By Darin On December 23, 1972, while the nation’s focus was primarily on a different legendary playoff moment happening in Pittsburgh, the Dallas Cowboys quietly delivered a dramatic comeback that would become one of their most underrated playoff victories. Trailing the San Francisco 49ers 28-13 entering the final quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff, the era of “Captain Comeback” truly began.
Article from Dec 24, 1972 The Daily Herald (Provo, Utah)
The 49ers, led by John Brodie and their stingy defense, had stifled the Cowboys for three quarters. Everything pointed toward a San Francisco victory, setting up a likely championship matchup. However, the legendary fighting spirit of Dallas was about to ignite.
The comeback began with a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Roger Staubach to tight end Billy Joe DuPree, cutting the deficit to 28-20. The momentum shift was palpable, but the real magic was yet to come. With less than two minutes left, Staubach connected with Ron Sellers for an 11-yard touchdown pass. In an era before easy two-point conversions, the score stood at 28-26.
Opting for the tie, Mike Clark attempted the game-tying extra point. But a penalty on the 49ers pushed the ball closer, giving coach Tom Landry a crucial second chance. He waived the point-after and gambled, asking for a two-point conversion. The ensuing pass fell incomplete, seemingly ending the game in defeat for Dallas.
Yet, fate intervened. Another penalty, this time for illegal procedure against the 49ers, gave Dallas a third try. On the final, tense conversion attempt, Staubach found Sellers again in the end zone. The successful two-point conversion tied the score at 28-28. The game ultimately went into overtime, where Toni Fritsch sealed the 30-28 victory with a field goal. The 15-point fourth-quarter rally remains a defining, often-overlooked moment that propelled the Cowboys to the NFC Championship.
