Started in 1960, the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (see entry under 1920s—Sports and Games in volume 2) soon became one of the most prominent teams in the history of all professional football, and they endure as "America's Team." Few teams in league history can boast a higher national profile or a more consistent record of success.

Dozens of football legends were Cowboys, including Tom Landry (1924–2000), the team's longtime head coach; quarterbacks "Dandy" Don Meredith (1938–), Roger Staubach (1942–), and Troy Aikman (1966–); running backs Tony Dorsett (1954–) and Emmitt Smith (1969–); and defensive standouts including Bob Lilly (1939–), Lee Roy Jordan (1941–), Ed "Too Tall" Jones (1951–), and Randy White (1953–). In 1980, Lilly became the first Cowboy to enter the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

The team is also known for its cheerleaders. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders combined sports with entertainment and set the standard for professional cheerleaders.

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