The Evolution of the Dallas Cowboys Jersey

by

An appropriate choice of name to represent the Lone Star State, the Dallas Cowboys were established in 1960.  

The Cowboys have one of the league’s most iconic uniforms with simple, yet recognizable blue and white colors. The team has changed it up over the years, but the blue uniform is still traditionally worn at home, while white is worn on the road – both of which use a silver helmet and pants.

Known as “America’s Team,” the Cowboys have five Super Bowl championships and are one of the most valuable teams in the world, with an approximate valuation of over $4 billion. You know what they say – everything’s bigger in Texas!

Mounting our horses, we decided to trot down memory lane to see how one of the biggest teams in NFL history has changed their attire throughout years of gameplay.

Logo History

One shocking fact about the Dallas Cowboys is that their current team logo has only undergone one facelift. Typically, younger teams, such as the Houston Texans, are noted for having a few logo changes. Since their inception into the league, the Cowboys have continued to stay true to their home state by representing the blue star on the field.

1960–1963: The Cowboys use a blue star for the team’s first logo.

1964–Present: A simple border outlines the star to make it pop.

Dallas Cowboys 28” x 40” Double-Sided House Flag

Notable Jersey Changes

1960: For the team’s debut, the Cowboys rock a white helmet with a simple star logo and a blue-white-blue stripe down the center of the crown. The uniforms use simplistic two-tone coloring with a blue uniform at home and a white uniform on the road. Both jerseys display the team logo on the sleeves, but each uses inverted colors.

1964: The Cowboys opt for a more simplistic look that closely resembles the team’s current uniform. The socks and jerseys change to one solid color with three horizontal stripes on the sleeves. The logo on the shoulder area is removed. The helmet also changes to silver.

Riddell Dallas Cowboys Revolution Speed Full-Size Authentic Football Helmet

1966: The jerseys are modified to feature only two sleeve stripes that are slightly wider instead of three. The lone star receives the blue-white outline, which gives the logo a bolder look. This appearance has seen little significant change ever since.

1970: Numbers are moved from the shoulder to the sleeves above the stripes.

1976: The helmet stripe changes to red, white, and blue to commemorate the United States’ bicentennial anniversary.

1981: The Cowboys incorporate slightly darker shading on the navy blue uniform. Additionally, the numbers change from white to gray with a trim outline. The border on the numbering reflects the border on the new lone star design.

1982: The pants receive a small circle that encloses the uniform number on the hip area.

1994: Dallas celebrates back-to-back Super Bowl wins with a special double-star jersey on Thanksgiving. The Cowboys also wear a throwback version of the team’s 1960 uniform to help the NFL celebrate its 75th anniversary.

1996: The addition of the word “Cowboys” is added to the neckline, which currently remains on the blue jersey.

2004: The Cowboys resurrect the 1960 uniform on Thanksgiving Day. This uniform becomes the team’s alternate jersey and is still worn during select games.

2012: Reflecting the NFL’s move to Nike, the uniform receives subtle design changes in detailing and coloring to give the appearance of modernity.

2015: The Cowboys unveil an all-white throwback version of the double-star uniform to be worn during the NFL’s Color Rush promotional night.

Ezekiel Elliott Dallas Cowboys Nike 2016 Draft Pick Game Jersey – Navy

Looking Back to Look Forward

Setting themselves apart from the rest of the teams in the league, the Cowboys opt to induct players’ names into the Ring of Honor rather than retiring their jersey numbers. The tradition began on Nov. 23, 1975, and has since been known as “Bob Lilly Day.” Currently, 21 names of former coaches, players, and club officials wrap around the stands of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Bob Lilly – 1975  Don Meredith – 1976 Don Perkins – 1976
Chuck Howley – 1977Mel Renfro – 1981Roger Staubach – 1983
Lee Roy Jordan – 1989Tom Landry – 1993Randy White – 1994  
Tony Dorsett – 1994Bob Hayes – 2001Tex Schramm – 2003
Rayfield Wright – 2004Cliff Harris – 2004Michael Irvin – 2005
Troy Aikman – 2005Emmitt Smith – 2005Larry Allen – 2011
Charles Haley – 2011Drew Pearson – 2011Darren Woodson – 2015

Before charging out to AT&T Stadium, are you sure that you’re equipped like a cowboy? Saddle up with the latest Dallas Cowboys fashion and merchandise. 

Sources

Leave a Comment