By Darin 🏈 A Changing of the Guard at Candlestick
On January 17, 1993, the air at Candlestick Park was thick with more than just the typical San Francisco fog; it was heavy with the weight of an era-defining transition. For years, the San Francisco 49ers had been the gold standard of the NFL, a team of finesse and championship pedigree. But waiting in the tunnel was a brash, young, and immensely talented Dallas Cowboys squad led by Jimmy Johnson. This wasn’t just a playoff game; it was a battle for the soul of the 1990s. By the time the final whistle blew, the NFL landscape had shifted forever.
The Mud, the Blood, and the Triplets
The conditions were classic “old-school” football—a muddy, slippery field that should have favored the home team. However, the Cowboys’ “Triplets”—Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin—proved that their talent was all-weather. Dallas jumped out to an early lead, but the 49ers, led by league MVP Steve Young and the incomparable Jerry Rice, refused to go quietly.
The game was a tactical chess match that turned into a physical brawl. Emmitt Smith was relentless, churning through the mud for 114 total yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Troy Aikman was surgical, throwing for 322 yards. Despite the Cowboys’ efficiency, San Francisco clawed back, and with the score 24-20 in the fourth quarter, the outcome hung in the balance.
Article from Jan 18, 1993 Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Sarasota, Florida)
The Slant Heard ‘Round the World
With the 49ers surging and the crowd deafening, Dallas faced a critical moment. Instead of playing it safe, Aikman unleashed a strike to Alvin Harper on a quick slant. Harper didn’t just catch it; he exploded through the secondary for a 70-yard gain, setting up the final touchdown that sealed the 30-20 victory.
The image of Jimmy Johnson screaming, “How ’bout them Cowboys!” in the locker room following the win became the unofficial mission statement for a team that would go on to win three Super Bowls in four years.
Conclusion: The Birth of a Legend
The 1992 NFC Championship remains one of the most significant games in NFL history. It ended the 49ers’ undisputed reign and signaled the arrival of a Dallas Cowboys dynasty that would dominate the decade. It was the day the “Boys” became “Men,” proving they could travel into the heart of a champion’s home and take the crown by force. For Dallas fans, January 17th is more than an anniversary; it’s the day the dynasty was born.
