It’s been nearly 30 years since the Dallas Cowboys last played for the NFC Championship, and that’s not just a stat-it’s a scar. January 28 marks three decades since the Cowboys took down the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX, capping off a dynasty run that still defines the franchise’s golden era. But rewind two weeks before that title game, and you hit a milestone that’s arguably more haunting for Cowboys fans: January 14, 1996-the last time Dallas appeared in a conference championship.
Since then? Crickets.
The Cowboys are now the only NFC team that hasn’t made it back to the doorstep of the Super Bowl. It’s a drought that’s tough to stomach for a fanbase that still calls its team “America’s Team.”
And this year, once again, Dallas is watching from home. After missing the playoffs for the second straight season, the Cowboys will have to settle for a front-row seat to an all-NFC West showdown as the Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams. Over in the AFC, it’s the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos battling for a shot at Super Bowl 60.
What’s different this time around is how few former Cowboys are still in the mix. Last year, there were several familiar faces lingering in the playoff picture.
This year? Not so much.
Still, each of the four remaining teams has at least one tie-however loose-to the Cowboys organization. Let’s take a closer look at those connections.
Seattle Seahawks
The most significant Dallas connection left standing is DeMarcus Lawrence. After 11 seasons of anchoring the Cowboys' defensive front, the veteran edge rusher signed a three-year, $32.5 million deal with Seattle last offseason-and he’s proving to be worth every dollar.
At 33, Lawrence is still wrecking game plans. He earned his fifth Pro Bowl nod this year, putting up 53 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 6.0 sacks, and three fumble recoveries-two of which he returned for touchdowns. His impact has been massive for a Seahawks defense that’s playing its best ball at the right time.
Beyond Lawrence, the Seahawks have a couple of other minor Dallas ties. Tight end Eric Saubert, now a backup in Seattle, had a brief cup of coffee with the Cowboys in 2023, appearing in one game without logging a catch. And defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who’s helped elevate Seattle’s pass rush this season, spent 2021 to 2023 as Dallas’ defensive line coach.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ only Cowboys connection is veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide. He played 18 games for Dallas between 2021 and 2022 before a torn triceps ended his season. While long snappers rarely make headlines, McQuaide’s consistency has been a quiet asset throughout his career.
New England Patriots
No former Cowboys will be suiting up for New England in the AFC title game, but linebacker Darius Harris is still technically part of the organization. He’s been on the Patriots’ practice squad injured reserve since mid-November after appearing in three games, mostly on special teams.
Harris had a brief stint in Dallas in 2024, appearing in four regular-season games. He signed a reserve/future deal with the Cowboys last January and made it through most of training camp before being cut. A week later, he landed in New England.
Denver Broncos
Like the Patriots, the Broncos won’t have any former Cowboys on the field Sunday. But there are a couple of names on the practice squad that Cowboys fans will recognize.
With Bo Nix sidelined due to a season-ending ankle injury, Denver brought in Ben DiNucci as emergency QB depth. The former seventh-round pick out of James Madison made three appearances-including one start-for Dallas as a rookie in 2020. He’s unlikely to see the field, but with Jarrett Stidham starting and Sam Ehlinger backing him up, DiNucci could be elevated to the active roster if needed.
Also on Denver’s practice squad is running back Deuce Vaughn. The 2023 sixth-round pick had an electric college career at Kansas State but couldn’t carve out a consistent role in Dallas. He was part of the final roster cuts last August and has been stashed on the Broncos’ practice squad since.
So while the Cowboys won’t be playing for a shot at Super Bowl 60, their fingerprints-however faint-are still on the postseason. For a franchise still chasing the echoes of its past, those connections offer little consolation. But they do serve as a reminder: the NFL is a small world, and the road to the top often winds through familiar faces.
And for Dallas fans, the hope remains that one day soon, the Cowboys won’t just be watching-they’ll be back in the fight.