Dallas Cowboys: Team History, Stadium, Players and Club Information

The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area of Texas. The team was founded on January 28, 1960, and competes in the National Football League (NFL).

The Cowboys play their home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The team’s headquarters are at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The Cowboys are known for their navy blue, royal blue, metallic silver and white colors, along with the famous star logo.

Over the years, the Dallas Cowboys have become one of the best-known football teams in Texas. Their strong connection with North Texas, large fan base and long NFL history have made the team an important part of the region’s sports culture.

The Cowboys also have a strong tradition around their home games, including their long association with Thanksgiving Day football. Today, the team remains one of the most recognizable names in American football.

Dallas Cowboys Club Information

Dallas Cowboys Club Management

Dallas Cowboys vs Houston Texans

Dallas Cowboys History

The Dallas Cowboys began their NFL journey in 1960 and have grown into one of the most recognized football teams in Texas and across the United States. The team started as an expansion franchise and spent its early years building a strong foundation under head coach Tom Landry.

The Beginning in 1960

The Cowboys joined the NFL in 1960 after businessman Clint Murchison Jr. helped bring an NFL franchise to Dallas. Tex Schramm became the team’s president and general manager, Gil Brandt handled player personnel, and Tom Landry was hired as head coach.

The first few seasons were not easy. Dallas did not win a game during its first season. Landry, however, continued to build the team and slowly turned the Cowboys into a competitive club.

Dallas reached a .500 record in 1965. One year later, the Cowboys won the Eastern Conference title and returned to the conference championship game in 1967. Quarterback Don Meredith became one of the team’s first major stars during this early period.

The Tom Landry Era

Tom Landry coached the Cowboys from 1960 through 1988. His long tenure became one of the most important parts of the team’s history.

During the 1960s, Dallas developed into a regular contender. The Cowboys reached the NFL Championship Game in 1966 and 1967 but came up short both times.

The team then entered a much stronger period in the 1970s. From 1970 through 1979, Dallas won 105 regular-season games, more than any other NFL team during that decade. The Cowboys also reached five Super Bowls during the decade and won two of them.

First Super Bowl Appearance in 1971

The Cowboys reached their first Super Bowl after the 1970 season. Dallas defeated San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game and advanced to Super Bowl V.

The Cowboys lost that game to the Baltimore Colts, 16–13. Even in defeat, linebacker Chuck Howley made NFL history by becoming the first Super Bowl MVP from the losing team.

Dallas came back stronger the following year.

In 1971, Roger Staubach became the team’s starting quarterback during the season. The Cowboys finished the regular season 11–3 and defeated the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.

Dallas then defeated the Miami Dolphins 24–3 in Super Bowl VI. Staubach was named the game’s MVP, and the victory gave the Cowboys their first Super Bowl championship.

The Cowboys Become a National Power

The 1970s became a major growth period for Dallas. The team continued to make deep playoff runs and developed a reputation for strong defense and disciplined football.

After missing the playoffs in 1974, Dallas returned in 1975 and reached Super Bowl X, where the Cowboys lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The team remained competitive through the rest of the decade. In 1977, Dallas returned to the Super Bowl and defeated the Denver Broncos to win another championship.

By the end of the 1970s, the Cowboys had become one of the NFL’s most successful teams.

The 1980s and the End of the Landry Era

Dallas remained a major NFL team during the 1980s, but the decade was not as successful as the previous one.

The Cowboys continued to compete in the NFC and developed major rivalries with teams such as the Washington franchise, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

Tom Landry’s final season came in 1988. His Cowboys career ended after nearly three decades as the team’s head coach. His tenure included five Super Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl championships.

Jerry Jones Takes Over in 1989

A major change came in 1989 when Jerry Jones purchased the Cowboys.

Jones hired Jimmy Johnson as the new head coach. The Cowboys struggled during the early part of the transition, but the organization began building a young and talented roster.

Players such as Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin became central figures in the team’s rebuild. Other important players from the Landry era also remained part of the roster.

The Cowboys improved in 1990 and took another big step forward in 1991, finishing 11–5 and winning their first playoff game since 1982.

Super Bowl XXVII Champions in 1992

The 1992 season became one of the biggest turning points in Cowboys history.

Dallas finished the regular season 13–3, setting a franchise record for regular-season wins at the time. The Cowboys defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round before beating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

Dallas then faced the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII.

The Cowboys won 52–17 and captured their first Super Bowl championship since 1978. The defense forced nine turnovers, while Troy Aikman led the offense. Aikman was named Super Bowl MVP.

Back-to-Back Super Bowl Titles in 1993

Dallas entered the 1993 season with high expectations, but the team started 0–2.

The Cowboys quickly recovered and finished 12–4, earning the NFC’s top seed. Dallas defeated Green Bay in the divisional round and then beat San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game.

In Super Bowl XXVIII, the Cowboys met Buffalo again.

Dallas won 30–13 and became the first team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl after starting the regular season 0–2. Emmitt Smith was named Super Bowl MVP.

