The Cowboys have been touted as "America's Team" since the late 1970's, with success being the most palpable culprit for why the moniker's stuck around all these years.
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And, evidenced by the NFLPA's merchandise sales numbers for this season, it's as much a concept as it is a nickname. The success of rookies Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott has undoubtedly helped, but Dallas apparel is outselling others by a large margin. Four players—-Dez Bryant (#1), Tony Romo (#6), Jason Witten (#10), and Elliott (#11)—-have jersey sales in the top 11. No other team reportedly has more than three in the top 27.
The franchise's success can be traced back to the beginning of the Super Bowl era. A handful of teams have won more titles (Dallas is tied with San Francisco for the 5th most Super Bowls in the history of the NFL) but a number of other variables exist that contribute to the franchise's popularity. The Cowboys have won more games on Monday Night Football (41) than any other team in the league, and hold NFL records for the most consecutive winning seasons from 1966 to 1985 with 20, and most seasons with at least 10 wins (25).
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Dallas has earned the second most postseason appearances (29 to the Giants' 30); played in a league record 56 post-season games (winning 32 of them); won the most division titles with 20; the greatest number of NFC Championship Game appearances (14), and the most Super Bowl appearances (8).
The Cowboys were also the first team in NFL history to win three Super Bowls in four years, an accomplishment only one other team in league history—-the New England Patriots—-has matched. And from 1963-1983, Dallas was the winningest franchise in pro football.
The 2016 version of America's Team is still being written, but at 5-1 with a rookie quarterback and running back taking the league by storm, the future looks bright and the nickname apt.
