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 Dallas field goal to narrow the score to 28-16. Then came a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Roger Staubach to tight end Billy Joe DuPree, cutting the deficit to 28-23. The momentum shift was palpable, but the real magic was yet to come.
With 1:30 left Dallas recovered an onside kick and seconds later the Cowboys made it hurt when Staubach hit Sellers for the game winning TD to put the score at 30-28.
The 17-point fourth-quarter rally remains a defining, often-overlooked moment that propelled the Cowboys to the NFC Championship.
This is incorrect.
1. Down 28-13 Dallas kicked a field goal. 28-16.
2. Staubach hit Parks for a TD to make it 28-23 with 1:30 left.
3. Dallas recovered an insides kick.
4. Staubach hit Sellers for the game winning TD 30-28.
5. The NFL did not have the two-point conversion at this time.
So noted. Thankyou for the corrections!