Who Won Super Bowl 1996? Cowboys Beat Steelers 27-17

By Sarah Miller · February 13, 2027

The Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX in 1996, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 on January 28, 1996, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. 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.

Super Bowl XXX: Key Details

Super Bowl XXX was the championship game of the 1995 NFL season. It featured the NFC champion Dallas Cowboys against the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The game is remembered for its high stakes, defensive intensity, and pivotal plays that defined the Cowboys' dominance in the mid-1990s.

Why Was Super Bowl XXX Significant?

It was the final Super Bowl appearance for both teams until the 2000s.
The Cowboys became the first team to win three Super Bowls in four seasons since the 1970s Steelers.
Troy Aikman was named Super Bowl MVP, completing 16 of 27 passes for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The game marked the last time a team from Texas won the Super Bowl while playing in their home state (the game was held in Arizona, but the Cowboys represent Texas).

Game Summary and Turning Points

The Cowboys took an early lead and maintained control throughout much of the game. Despite a strong second-half push by the Steelers, Dallas responded with crucial scoring drives.

Key Moments in Super Bowl XXX

First Quarter: Cowboys score first with a 43-yard field goal by Chris Boniol.
Second Quarter: Troy Aikman throws two touchdown passes—first to Michael Irvin (30 yards), then to Jay Novacek (2 yards).
Third Quarter: Steelers narrow the gap with a touchdown pass from Neil O'Donnell to Ernie Mills.
Fourth Quarter: Emmitt Smith seals the game with a 1-yard touchdown run; Cowboys defense forces a key fumble recovery late in the game.

Statistic	Dallas Cowboys	Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Score	27	17
Total Yards	329	235
Passing Yards	273	181
Rushing Yards	56	54
Turnovers	1	3
Time of Possession	32:17	27:43
Third Down Efficiency	6/13	4/12

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical edge clearly favored Dallas, particularly in turnover margin and passing efficiency. The Cowboys capitalized on Steelers’ mistakes, including two critical interceptions thrown by Neil O'Donnell. Dallas also controlled the clock effectively, limiting Pittsburgh’s offensive opportunities in the final quarter.

Star Performers and Legacy

The Cowboys' 'Triplets'—Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin—delivered a defining performance. Aikman earned Super Bowl MVP honors, while Smith rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown despite being limited by injury.

Post-Game Impact

The win solidified the Cowboys as the dominant team of the 1990s.
Emmitt Smith surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the fifth consecutive season.
Barry Switzer became the first coach to win a Super Bowl, college national championship, and SEC title.
The Steelers returned to the Super Bowl in 2006 and 2009, winning both.