The ’90s Cowboys were one of a kind
By Bryan DeArdo
While there have been several dynasties in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys‘ dynasty during the 1990s is truly one of a kind.
No NFL dynasty before or since has had the level of unending craziness that seemed to constantly hover over Jerry Jones’ team. The truly crazy part is that much of the attention was welcomed and even embraced by the Cowboys’ enigmatic owner and later general manager.
Despite constantly being under the microscope, the ’90s Cowboys won, a lot. Their talent was simply unrivaled, and it allowed them to capture three Super Bowls over a four-year span. The Cowboys’ success over that span increased an already massive brand and fan base that is nearly unmatched in the annals of professional sports.
But as meteoric as the Cowboys’ rise was, the fall was just as steep. Egos, like most things in life, is what ultimately sunk the once mighty ship that was the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. The magnitude of said decline is still being felt as Dallas hasn’t made it back to the big game since January of 1996.
With the 2025 season representing the 30th anniversary of their last Super Bowl team, here are 30 facts about the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty.
1. The 1990s Cowboys were the first team to win three Super Bowls in a four-year span. Dallas won the Super Bowl at the end of the 1992, 1993 and 1995 seasons. The 2000s Patriots are the only other team that has won three Super Bowls in four years.
2. The ’92 Cowboys completed the quickest turnaround in NFL history. Dallas won Super Bowl XXVII three years after going 1-15.
3. The 1990s Cowboys boasted eight future Hall of Famers: Jerry Jones, coach Jimmy Johnson, QB Troy Aikman, RB Emmitt Smith, OL Larry Allen, WR Michael Irvin, DE Charles Haley, and CB Deion Sanders.
Dallas’ offense featured a dominant offensive line that appropriately nicknamed, “The Great Wall of Dallas” that paved the way for the team’s offensive success. The offense also featured five-time Pro Bowl tight end Jay Novacek and two-time Pro Bowl fullback Daryl Johnston.
Defensively, the Cowboys were led by Haley, three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Ken Norton Jr., safety James Washington, pass rushers Jim Jeffcoat (who retired with 102.5 career sacks) and Tony Tolbert, and three-time All-Pro safety Darren Woodson.