Super Bowl VI vs Dolphins
The Cowboys' first Super Bowl victory, a dominant defensive performance that held the Dolphins to 3 points.
Super Bowl VI was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Miami Dolphins to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1971 season. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins by the score of 24–3, to win their first Super Bowl. This was the first major professional sports championship ever won by a Dallas-based team. The game was played on January 16, 1972, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, the second time the Super Bowl was played in that city.
- Opponent
- Miami Dolphins
- Final Score
- Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3
- Location
- Tulane Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana
- MVP
- Roger Staubach (Quarterback)
Lore & Background
The Cowboys were the first NFL or NFC team to win the Super Bowl since the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II. For the next 47 years, they would be the only team to prevent their opponent from scoring a touchdown in the Super Bowl, a feat matched by the 2018 New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII and again by the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. This was the first Super Bowl where the winning team outscored the losing team in all four quarters.
In Their Own Story
Under the stifling New Orleans humidity at Tulane Stadium, the opening kickoff felt like a release of years of pent-up tension. The silence from the Dallas faithful wasn't empty; it was the held breath of a fanbase desperate to turn 'almost' into 'finally.' When Roger Staubach dropped back on that first drive, his eyes locked onto Drew Pearson downfield, and the ball spiraled through the thick air with perfect placement. That catch wasn't just a play; it was a declaration of arrival. As the clock wound down and the scoreboard flashed 24-3, the crushing weight of history lifted from the shoulders of the men in silver and blue. They were no longer the team that choked; they were the kings of the gridiron.
Reader's Guide
The Cowboys dominated Super Bowl VI, setting Super Bowl records for the most rushing yards (252), the most first downs (23), and the fewest points allowed (3). The game was close in the first half, with the Cowboys only leading 10–3 at halftime. But Dallas opened the third quarter with a 71-yard, 8-play touchdown drive, and then Dallas linebacker Chuck Howley's 41-yard interception return in the fourth quarter set up another score. Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, who completed 12 out of 18 passes for 119 yards, threw 2 touchdown passes, and rushed 5 times for 18 yards, was named the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player.
Did You Know?
- This was the last Super Bowl to be blacked out in the TV market in which the game was played.
- It was the last Super Bowl played with the hashmarks set at 40 feet apart.
- Despite the southerly location, it was unseasonably cold, making this the coldest Super Bowl played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Cowboys play in Super Bowl VI?
The Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Miami Dolphins in this historic matchup held at Tulane Stadium. This game marked the first time the franchise met for a championship title.
What was the final score of Super Bowl VI?
Dallas secured a decisive victory with a final score of 24 to 3 against Miami. The win highlighted the strength of the Cowboys' defense throughout the contest.
Who won the MVP award for this game?
Quarterback Roger Staubach was named the Most Valuable Player after leading his team to their first ring. His performance cemented his legacy as a franchise icon during that era.
Why is Super Bowl VI considered important for Dallas fans?
This victory ended years of criticism and delivered the organization's very first championship trophy. It proved the dynasty could succeed on the biggest stage under coach Tom Landry.
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