The Barry Switzer Years

Jimmy Johnson left the Cowboys after the 1993 season. Jerry Jones then hired Barry Switzer, who had previously coached at the University of Oklahoma.

Dallas finished 12–4 in 1994 but lost to San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game.

The Cowboys returned to the Super Bowl in 1995. Dallas added star cornerback Deion Sanders before the season and finished 12–4.

The Cowboys defeated Philadelphia and Green Bay in the playoffs before facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX.

Dallas won 27–17 and captured its fifth Super Bowl championship. The championship also made Switzer one of the few coaches to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl.

The Triplets Era

The 1990s Cowboys became closely associated with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. The three stars became known as “The Triplets.”

Together, they helped Dallas win three Super Bowls in the 1990s.

Emmitt Smith became one of the most important running backs in NFL history, while Aikman led the offense at quarterback and Irvin became a major receiving threat.

The Cowboys’ championship run began to slow after the 1995 season as free agency, injuries and the aging of key players changed the roster.

Texas Stadium and a New Home

For much of the Cowboys’ history, the team played at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas.

The stadium opened in 1971 and became famous for its unusual “hole-in-the-roof” design. Dallas played its final game there on December 20, 2008, against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Cowboys moved into their new stadium in Arlington in 2009. The stadium originally opened as Cowboys Stadium and was later renamed AT&T Stadium in 2013.

AT&T Stadium was completed in 2009 with a seating capacity of 80,000 and the ability to expand to around 100,000. It also became known for its massive center-hung video screen.

The 2000s

The Cowboys entered the 2000s with a new generation of players and continued to compete for the NFC East title and playoff opportunities.

The team also developed a strong national following. Its large fanbase in Texas and across the United States helped maintain the Cowboys’ reputation as one of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises.

In 2009, the opening of Cowboys Stadium in Arlington marked a new chapter for the organization. The first regular-season home game was against the New York Giants, and 105,121 fans attended the game. Dallas lost that game 33–31, but the new stadium quickly became a major part of the team’s identity.

The 2010s

The Cowboys continued to build around new stars during the 2010s. The team remained a regular part of the NFC playoff race and developed major storylines around players such as Tony Romo and later Dak Prescott.

Dallas also continued its long-running NFC East rivalries with the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.

The Cowboys’ rivalry with Philadelphia became especially intense. Dallas and Philadelphia played several important games for NFC East titles and playoff positions during this period.

The 2020s

The Cowboys entered the 2020s as one of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises.

The team continued to play its home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington while operating its headquarters and practice facility at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The Ford Center at The Star has served as the Cowboys’ training camp site since 2016.

Dallas also continued to maintain its long history of rivalry games against Washington, Philadelphia, New York and other NFL teams.

The team’s history remained closely connected to its championship past, especially the Super Bowl teams of the 1970s and 1990s.

Dallas Cowboys Through 2026

By 2026, the Dallas Cowboys had more than six decades of NFL history behind them.

The franchise began in 1960 as a new team in Dallas and developed through the leadership of Tom Landry, Jerry Jones and generations of star players.

The Cowboys have won five Super Bowl championships. Their championship seasons came in 1971, 1977, 1992, 1993 and 1995.

The team has also produced many famous players, including Roger Staubach, Bob Lilly, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Randy White, Deion Sanders and many others.

The Cowboys’ history is also tied to Texas football culture. From the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium to AT&T Stadium and The Star in Frisco, the organization has continued to maintain a strong connection with the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

As of 2026, the Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most recognizable NFL franchises, with a history shaped by championships, legendary players, major rivalries and a large fanbase across Texas and the United States.

Dallas Cowboys — Honours & Trophies

Dallas Cowboys Stadium Information

Dallas Cowboys Key Players & Club Legends

The Dallas Cowboys have had many great players across different eras. Some became leaders on the field, while others helped build the team’s identity and championship history. Here are some of the most important players and club legends in Cowboys history.

Bob Lilly

Position: Defensive Tackle
Cowboys Career: 1961–1974
Nickname: “Mr. Cowboy”

Bob Lilly was the first player ever drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. He became the leader of the famous Doomsday Defense and played 14 seasons with the team.

Lilly helped Dallas Cowboys win its first Super Bowl in the 1971 season. He was also the first Cowboys player inducted into the Ring of Honor and later became the first Cowboys star inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Roger Staubach

Position: Quarterback
Cowboys Career: 1969–1979
Nickname: “Captain Comeback”

Roger Staubach is one of the most important quarterbacks in Cowboys history. He led Dallas Cowboys to four Super Bowl appearances and helped the team win Super Bowls VI and XII.

Staubach was also known for his late-game comebacks. He finished his Cowboys career with 22,700 passing yards and became one of the most respected players of the team’s early championship era.

Troy Aikman

Position: Quarterback
Cowboys Career: 1989–2000

Troy Aikman became the starting quarterback of a Cowboys team that grew into one of the NFL’s strongest teams in the 1990s.

Aikman led Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships during the 1990s. He was also named Super Bowl XXVII MVP after throwing four touchdown passes in the Cowboys’ win over the Buffalo Bills. Aikman joined the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2005 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Emmitt Smith

Position: Running Back
Cowboys Career: 1990–2004

Emmitt Smith is one of the biggest names in Cowboys history. He became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher during his career and finished with 18,355 rushing yards.

