When Did Dallas Last Win a Super Bowl? Full History

By Sarah Miller · June 10, 2028

The last time the Dallas Cowboys won a Super Bowl was on January 28, 1996, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27–17 in Super Bowl XXX. This victory marked their fifth Super Bowl title and third in four years during the 1990s dynasty led by quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and head coach Barry Switzer.

Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl History

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, known for their consistent success in the 1970s and 1990s. Their Super Bowl win in 1996 remains their most recent championship appearance and victory to date.

Key Highlights of Super Bowl XXX

Date: January 28, 1996
Location: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 27, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
MVP: Larry Brown, Cowboys cornerback (2 interceptions)
Head Coach: Barry Switzer
Starting QB: Troy Aikman

The Dynasty Years: 1990s Dominance

The mid-1990s represented the peak of modern Cowboys football. Under the ownership of Jerry Jones and leadership of key players, Dallas became a powerhouse.

Three Super Bowl Wins in Four Years

From 1992 to 1995, the Cowboys captured three championships in four seasons:

Super Bowl XXVII (1993): Defeated Buffalo Bills 52–17
Super Bowl XXVIII (1994): Defeated Buffalo Bills 30–13
Super Bowl XXX (1996): Defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 27–17

Why Haven’t the Cowboys Won Since 1996?

Despite their historic success, the Cowboys have not returned to the Super Bowl since their 1996 victory. Several factors contribute to this prolonged drought:

Lack of sustained playoff success despite frequent postseason appearances
Injuries to key players during critical stretches
Front office and coaching instability at various points
Tough competition within the NFC, especially from teams like the Packers, Rams, Saints, and 49ers
Failure to advance past the Divisional Round in most playoff runs

Super Bowl	Date	Opponent	Score	MVP	Head Coach
VI	January 16, 1972	Miami Dolphins	24–3	None (award started SB IX)	Tom Landry
XII	January 15, 1978	Denver Broncos	27–10	Randy White & Harvey Martin (co-MVPs)	Tom Landry
XXVII	January 31, 1993	Buffalo Bills	52–17	Troy Aikman	Jimmy Johnson
XXVIII	January 30, 1994	Buffalo Bills	30–13	Emmitt Smith	Jimmy Johnson
XXX	January 28, 1996	Pittsburgh Steelers	27–17	Larry Brown	Barry Switzer

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights all five Super Bowl victories in Cowboys history, with their last win in 1996 capping a dominant era. Notably, their MVPs span defensive and offensive stars, reflecting balanced team strength. Despite consistent regular-season success, replicating that championship formula has proven elusive in the decades since.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dallas Cowboys’ Last Super Bowl Win

When did the Dallas Cowboys last win the Super Bowl?

The Dallas Cowboys last won the Super Bowl on January 28, 1996, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27–17 in Super Bowl XXX. This remains their most recent championship victory.

How many Super Bowls have the Dallas Cowboys won?

The Dallas Cowboys have won five Super Bowls in franchise history: Super Bowls VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX. They have appeared in eight total Super Bowls, losing III, V, and XIII.

Who was the MVP of the Cowboys’ last Super Bowl win?

Larry Brown, a cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, was named MVP of Super Bowl XXX after recording two crucial interceptions against Steelers quarterback Neil O’Donnell.

Have the Cowboys been back to the Super Bowl since 1996?

No, the Dallas Cowboys have not appeared in a Super Bowl since winning Super Bowl XXX in 1996. Their last playoff win came in the 2022 season, but they were eliminated in the Divisional Round.

What year did the Cowboys win three Super Bowls in four years?

The Cowboys won three Super Bowls in four years between 1992 and 1995: Super Bowl XXVII (1993), Super Bowl XXVIII (1994), and Super Bowl XXX (1996). The wins were separated by a loss in the 1994 season playoffs.