About Cowboys vs Raiders
Our Mission and Purpose
Cowboys vs Raiders exists to document and preserve the complete history of one of professional football's most respected inter-conference rivalries. Since both franchises were founded in 1960, their matchups have represented more than just football games—they embody contrasting organizational philosophies, regional pride, and the evolution of the modern NFL. Our mission is to provide fans, researchers, and football enthusiasts with accurate, comprehensive information about every aspect of this rivalry.
The infrequency of Cowboys-Raiders matchups—occurring only once every four years under current scheduling—makes each game a significant event worth documenting in detail. Unlike division rivals that play twice annually, the Cowboys and Raiders meetings carry special weight precisely because they are rare. This scarcity has prevented the rivalry from developing the bitter animosity seen in some other NFL matchups, instead fostering mutual respect between two organizations that have consistently pursued excellence.
We recognize that both franchises have massive, passionate fan bases that span generations. The Cowboys, often called "America's Team," have built a global following since the 1960s. The Raiders, with their distinctive silver and black colors and rebellious image, have cultivated one of the most loyal fan bases in sports. When these two groups come together for a game, it creates an atmosphere that transcends typical regular season contests. Our index page provides comprehensive historical context for this unique dynamic.
This website serves multiple audiences: longtime fans who remember the 1970s and 1980s heyday of both franchises, younger fans experiencing the rivalry for the first time, sports researchers seeking accurate statistical information, and casual observers interested in NFL history. We strive to present information in a format that serves all these groups while maintaining historical accuracy and providing genuine insight rather than superficial commentary.
Why This Rivalry Matters to Football History
The Cowboys-Raiders rivalry occupies a unique space in NFL history because it represents the merger era's most successful franchises from each original league. Dallas entered the NFL in 1960 as an expansion team, while Oakland joined the AFL the same year. When the leagues merged in 1970, these two teams became standard-bearers for their respective conferences, each building dynasty-level success in the 1970s and beyond.
From 1970 through 1985, either the Cowboys or Raiders appeared in 10 of 16 Super Bowls, combining for seven championships during that span. According to research from the Smithsonian Institution's sports history archives, this level of sustained excellence from two franchises in different conferences was unprecedented and has not been replicated since. The Cowboys won Super Bowls VI and XII during the 1970s, while the Raiders captured championships in XI, XV, and XVIII. This parallel dominance meant that a Cowboys-Raiders Super Bowl was always a realistic possibility, though it never materialized.
The coaching legacies associated with both franchises have influenced football strategy for decades. Tom Landry's innovations with the flex defense and multiple offensive formations during his 29 years coaching Dallas (1960-1988) changed how football was played. Al Davis's aggressive vertical passing philosophy and emphasis on speed influenced the Raiders organization for over four decades. John Madden, who coached Oakland from 1969 to 1978, popularized the power running game and tight end utilization. These strategic contributions extended far beyond Cowboys-Raiders games but were often on display when the teams met.
Both organizations have also been pioneers in player personnel decisions and business operations. The Cowboys were among the first teams to use computers for scouting and draft preparation in the 1960s. The Raiders became known for giving opportunities to players other teams overlooked, creating a culture that valued performance over pedigree. These organizational philosophies have influenced how modern NFL teams operate, making the Cowboys and Raiders important case studies in sports management. Our FAQ section addresses specific questions about how these philosophies manifested in head-to-head competition.
| Decade | Cowboys Super Bowls | Raiders Super Bowls | Combined Championships |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 1980s | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 1990s | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Resources and Historical Accuracy
All information presented on this website is sourced from verified historical records, official NFL statistics, and reputable sports journalism archives. We cross-reference data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame archives, official team media guides, and contemporary newspaper accounts of games. When exact statistics are unavailable or disputed, we note these discrepancies rather than presenting unverified information as fact.
The challenge of documenting games from the 1960s and 1970s is that complete statistical records were not maintained with the same rigor as modern games. Television broadcasts were not always preserved, and box scores from early games sometimes contain gaps. We have made every effort to locate the most reliable sources for historical data, including microfilm archives of newspapers like The Dallas Morning News and Oakland Tribune, which provided game coverage during eras when national sports media was less comprehensive.
For modern games from 2000 forward, we utilize official NFL game books, which provide play-by-play data, complete statistics, and detailed information about game conditions, attendance, and officiating crews. These resources allow us to present recent matchups with complete accuracy. The 2009, 2017, and 2021 games are documented with full statistical breakdowns available from NFL.com and ESPN's comprehensive databases.
We acknowledge that football analysis involves subjective interpretation alongside objective statistics. When discussing topics like "greatest games" or "most important players," we base our assessments on measurable criteria such as game impact statistics, historical significance, and long-term influence on the rivalry. We also recognize that fan perspectives vary based on team allegiance, generational experience, and personal memory. Our goal is to present information that respects all viewpoints while maintaining factual accuracy about what actually occurred on the field.
| Category | Primary Sources | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|
| Game Scores | NFL Official Records, Team Media Guides | Cross-reference multiple sources |
| Player Statistics | Pro-Football-Reference, NFL.com | Compare official game books |
| Historical Context | Pro Football Hall of Fame, Newspapers | Multiple contemporary accounts |
| Attendance Figures | Stadium Records, NFL Archives | Official capacity reports |
| Coaching Records | Team Histories, Hall of Fame | Career win-loss verification |
| Playoff History | NFL Playoff Database | Season-by-season confirmation |