Smith won three Super Bowl titles with Dallas Cowboys and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXVIII. He also won four NFL rushing titles and was selected to eight Pro Bowls.

Michael Irvin

Position: Wide Receiver
Cowboys Career: 1988–1999
Nickname: “The Playmaker”

Michael Irvin was a major part of the Cowboys’ championship teams of the 1990s. He became one of the team’s top receivers and an important leader on offense.

Irvin finished his Cowboys career with 750 receptions and 11,904 receiving yards. He was part of the famous “Triplets” with Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, helping Dallas Cowboys win three Super Bowl titles.

Tony Dorsett

Position: Running Back
Cowboys Career: 1977–1987

Tony Dorsett joined Dallas Cowboys in 1977 and quickly became an important part of the Cowboys offense. He helped the team win Super Bowl XII during his rookie season.

Dorsett was known for his speed, running ability and consistency. He spent 11 seasons with the Cowboys and later became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Cowboys also recognize him as one of the major players in the franchise’s history.

Randy White

Position: Defensive Tackle
Cowboys Career: 1975–1988
Nickname: “The Manster”

Randy White became one of the key defensive players of the Cowboys’ championship era. He helped Dallas Cowboys reach multiple Super Bowls and was part of the team that won Super Bowl XII.

White shared Super Bowl XII MVP honors with teammate Harvey Martin. His strong play on the defensive line made him an important figure in Cowboys history.

Bob Hayes

Position: Wide Receiver
Cowboys Career: 1965–1974
Nickname: “The World’s Fastest Human”

Bob Hayes brought game-changing speed to the Cowboys offense. His ability to stretch the field made him one of the team’s most dangerous offensive players during the 1960s and 1970s.

Hayes finished his Cowboys career with 71 touchdowns and became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is also remembered as one of the players who helped change how defenses played against fast receivers.

Drew Pearson

Position: Wide Receiver
Cowboys Career: 1973–1983
Nickname: “Mr. Clutch”

Drew Pearson was one of the most dependable receivers of the Cowboys’ 1970s era. He became famous for making important catches in big games.

Pearson was also the receiver on Roger Staubach’s famous “Hail Mary” touchdown pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the 1975 playoffs. He was later inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Larry Allen

Position: Offensive Guard
Cowboys Career: 1994–2005

Larry Allen was one of the most powerful offensive linemen in Cowboys history. He helped protect the team’s quarterbacks and opened running lanes during the team’s later championship era.

Allen spent many seasons with Dallas Cowboys and became a key part of the offensive line. He was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor and later entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

DeMarcus Ware

Position: Linebacker / Defensive End
Cowboys Career: 2005–2013

DeMarcus Ware became one of the most important defensive players of the Cowboys’ 2000s era. He was known for his pass-rushing ability and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Ware spent nine seasons with Dallas Cowboys and became one of the franchise’s leading defensive stars. He was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2023.

Dallas Cowboys 2026 Season

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL season looking to build on the previous year and compete in the NFC East. The team is playing its regular-season games under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The 2026 schedule includes 17 regular-season games, with home games at AT&T Stadium and road games across the United States and Brazil.

2026 Preseason

Dallas Cowboys played three preseason games in August. The Cowboys opened with a 17–7 win over the Seattle Seahawks, followed that with a 34–13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, and finished the preseason with a 27–24 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Dallas finished the preseason with a 2–1 record.

2026 Regular Season Results

Dallas Cowboys opened the regular season on the road against the New York Giants on September 13. The Cowboys lost that game 28–20.

In Week 2, Dallas returned home and beat the Washington Commanders 37–20 at AT&T Stadium.

The Cowboys then traveled to Brazil for Week 3 to face the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore won the game 34–31, leaving Dallas Cowboys with a 1–2 record after three games.

2026 Dallas Cowboys Schedule

The Cowboys’ 2026 schedule also includes a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12. The Week 14 bye comes before the final stretch of the season.

2026 Season Record

After the first three regular-season games, Dallas Cowboys is 1–2 and sits third in the NFC East in the latest team information available. The Cowboys have scored 88 points across those three games while allowing 82.

Key 2026 Storylines

One of the biggest early-season storylines is Dallas Cowboys’ first international regular-season game since 2014. The Cowboys faced the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro in Week 3, in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Brazil.

The Cowboys also have several important NFC East games ahead, including two meetings with the Philadelphia Eagles and a Week 18 trip to face the Washington Commanders.

For Dallas Cowboys fans, the next game is especially close to home. The Cowboys travel to Houston to face the Houston Texans on October 4, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CDT.

2026 Season Roster

The 2026 Cowboys roster includes veterans and younger players across the offense, defense and special teams. The current roster includes players such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson, Brandon Aubrey, Caleb Downs and Rashan Gary.

The roster can change during the season through injuries, transactions and other moves, so the official Cowboys and NFL roster pages provide the latest player information.

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