How the Dallas Cowboys actually became known as America’s Team.
Ever wonder how the Dallas Cowboys were named “America’s Team?”
It’s very surprising how many football enthusiast’s are not aware of why the Dallas Cowboys take so much pride in being called “America’s Team.” Let’s examine how it originally came to be, and why.
The nickname “America’s Team” is one of the few strokes of marketing genius that cannot be credited to the late, great Hall of Fame member Tex Schramm, the former Cowboys team president & general manager. Sure, Tex loved the moniker and got as much mileage out of it as possible, but the credit for coining the phrase “America’s Team” actually belongs to NFL Films.
NFL Films has produced end-of-season highlight videos for each team for decades. In 1979 when NFL Films editor-in-chief Bob Ryan was working on the Cowboys’ highlights from their 1978 season, he needed to write some extra copy for the video’s narration. While editing video, he noticed that during road games there were people in the stands with Cowboys jerseys and hats.
“I saw all these fans in away stadiums,” Ryan told NFL Network. “Hey, they’re the most popular team in the country. How can I use that? Why don’t we call them ‘America’s Team?”
Also Read: Why every Cowboys fan should absolutely read this book
How the name grew from within our rival NFC East territory
Ryan included “America’s Team” in the title of the highlight video. He also wrote these opening lines which were voiced by narrator John Facenda at the start of the video:
“They appear on television so often that their faces are as familiar to the public as presidents and movie stars. They are the Dallas Cowboys, ‘America’s Team.”
The term was then picked up by broadcasters and used on game day telecasts early in the 1979 season. The nickname stuck, much to the delight of Cowboys fans and management.
Isn’t ironic how the name birthed not too far from a rival NFC East team? The home of the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the Cowboys’ arch rivals. You see, NFL Films’ headquarters is in Mt Laurel, New Jersey. Just across the river from downtown Philadelphia, and right in the heart of Eagles territory.
Ryan’s clever copy point remains a polarizing topic for football fans. There’s not much middle ground when it comes to the Cowboys who engender love ‘em or hate ‘em emotions.
“It’s probably one of the most high profile nicknames for a team in history,” said Ryan, now retired from NFL Films. “Whenever the Cowboys are playing, the nickname comes up again. I’m fine with it, really. I love the name.”
In conclusion
Each Independence Holiday on July 4th, the NFL Network will be airing the rich history of our beloved franchise. Be sure to tune in while enjoying some great food, and spending time with family this holiday OAT. As fans it’s very important to know our team’s history so enjoy it this holiday!
Be sure to join our Facebook group OAT with over 15,000 die hard fans if you’re not there already!
For a more in depth view check out this book on Amazon we found for you!
You must be logged in to post a comment.