A Brief History of the Dallas Cowboys

 The Cowboys joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1960. At the time, the team was owned by Clint Murchison Jr. and coached by Tom Landry. The team struggled in its early years, failing to make the playoffs in its first decade of existence. However, the Cowboys would eventually become one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.

The team's national following might best be represented by its NFL record of consecutive sell-outs. The Cowboys' streak of 190 consecutive sold-out regular and post-season games (home and away) began in 2002. This success on the field has translated to financial success off the field, as the Cowboys are one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world.

One of the key factors in the Cowboys' success has been their ability to consistently draft talented players. Over the years, the team has had numerous standout players, including quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin. These players, along with others, helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s.

The franchise has made it to the Super Bowl a total of eight times, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos for second most Super Bowl appearances in history, just behind the New England Patriots record eleven Super Bowl appearances. This has also corresponded to eight NFC championships, most in the NFC. The Cowboys have won five of those Super Bowl appearances, tying them with their NFC rivals, the San Francisco 49ers; both are second to Pittsburgh's and New England's record six Super Bowl championships.

The Cowboys are known for their iconic "star" logo, which is featured on their helmets and throughout their home stadium, AT&T Stadium. The team's colors are navy blue, silver, and white. The team's cheerleaders, known as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, are also a popular attraction and have made numerous television appearances.

In addition to their on-field success, the Cowboys are known for their off-field controversies. Several players have been involved in legal issues, and the team has had a tumultuous relationship with the media. Despite these controversies, the Cowboys remain one of the most popular and successful franchises in the NFL.

The team has a strong fan base, known as "Cowboys Nation," that spans across the United States and beyond. The team's popularity is not limited to just the United States, as the Cowboys have a large international following as well.

The Cowboys are currently owned by Jerry Jones, who purchased the team in 1989. Jones has been involved in several controversies during his tenure as owner, but he has also been credited with helping to increase the team's value and keeping the Cowboys competitive on the field.

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys are a storied franchise with a rich history of success on and off the field. Their strong fan base, iconic logo and colors, and numerous Super Bowl appearances make them one of the most well-known and beloved teams in the NFL. So, they are always the hot topic among the football fans.