Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
Born in a fight over a fight song.
The Commanders-Cowboys rivalry, once the Cowboys-Redskins rivalry, is the NFL rivalry between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys. In 2005 Sports Illustrated called it the top NFL rivalry of all time, and ESPN has ranked it the league's best.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Cowboys lead 81-49-2
- Playoffs
- Washington 2-0
- First meeting
- 1960
Lore & Background
Clint Murchison Jr. nearly bought the Redskins in 1958, but owner George Preston Marshall changed the terms. Washington's band director Barnee Breeskin, who had written the music to "Hail to the Redskins", then sold the song's rights to Murchison's lawyer. Marshall was the only owner opposing a Dallas franchise, and he dropped his objection in exchange for the song.
Reader's Guide
The Cowboys lead the series 81-49-2, but Washington has won both playoff meetings. The two franchises have won 32 division titles and eight Super Bowls between them.
The Cowboys began play in 1960 and joined Washington's division in 1961, and the teams have met twice every regular season since.
More in Great Rivalries
Elsewhere in Dallas Cowboys
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced