How Many Super Bowls Have the Dallas Cowboys Won?

By Sarah Miller · October 15, 2044

The Dallas Cowboys have won the Super Bowl 5 times in their history. Their victories came in Super Bowls VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX, making them one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.

Overview of Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl Wins

The Dallas Cowboys are among the most iconic teams in the National Football League (NFL). Since their inception in 1960, they have built a legacy of excellence, highlighted by five Super Bowl championships. Known as "America's Team," the Cowboys have consistently been a dominant force in professional football.

Years the Cowboys Won the Super Bowl

Super Bowl VI: January 16, 1972
Super Bowl XII: January 15, 1978
Super Bowl XXVII: January 31, 1993
Super Bowl XXVIII: January 30, 1994
Super Bowl XXX: January 28, 1996

Championship Eras: The Golden Years

The Cowboys' Super Bowl wins span two distinct dynasties:

1970s Dynasty

Under head coach Tom Landry, the Cowboys captured their first two Super Bowl titles. After several heartbreaking playoff losses in the late 1960s and early 1970s, they broke through with a dominant performance in Super Bowl VI, defeating the Miami Dolphins 24–3. Their second win came in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos, winning 27–10, led by a unique defense known as the "Doomsday Defense." This era solidified Dallas as a powerhouse in the NFL.

1990s Dynasty

The Cowboys experienced a resurgence in the 1990s under head coach Jimmy Johnson and later Barry Switzer. With Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin—dubbed "The Triplets"—Dallas won three Super Bowls in four years (XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX). They defeated the Buffalo Bills twice (52–17 and 30–13) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (27–17), showcasing one of the most balanced and explosive teams in league history.

Detailed Super Bowl Appearances and Results

Super Bowl	Date	Opponent	Score	Result	MVP
VI	Jan 16, 1972	Miami Dolphins	24–3	Win	Chuck Howley
X	Jan 18, 1976	Pittsburgh Steelers	21–17	Loss	Lynn Swann
XII	Jan 15, 1978	Denver Broncos	27–10	Win	Randy White & Harvey Martin
XIII	Jan 21, 1979	Pittsburgh Steelers	35–31	Loss	Terry Bradshaw
XXVII	Jan 31, 1993	Buffalo Bills	52–17	Win	Troy Aikman
XXVIII	Jan 30, 1994	Buffalo Bills	30–13	Win	Emmitt Smith
XXX	Jan 28, 1996	Pittsburgh Steelers	27–17	Win	Emmitt Smith

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows all eight Super Bowl appearances by the Dallas Cowboys, including five wins and three losses. Their highest margin of victory was 35 points in Super Bowl XXVII, one of the most lopsided wins in Super Bowl history. The Cowboys have not appeared in a Super Bowl since 1996, marking nearly three decades without a championship appearance despite consistent regular-season success.

Legacy and Impact on NFL History

With five Super Bowl victories, the Dallas Cowboys rank tied for third-most all-time alongside the San Francisco 49ers and behind only the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers (6 each). Their influence extends beyond the field, as they were pioneers in branding, media rights, and stadium innovation—most notably with AT&T Stadium, one of the most advanced venues in sports.

Their 1990s dynasty is often cited as one of the greatest in NFL history due to its combination of offensive firepower, defensive strength, and sustained dominance. Despite recent playoff struggles, the Cowboys remain one of the most valuable and widely supported teams in the league.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Wins

How many Super Bowls have the Dallas Cowboys won?

The Dallas Cowboys have won 5 Super Bowls in their franchise history, claiming victories in Super Bowls VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.

When was the last time the Cowboys won the Super Bowl?

The last time the Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl was on January 28, 1996, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27–17 in Super Bowl XXX.

Who was MVP in the Cowboys’ Super Bowl wins?

Chuck Howley was named MVP of Super Bowl VI. Randy White and Harvey Martin shared MVP honors in Super Bowl XII. Troy Aikman earned MVP in Super Bowl XXVII, and Emmitt Smith was MVP in both Super Bowl XXVIII and XXX.

How many times have the Cowboys appeared in the Super Bowl?

The Dallas Cowboys have appeared in the Super Bowl 8 times—winning 5 and losing 3. Their appearances were in Super Bowls VI, X, XII, XIII, XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.

Which teams did the Cowboys beat in the Super Bowl?

The Cowboys have defeated the Miami Dolphins (Super Bowl VI), Denver Broncos (Super Bowl XII), Buffalo Bills (Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII), and Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl XXX).