1997 Dallas Cowboys season


The 1997 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 38th season in the National Football League and was its fourth under head coach Barry Switzer. Before the season, the Cowboys were considered among the favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XXXII. Instead, the team regressed significantly.
The Cowboys not only failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 1996, they finished with a 6-10 record. It was their first losing season since 1990, and as a result the Cowboys failed to qualify for the playoffs after six consecutive seasons of postseason appearances, including their three Super Bowl victories during the decade. A series of countless off-the-field incidents, lack of discipline, and rumors of infighting between quarterback Troy Aikman and head coach Barry Switzer plagued the team throughout the year. Switzer would resign from the Cowboys at the end of the campaign.

Regular season

Though the season began well with an impressive win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and a 3–1 start, the Cowboys would soon see a sharp decline that included five consecutive losses to close out the year. A series of countless off-the-field incidents, lack of discipline, and rumors of infighting between quarterback Troy Aikman and head coach Barry Switzer plagued the team throughout the year. In a season filled with injuries and controversy, which also saw a tearful Michael Irvin promising change following a tough loss to the New York Giants in the final regular season game, Switzer would later resign after the season. Notable additions to the team were linebacker Dexter Coakley.

Game summaries

Week 1

Awards and records

Publications

The Football Encyclopedia

Total Football

Cowboys Have Always Been My Heroes