Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Wins: Years & Champions

By Sarah Miller · December 21, 2041

The Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowls in 1972 (Super Bowl VI), 1978 (Super Bowl XII), and 1993–1994 (Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX). In total, the team has won five Super Bowl championships.

Overview of the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl Victories

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history. Known as "America's Team," they have a rich legacy that includes multiple Super Bowl victories. Their success peaked in two dominant eras: the early 1970s and the early 1990s. The Cowboys have made eight Super Bowl appearances, winning five and losing three.

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

Detailed Breakdown of Each Championship Season

The Cowboys' Super Bowl wins span three decades, highlighting their sustained competitiveness. Below is an analysis of each victorious season.

1971 Season (Super Bowl VI)

Coached by Tom Landry, the Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins 24–3 in Super Bowl VI. This victory marked their first Super Bowl win after previous losses in Super Bowls V and XIII. Quarterback Roger Staubach led the offense, solidifying his legacy as a clutch performer.

1977 Season (Super Bowl XII)

In a dominant performance, the Cowboys beat the Denver Broncos 27–10. The defense, known as the "Orange Crush," was neutralized by Dallas' balanced attack. Linebacker Randy White was named Co-MVP alongside Harvey Martin, marking the first time two players shared the honor.

1992 Season (Super Bowl XXVII)

Under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys began a new dynasty. They crushed the Buffalo Bills 52–17, with quarterback Troy Aikman throwing for four touchdowns. Linebacker Leon Lett also scored a defensive touchdown, showcasing the team's dominance.

1993 Season (Super Bowl XXVIII)

The Cowboys repeated as champions, defeating the Bills again, 30–13. Emmitt Smith rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. This win cemented Dallas as the team of the decade.

1995 Season (Super Bowl XXX)

Dallas secured their fifth title by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27–17. Quarterback Troy Aikman was named MVP, completing 16 of 22 passes. This victory marked the third championship in four years, establishing a modern-era dynasty.

Super Bowl Appearances and Results

The Cowboys have appeared in eight Super Bowls, making them one of the most successful teams in postseason history. Below is a detailed table summarizing all appearances.

Super Bowl	Date	Opponent	Result	Score	MVP
VI	Jan 16, 1972	Miami Dolphins	Win	24–3	Roger Staubach
V	Jan 17, 1971	Baltimore Colts	Loss	16–13	Chuck Howley
X	Jan 18, 1976	Pittsburgh Steelers	Loss	21–17	None (Lambert)
XII	Jan 15, 1978	Denver Broncos	Win	27–10	Randy White & Harvey Martin
XXVII	Jan 31, 1993	Buffalo Bills	Win	52–17	Troy Aikman
XXVIII	Jan 30, 1994	Buffalo Bills	Win	30–13	Emmitt Smith
XXX	Jan 28, 1996	Pittsburgh Steelers	Win	27–17	Troy Aikman
V	Jan 26, 1979	Pittsburgh Steelers	Loss	35–31	Terrell Davis

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that the Cowboys have a 5–3 record in Super Bowl appearances, with victories spanning three different decades. Their highest-scoring game was Super Bowl XXVII, where they tallied 52 points against the Buffalo Bills. Three of their wins came against repeat opponents, demonstrating their ability to dominate key rivalries.

Key Players in Cowboys Super Bowl Wins

Certain athletes played pivotal roles in securing championships for Dallas. These include:

Roger Staubach – Hall of Fame QB, MVP of Super Bowl VI
Troy Aikman – Six-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl MVP
Emmitt Smith – All-time leading rusher at retirement, MVP of Super Bowl XXVIII
Michael Irvin – Star wide receiver, key offensive weapon in the 1990s
Lawrence Taylor (opponent note) – While not a Cowboy, his absence in key games aided Dallas' rise in the 1990s

Legacy and Impact on NFL History

The Cowboys' five Super Bowl victories place them among the most successful franchises in NFL history, tied with the San Francisco 49ers and behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. Their back-to-back-to-back appearances from 1992 to 1994, with three wins in four years, established a dynasty that defined 1990s football.

Their branding as "America's Team" was reinforced during this era, increasing national fan support and media visibility. The combination of star power, strategic coaching, and strong ownership contributed to long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Wins

What years did the Dallas Cowboys win the Super Bowl?

The Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowls in the following seasons: 1971 (Super Bowl VI), 1977 (Super Bowl XII), 1992 (Super Bowl XXVII), 1993 (Super Bowl XXVIII), and 1995 (Super Bowl XXX).

How many Super Bowls have the Dallas Cowboys won?

The Dallas Cowboys have won five Super Bowls in their franchise history.

Who was the MVP in each of the Cowboys' Super Bowl wins?

Roger Staubach (Super Bowl VI), Randy White & Harvey Martin (Super Bowl XII), Troy Aikman (Super Bowl XXVII and XXX), and Emmitt Smith (Super Bowl XXVIII) were named MVPs.

Which teams did the Cowboys defeat in their Super Bowl victories?

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

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

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

Have the Cowboys won a Super Bowl in the 21st century?

No, the Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl since 1996 (Super Bowl XXX). They remain one of the most popular teams without a championship in the 21st century.