How Many Super Bowls Have the Cowboys Been To?

By Sarah Miller · April 1, 2045

The Dallas Cowboys have appeared in eight Super Bowls throughout their franchise history, winning five of them. This makes them one of the most successful and iconic teams in NFL history.

Overview of the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl Appearances

The Dallas Cowboys are among the most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Since their inception in 1960, they have become synonymous with excellence, particularly on the grandest stage: the Super Bowl. With a total of eight appearances, the Cowboys rank among the top teams in Super Bowl history in terms of both appearances and victories.

Key Highlights of Their Super Bowl Journey

The Cowboys' first Super Bowl appearance was in Super Bowl V (1971).
They won three Super Bowls during the 1990s under head coach Jimmy Johnson and later Barry Switzer.
Their most recent Super Bowl appearance was in Super Bowl XXX (1996), which they won.
Dallas has not returned to the Super Bowl since the 1995 season.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Super Bowl Appearance

The Cowboys’ Super Bowl history spans over three decades, reflecting periods of dominance interspersed with long playoff droughts in recent years.

Super Bowl V (1971) – First Appearance

The Cowboys lost a close game to the Baltimore Colts, 16–13, despite being favored. This game marked their first trip to the Super Bowl after years of playoff frustrations known as "Next Year's Champions." The loss intensified the pressure to win a championship.

Super Bowl VI (1972) – First Victory

Dallas dominated the Miami Dolphins 24–3, securing their first Super Bowl title. Roger Staubach was named MVP, and the team set a then-record for fewest penalty yards in a Super Bowl.

Super Bowl X (1976) – Loss to Steelers

In a hard-fought battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cowboys fell 21–17. Controversial calls, including an incomplete pass ruling on a potential touchdown catch by Drew Pearson, remain debated to this day.

Super Bowl XII (1978) – Second Championship

The Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos 27–10, showcasing their legendary "Doomsday Defense." Harvey Martin and Randy White became the first co-MVPs in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl XIII (1979) – Back-to-Back Final

They faced the Steelers again but lost 35–31 in a high-scoring affair. A critical interception thrown by Roger Staubach late in the game sealed their fate.

Super Bowl XXVII (1993) – 1990s Dynasty Begins

The Cowboys crushed the Buffalo Bills 52–17, marking the start of their 1990s dominance. Troy Aikman threw four touchdown passes, and the defense forced nine turnovers.

Super Bowl XXVIII (1994) – Repeat Champions

Dallas defeated the Bills again, 30–13, becoming back-to-back champions. Emmitt Smith rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns, earning MVP honors.

Super Bowl XXX (1996) – Third Title in Four Years

The Cowboys beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27–17, completing a three-championship run in four seasons. Larry Brown, a relatively unknown cornerback, intercepted Neil O'Donnell twice and was named MVP.

Super Bowl	Date	Opponent	Result	Score	MVP
V	January 17, 1971	Baltimore Colts	Loss	13–16	Chuck Howley
VI	January 16, 1972	Miami Dolphins	Win	24–3	Roger Staubach
X	January 18, 1976	Pittsburgh Steelers	Loss	17–21	Lynn Swann
XII	January 15, 1978	Denver Broncos	Win	27–10	Harvey Martin & Randy White
XIII	January 21, 1979	Pittsburgh Steelers	Loss	31–35	Terry Bradshaw
XXVII	January 31, 1993	Buffalo Bills	Win	52–17	Troy Aikman
XXVIII	January 30, 1994	Buffalo Bills	Win	30–13	Emmitt Smith
XXX	January 28, 1996	Pittsburgh Steelers	Win	27–17	Larry Brown

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows that the Cowboys have a 5–3 record in Super Bowls. Five of their eight appearances occurred between 1971 and 1979, and three came during the dominant 1990s era. Their 52–17 victory in Super Bowl XXVII remains one of the most lopsided wins in Super Bowl history.

Legacy and Impact on NFL History

The Dallas Cowboys’ eight Super Bowl appearances place them tied for third-most in NFL history, alongside the Denver Broncos and behind only the New England Patriots (11) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (8 appearances, 6 wins). Their five Super Bowl victories are tied for second-most with the San Francisco 49ers, trailing only the Steelers.

Factors Behind Their Success

Strong leadership from coaches like Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson.
Star players such as Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Lawrence Taylor (defensively).
Consistent ownership under Jerry Jones, who purchased the team in 1989 and revitalized its culture.
A national fanbase that earned them the nickname "America's Team."