**Things Missing From 1996 Cowboys Super Bowl**

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Post on Nov 11, 2024

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The Things Missing From the 1996 Cowboys Super Bowl: A Look Beyond the Trophy

The 1996 Super Bowl XXX victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers was a crowning achievement for the Dallas Cowboys. It marked their third Super Bowl win in four years, cementing their place as a dynasty of the 1990s. However, even amidst the celebrations, some things were missing, adding a touch of bittersweetness to the occasion.

The Missing Coach: Jimmy Johnson

While the 1996 Cowboys were a testament to the team-building prowess of coach Jimmy Johnson, he wasn't on the sidelines to witness their triumph. A bitter public feud with owner Jerry Jones resulted in Johnson's departure just months before the season, leaving the team under the leadership of his former defensive coordinator, Barry Switzer.

The absence of Johnson, the architect of the Cowboys' resurgence, added a layer of complexity to the Super Bowl victory. While Switzer successfully guided the team to the championship, the shadow of Johnson loomed large. The narrative of the season was inevitably intertwined with the coach who wasn't there, leaving a void in the celebration.

The Missing Star: Emmitt Smith's Injury

The 1996 Super Bowl was a testament to the Cowboys' offensive firepower, with quarterback Troy Aikman and wide receiver Michael Irvin leading the charge. But one key player was noticeably absent: Emmitt Smith, the team's star running back.

A broken leg sustained in Week 15 sidelined Smith for the playoffs, including the Super Bowl. While the Cowboys managed to navigate their way to the championship without him, the absence of the NFL's all-time leading rusher left a void in the team's arsenal. The team, known for its balanced offense, had to rely heavily on their passing game, leaving many wondering what might have been if Smith had been healthy.

The Missing Closure: A Farewell to an Era

The 1996 Super Bowl win, while a historic moment, also marked the end of an era. It was the last Super Bowl victory for the Cowboys under the leadership of Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin.

While their careers extended beyond this point, the team's dominant run of the early 1990s came to an end. The core of the team, built by Johnson and steered to success by Switzer, was slowly starting to break apart. The 1996 Super Bowl win, while a moment of glory, also felt like a final farewell to a golden age in Cowboys history.

Looking Back, Remembering the Missing Pieces

Despite the celebration, the 1996 Super Bowl victory was imbued with a sense of incompleteness. The absence of Jimmy Johnson, the injury to Emmitt Smith, and the imminent dissolution of the championship-winning core left a lingering sense of what could have been. While the Cowboys were victorious on the field, there were crucial elements missing from the victory, creating a bittersweet narrative for the team and its fans.