Who Won the Super Bowl in 1979? Steelers vs Cowboys

By Sarah Miller · April 24, 2038

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XIII in 1979, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 on January 21, 1979, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. This victory made them the first team in NFL history to win three Super Bowls.

Super Bowl XIII: A Historic Matchup

Super Bowl XIII was a pivotal game in NFL history, marking the third championship win for the Pittsburgh Steelers and solidifying their status as a dynasty during the 1970s. Played on January 21, 1979, the game featured a rematch between two of the league's most storied franchises: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys.

Key Highlights of the Game

The Steelers became the first NFL team to win three Super Bowls (IX, X, and XIII).
Quarterback Terry Bradshaw delivered a standout performance, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
The game was notable for its high stakes and dramatic momentum swings, with both teams committing costly turnovers.
Wide receiver John Stallworth had a 75-yard touchdown reception, one of the longest in Super Bowl history at the time.
It was the second Super Bowl meeting between the Steelers and Cowboys, intensifying their rivalry.

Terry Bradshaw: The MVP Performance

Terry Bradshaw, the Steelers' quarterback, played a decisive role in securing the win. He threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns, despite also throwing three interceptions. His ability to rebound from mistakes and lead crucial drives under pressure defined his legacy and earned him the Super Bowl MVP award.

Bradshaw’s Key Stats

Passing yards: 318
Touchdowns: 4
Interceptions: 3
Completion rate: 17 of 30 (56.7%)
Passer rating: 109.4

Dallas Cowboys’ Strong Challenge

The Cowboys, led by quarterback Roger Staubach, mounted a fierce comeback attempt. Staubach threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns, including a late-game score that brought Dallas within four points. However, a critical fumble by running back Tony Dorsett in the fourth quarter halted their momentum and allowed Pittsburgh to maintain control.

Why the Cowboys Fell Short

Turnovers proved costly: Dallas committed four turnovers compared to Pittsburgh’s three.
Dorsett’s fumble near midfield with under five minutes remaining was a turning point.
Pittsburgh’s defense stiffened in the red zone, limiting Dallas to field goals in two key drives.

Historical Significance of the 1979 Super Bowl

Super Bowl XIII was more than just a championship game—it symbolized the rise of the Steelers as an NFL powerhouse. Their victory cemented the legacy of the '70s Steelers, widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in professional football history.

Cultural and Competitive Impact

First team to win three Super Bowls, setting a new benchmark for excellence.
Boosted national popularity of the Steelers franchise and players like Franco Harris and Lynn Swann.
Highlighted the growing prominence of the AFC over the NFC during that era.
Set the stage for future Steelers success in Super Bowl XIV the following year.

Team	1st Quarter	2nd Quarter	3rd Quarter	4th Quarter	Total Points
Pittsburgh Steelers	7	14	0	0	21
Dallas Cowboys	0	7	10	0	17

Table data source:1, 2

The scoring breakdown shows Pittsburgh dominated early, building a 21-7 halftime lead. Dallas responded strongly in the third quarter with 10 points but failed to score in the final period, underscoring their inability to sustain offensive pressure late in the game. Pittsburgh’s ability to capitalize on early opportunities proved decisive.