Roger Staubach Quarterback Era
America's Team: A legacy of five Super Bowl titles and unmatched national following.
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. They compete in the NFL as a member of the NFC East division. The team is headquartered in Frisco, Texas, and has played home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, since 2009.
- Super Bowl MVPs:
- 1
- Playoff Record:
- 9-4
Lore & Background
Roger Staubach was named the permanent starting quarterback in the second half of the 1971 season. He led the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl VI, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Staubach also started Super Bowl X, a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He retired after the 1979 season.
In Their Own Story
The stadium lights hummed over the frozen turf of Super Bowl XII against Denver's 'Orange Crush.' With the clock bleeding out and the score knotted, Staubach stepped into a timeout, his breath pluming in the Texas cold. He didn't just scan the defense; he dissected it, eyes locking onto the chaos with a preternatural calm. Tapping his helmet to signal the play, he rolled right as the pocket collapsed, buying fractions of a second that felt like hours. Defenders swarmed, but Staubach's gaze never wavered until he spotted Billy 'White Shoes' Johnson breaking free near the sideline—not Pearson, whose name is often misremembered in this specific moment, but Johnson, who made the catch to seal the drive. In that frozen instant, the Captain wasn't merely executing a play; he was weaving the final thread of a dynasty.
Reader's Guide
The Cowboys have appeared in eight Super Bowls, winning five. Their Super Bowl victories came in 1971 (Super Bowl VI) and 1977 (Super Bowl XII) under Tom Landry, and three more in the 1990s under Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer. The team's eight NFC championships are tied for most in conference history.
Did You Know?
- Roger Staubach won one Super Bowl MVP award, in Super Bowl VI.
- Troy Aikman started three Super Bowls for Dallas in the 1990s.
- The Cowboys are the only NFL team to record 20 straight winning seasons (1966–1985).
- The Cowboys became the first sports team valued at $4 billion in 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the Roger Staubach Quarterback Era?
This period covers his tenure from 1969 to 1979, transforming the franchise into a championship powerhouse known as America's Team. It is characterized by his leadership and two Super Bowl victories that cemented the Cowboys' legacy.
How many Super Bowls did Staubach win during this era?
Roger Staubach led the Dallas Cowboys to victory in two Super Bowls, VI and XII, while earning MVP honors for his performance in one of those games. His clutch play in these championships defined the team's success throughout the 1970s.
Why was he nicknamed Captain Comeback?
He earned this moniker due to his remarkable ability to rally the team from deficits and perform exceptionally well under pressure during critical moments. His resilience on the field became a defining trait of his leadership style throughout the decade.
What was Staubach's playoff record as quarterback?
During his career with Dallas, Roger Staubach compiled an impressive playoff winning percentage with a record of nine wins and four losses. This success rate highlights his effectiveness when the stakes were highest in postseason games.
When did the Staubach era officially end?
The era concluded following the 1979 season, marking the retirement of one of the franchise's most iconic figures. His departure left a lasting standard of excellence that continues to influence the organization today.
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