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Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025

Fact brief: Was Ann Richards the last Texas governor in office when the Dallas Cowboys played in a Super Bowl?

Jacob Sanchez, Fort Worth Report
no

George W. Bush was Texas’ governor the last time the Dallas Cowboys played in a Super Bowl.

The Cowboys played against — and defeated — the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX on Jan. 28, 1996. It marked the team’s eighth appearance in a championship game.

Bush started his term as governor Jan. 17, 1995. 

The Republican defeated Ann Richards, a Democrat in her first term, for governor during the November 1994 election. The Cowboys appeared in the Super Bowl twice while Richards was governor, in 1992 and 1993. 

Bush later resigned as governor on Dec. 21, 2000, after winning his race for president.

The Cowboys, who now play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, have not returned to the Super Bowl since 1996.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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