The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic teams in the National Football League (NFL), have a rich history that dates back to their formation in 1960. Before the Cowboys, Dallas had not seen an NFL team since
the Dallas Texans folded in 1952. The journey to establish the Cowboys was fraught with challenges, including opposition from existing NFL teams and the strategic maneuvers required to secure a franchise. This article delves into the origins of the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting the key figures and events that shaped their entry into the NFL.
The Struggle for a Dallas Franchise
Prior to the Cowboys' formation, Dallas was without an NFL team for several years. The Dallas Texans had folded after just one season in 1952, leaving a void in the region. Two businessmen, Lamar Hunt and Clint Murchison Jr., were determined to bring professional football back to Dallas. Hunt's efforts led to the creation of the American Football League (AFL), which pressured the NFL to expand beyond its existing twelve teams.
Murchison Jr. faced significant opposition from George Preston Marshall, the owner of the Washington Redskins, who held a monopoly in the southern United States. Marshall's resistance was a major hurdle, as NFL expansion required unanimous approval from team owners. Murchison's persistence and strategic thinking eventually led to the establishment of the Cowboys, marking a significant milestone in NFL history.
Strategic Maneuvers and Rivalries
Murchison's path to securing a franchise involved clever tactics. He attempted to purchase the Washington Redskins with the intent of relocating them to Dallas. Although an agreement was initially reached, Marshall's last-minute demands led Murchison to abandon the deal. This setback did not deter Murchison, who found an unexpected ally in Barnee Breeskin, the Redskins' band leader.
Breeskin, disgruntled with Marshall, sold the rights to the Redskins' fight song to Murchison. This move gave Murchison leverage over Marshall, who was desperate to regain the rights to the song. In exchange for his vote to approve the Dallas franchise, Marshall reacquired the song rights, paving the way for the Cowboys' entry into the NFL. This transaction marked the beginning of a fierce rivalry between the Cowboys and the Redskins.
Building the Foundation
With the franchise secured, Murchison assembled a team of experts to lead the Cowboys. He hired Tex Schramm as team president and general manager, Gil Brandt as head of player personnel, and Tom Landry as head coach. This trio was instrumental in shaping the Cowboys' football operations for decades.
The Cowboys joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1960, and despite initial struggles, they gradually built a strong foundation. The team's national following grew, and they became known for their consecutive sell-outs and Super Bowl appearances. The Cowboys' journey from a fledgling franchise to a powerhouse in the NFL is a testament to the vision and determination of those who fought to bring professional football to Dallas.
