One of the most iconic phrases to ever come out of the NFL has to be the “How ‘Bout Them Boys.” An instant recognition for America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys have made “Dem Boyz” a part of their identity. To this day, fans at the AT&T Center vociferously chant the slogan whenever the home team is playing.
But, what is the history behind the iconic chant that Dallas fans have immortalized?
Examining the History of “How ’Bout Them Boys”
The history behind the iconic slogan comes from one of the most important games in NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers were at the top of the league’s food chain, winning three Super Bowls in the 1980s, an era they were dominating.
To begin the 1990s, they won the first Championship of the decade, unwilling to relinquish their vice grip. But 1992 brought about a change. In the NFC Championship game, arguably the most important Dallas Cowboys victory of all time took place.
Going up against a legendary 49ers squad, Dallas pulled off a 30-20 victory at Candlestick Park. During that game, the Dallas lineup featured names that have since become synonymous with the franchise and the NFL as a whole.
On offense, the legendary Hall-of-Fame trio of wide receiver Micahel Irvin, running back Emmitt Smith, and quarterback Troy Aikman led the charge. At that point, however, they were the new kids on the block. While the offense had “The Triplets,” the defense was no slouch either, finishing as the league’s best unit.
That same unit would come up big in the Championship game, forcing four turnovers, two interceptions, and two fumbles each. That would pave the way for the Cowboys’ victory as two legends, Steve Young and Aikman, battled it out.
It was after the game that the iconic slogan came into existence. Jimmy Johnson, a brash young coach at the time, was leading the charge for Dallas.
Going into a euphoric locker room after the game, he would bellow, “How ‘Bout Them Cowboys!” coining a phrase that would become immortal in NFL lore.
