Jan. 28, 1996
Tempe, Ariz. |
This was the high-water mark of the Barry Switzer era, and the oft-criticized coach definitely was up for it.
"We did it our way, baby!" Switzer yelled to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on national TV during presentations at midfield. Then he tried to wrest the Lombardi Trophy from Jones, who two seasons earlier had hired Switzer out of what the ex-Oklahoma coach thought was permanent retirement.
Jerry wasn't about to give him the trophy, but he did give Barry two more years before cutting him loose.
Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith produced three touchdowns behind a solid offensive line, helping the Cowboys outlast the Steelers to win their third title in four years.
Cornerback Larry Brown was selected MVP for intercepting Neil O'Donnell twice in the second half, returning them 44 and 33 yards and leaving the Cowboys a total of only 24 yards to move for 14 decisive points.
Brown should have considered handing that trophy over to O'Donnell, whose judgment turned to jelly in crunch time.
