Denver Broncos
The Broncos' only Super Bowl clash with the Cowboys was Super Bowl XII, a 27–10 Dallas victory.
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.
- First Meeting
- 1970 (Post-merger era)
- Notable Championship Clash
- Super Bowl XXXII (1998)
- Key Cowboys Figures
- Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin
- Key Broncos Figures
- John Elway, Terrell Davis, Dan Reeves
- Series Outcome Trend
- Competitive history with high-stakes playoff implications
Lore & Background
The Broncos began play in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) and joined the NFL as part of the merger in 1970. They were barely competitive during their AFL years and first three NFL seasons, not having a winning season until 1973. Their first playoff appearance came in 1977, when they advanced to Super Bowl XII and were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys 27–10. The Broncos have won three Super Bowls (XXXII, XXXIII, 50) and eight AFC Championships.
In Their Own Story
The journey began with Denver's first postseason football contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Linebacker Tom Jackson delivered a masterclass with two interceptions and a fumble recovery, setting up 17 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. After John Schultz blocked a punt to set up Rob Lytle's touchdown, the game remained tight until defensive tackle Lyle Alzado forced a fumble from Franco Harris. Although Randy Gradishar recovered it, he fumbled; Tom Jackson picked it up and returned it 25 yards to the Pittsburgh 10-yard line, leading to an Otis Armstrong touchdown run that gave Denver a 14–7 lead. Despite a Steelers comeback to tie the game at halftime, Denver pulled ahead in the third quarter on Craig Morton's 30-yard pass to Riley Odoms. The fourth quarter saw Jackson intercept Terry Bradshaw twice—once returning it 32 yards and another 17 yards—to set up Jim Turner field goals and Jack Dolbin's game-clinching 34-yard touchdown reception with 1:44 remaining. In the AFC Championship, Denver edged the Raiders 20–17. Despite kicker Jim Turner missing three field goals, turnovers by Oakland proved fatal. Haven Moses scored on a 74-yard pass and later added another touchdown. A controversial fumble ruling near the goal line allowed Rob Lytle to score after Clarence Davis lost the ball. The defense held off a late Raiders drive, securing Denver's spot in Super Bowl XII against Dallas.
Reader's Guide
The Broncos' only Super Bowl meeting with the Dallas Cowboys was Super Bowl XII (1977 season), won by the Cowboys 27–10. Key Broncos figures from that game include head coach Red Miller and quarterback Craig Morton. The source does not mention any other playoff or regular season meetings between the two teams.
Did You Know?
- The Broncos were the only original AFL team that never played in the AFL title game.
- The Broncos were the only original AFL team never to have a winning season while a member of the AFL.
- The Broncos' first Super Bowl victory came in Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers.
- The Broncos are valued at $6.8 billion as of September 2025, making them the thirteenth most-valuable team in the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Denver Broncos in relation to the Cowboys?
The Denver Broncos serve as a primary cross-conference rival representing a gritty, blue-collar identity that contrasts with Dallas's star-studded swagger. They are best known for their own championship eras during the late 90s and early 2000s under legendary leadership.
When did these two franchises first meet on the field?
Their first official meeting occurred in 1970 following the AFL-NFL merger, marking the beginning of a sporadic but intense history between the organizations. While they do not share a division, their matchups often carry significant weight for playoff positioning or prestige.
What defines the style and nature of this rivalry?
This matchup is defined by high-profile regular season games rather than frequent conference realignment battles or direct Super Bowl competition between the squads. It highlights the clash of eras where both teams dominated the league separately during different decades.
Which key figures represent each team during their peak dynasties?
Key legends include Cowboys stars like Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith facing off against Broncos icons such as John Elway and Terrell Davis. These players embodied the distinct styles of their franchises, with Dallas relying on precision passing and Denver on physical grit.
Why is this rivalry considered significant despite infrequent meetings?
The significance stems from both teams achieving dynasty status simultaneously or consecutively, making any encounter a battle for NFL supremacy even without direct championship clashes. Their competitive history showcases how two great franchises can define an era through separate but parallel dominance.
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