Jimmy Johnson’s Iconic ‘How ’bout Them Cowboys?’ Turns 32

DALLAS, Texas — Exactly 32 years ago today, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson unknowingly coined one of the most iconic phrases in sports history: “How ’bout them Cowboys?” The moment occurred on January 17, 1993, following the Cowboys’ 30-20 NFC Championship Game victory over the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco.

Johnson, now 81 and a FOX Sports analyst, entered a locker room filled with stars like Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith. The team was one game away from the Super Bowl, and after the double-digit win, a jubilant Johnson delivered a congratulatory speech that ended with the now-famous line. “I was standing on that table … looking at all these players [who are] all excited,” Johnson recalled. “I was stumped. I didn’t know what to say, and I looked [out and] I said, ‘How about them Cowboys?'”

The locker room erupted in cheers, and the phrase quickly became a rallying cry for the team. The Cowboys went on to win Super Bowl XXVII, defeating the Buffalo Bills 52-17 on January 31, 1993. Johnson recently reflected on the moment, stating, “Little did I know those four words would define my time with the Cowboys. I hear it all the time now.”

While the phrase remains a beloved part of Cowboys lore, the team’s current state is far from its 1990s glory. The 2024 season saw Dallas struggle with injuries and contract disputes, finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs. The team is now searching for a new head coach to lead a turnaround.

Despite the Cowboys’ recent struggles, Johnson’s legacy endures. His NFL on FOX co-hosts recently reminded him, “It’s kind of your legacy wherever you go.” Johnson smiled and replied, “Well, how ’bout them Cowboys?”