforms, providing a statistical perspective on their performance in this jersey color.
The Dallas Cowboys roster was updated on May 8, 2024.