Dallas Cowboys Founding (1960)
In 1960, Dallas, Texas, became home to a new National Football League (NFL) franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, a pivotal moment that would indelibly link the city’s identity with professional football. The team’s founding represented a significant investment in the city’s growing profile and a belief in the potential for a major league sports team to thrive in the region. The Cowboys’ arrival sparked considerable civic excitement and laid the groundwork for a decades-long relationship between the team and the city of Dallas.
History
The genesis of the Dallas Cowboys began with oilman Clint Murchison Sr. and oil executive J. Pat Crotty, who secured a franchise from the NFL in January 1960 for $2 million. This followed a period of lobbying and demonstrating the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s capacity to support an NFL team. Prior to the Cowboys, Dallas had attempted to secure an NFL franchise in the 1950s, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Murchison and Crotty believed the expanding population and economic growth of North Texas presented a viable market. The team was officially announced on November 22, 1959, though the formal NFL approval came in January 1960. [1]
The initial years of the Cowboys were marked by struggles on the field. The team’s first head coach was Tom Landry, a former New York Giants defensive coordinator known for his innovative defensive strategies, including the 4-3 formation. Landry’s hiring signaled a commitment to building a team based on discipline and tactical prowess. The Cowboys’ first season in 1960 resulted in a 0-11 record, a challenging start that tested the patience of fans and ownership. Despite the losing record, the team quickly gained a following, fueled by the novelty of professional football in Dallas and Landry’s reputation for integrity. The team played its first home game at the Cotton Bowl, sharing the venue with the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs. [2]
Geography
The selection of Dallas as the home for the Cowboys was influenced by the city’s central location within the state of Texas and its accessibility. Dallas offered a large potential fan base drawn from the surrounding metropolitan area, including Fort Worth and other North Texas communities. The city’s infrastructure, including its airport and highway system, facilitated travel for the team and its opponents. The initial choice of the Cotton Bowl as the team’s home stadium reflected the limited availability of large-capacity venues suitable for professional football at the time.
As the Cowboys grew in popularity, the need for a dedicated stadium became apparent. This ultimately led to the construction of Texas Stadium in Irving, a suburb of Dallas, in 1971. The stadium’s location was strategically chosen for its accessibility and ample space for parking and related facilities. The move to Texas Stadium marked a significant step in the team’s development and solidified its connection to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Later, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, another Dallas-Fort Worth suburb, became the Cowboys’ home in 2009, further demonstrating the team’s regional reach. [3]
Culture
The arrival of the Dallas Cowboys had a considerable impact on the cultural landscape of Dallas. The team quickly became a source of civic pride and a unifying force for the community. The Cowboys’ success in the 1970s, often referred to as “America’s Team,” elevated the city’s national profile and contributed to a growing sense of identity. The team’s image, characterized by its star logo and distinctive silver and blue uniforms, became synonymous with Dallas.
The Cowboys’ popularity extended beyond the football field, influencing fashion, music, and popular culture. The team’s cheerleaders, known as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, gained international recognition and became a cultural phenomenon. The Cowboys’ games became major social events, attracting fans from all walks of life. The team’s presence fostered a strong sense of community and contributed to the development of a vibrant sports culture in Dallas. [4]
Economy
The founding of the Dallas Cowboys had a positive impact on the local economy. The team’s presence created jobs in various sectors, including stadium construction, hospitality, and tourism. The Cowboys’ games generated revenue for local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. The team’s marketing and promotional activities contributed to the city’s economic development.
The construction of Texas Stadium and later AT&T Stadium represented significant investments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, stimulating economic activity and creating employment opportunities. The Cowboys’ brand also became a valuable asset for the city, attracting visitors and enhancing its image as a major league sports destination. The team’s economic impact continues to be substantial, contributing to the region’s overall prosperity. [5]
Notable Residents
While the team itself is not a resident, the individuals involved in the Cowboys’ founding and early years became notable figures in the Dallas community. Clint Murchison Sr., as the principal owner, played a significant role in shaping the team’s early direction and establishing its presence in the city. J. Pat Crotty, as a co-founder, contributed to the initial efforts to secure the franchise and build a foundation for its success.
Tom Landry, the team’s first head coach, became a beloved figure in Dallas, known for his leadership, integrity, and tactical acumen. Landry’s long tenure with the Cowboys and his contributions to the team’s success earned him a place in the city’s history. Other early players, such as Don Meredith and Bob Lilly, also gained recognition as prominent members of the Dallas community. [6]