1960 Franchise Founding

Lore & Background

In 1960, the NFL granted an expansion franchise to Dallas, a city hungry for professional sports. Owner Clint Murchison Jr., a wealthy oilman with deep Texas roots, hired Tom Landry as head coach and general manager, a bold move that paired visionary leadership with local business acumen. The team's first practice was held in the sweltering heat of Texas, where players like quarterback Sonny Jurgensen and tackle Bob Lilly began to forge a brotherhood that would soon become legendary. The inaugural season was undeniably difficult; the Cowboys lost every game except for one tie, finishing last in the league. However, the foundation laid during these dark days included the drafting of future Hall of Famers and the implementation of Landry's innovative 4-3 defense. The fanbase, initially skeptical, began to rally around the blue and silver stars, creating a passionate following that would eventually fill the Cotton Bowl and later the Texas Stadium. This era is defined by resilience. Despite the lackluster on-field results in 1960, the organizational structure was sound. The combination of Murchison's financial backing and Landry's tactical genius created an environment where talent could flourish. By the mid-1960s, the seeds planted in that first season bloomed into a championship-caliber team, proving that patience and vision could turn an expansion failure into a historic powerhouse.

In Their Own Story

The humidity of a Texas summer clung to the turf at the Cotton Bowl as the first Dallas Cowboys gathered for practice. Tom Landry stood on the sideline, his fedora pulled low against the sun, watching young men in blue helmets run drills that would soon become famous across the nation. There were no trophies yet, only the smell of cut grass and the sound of cleats digging into dirt. A rookie receiver stumbled, but instead of frustration, Landry offered a nod; this was about building something eternal. In that quiet moment before the roar of the crowd could ever be heard, the soul of America's Team was forged in sweat and determination.

Reader's Guide

The story begins in 1960 with the franchise's inception under owner Clint Murchison Jr. The inaugural season was a struggle, resulting in an 0-11-1 record as the team integrated into the Eastern Conference. Tom Landry took over as head coach immediately, implementing his unique defensive schemes and emphasizing discipline. While the early years (1960-1965) were marked by rebuilding and gradual improvement, the core of a dynasty was forming through strategic drafting. By 1966, the culture shifted dramatically when the Cowboys won their first division title and reached the NFC Championship Game. This era established the team's identity as a defensive juggernaut and offensive powerhouse, setting the tone for the Super Bowl victories that would follow in the early 1970s.

Did You Know?

• The Dallas Cowboys were the last NFL franchise to be founded before the league expanded into Los Angeles with the Rams' move.
• Tom Landry was hired as head coach and general manager simultaneously, giving him unprecedented control over the team's direction from day one.
• The team played its home games at the Cotton Bowl for their first decade before moving to a dedicated stadium in Irving.
• Sonny Jurgensen was the starting quarterback for the 1960 season and would go on to become a Hall of Famer.