The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic and recognizable teams in the NFL. They have a long and storied history that traces back to their founding in 1960. One of the unique trademarks of the Cowboys is their tendency to wear white jerseys at home games, rather than the more typical approach of wearing colored jerseys at home. This seemingly minor uniform quirk actually has some interesting origins and symbolism behind it.
The History Behind the Dallas Cowboys’ Uniforms
The Dallas Cowboys franchise was founded by Clint Murchison Jr. and Bedford Wynne in 1960. The new team was directly competing with the cross-town rival Texans for Dallas’ professional football fanbase. In an effort to distinguish themselves, the Cowboys wanted a visual identity that would set them apart from other football teams.
The team turned to NFL creative consultant Jack White to design uniforms that would be uniquely identifiable as the Dallas Cowboys. White had helped create the iconic UCLA stripes and had a sharp sense for aesthetically striking uniforms. For the Cowboys, White recommended a simple uniform design with a clean white jersey, blue star logos on the shoulders, and silver pants and helmets.
This classic uniform design sharply contrasted from the flashy, colorful uniforms that were popular among other NFL teams at the time. And critically, it included the distinctive white home jersey that came to be a signature part of the Cowboys’ identity.
Home Field Advantage
One rationale for the white home jersey was that it would help provide home field advantage for the Cowboys. Most other NFL teams wore darker colored jerseys at home. By wearing white at home instead, the Cowboys created a uniqueness and “trademark” around their home uniforms.
The white jerseys were also hypothesized to provide a competitive edge. With most other teams wearing darker colors that absorbed heat, wearing white at home would keep Cowboys players cooler in the Texas heat and humidity. This was thought to be a potential advantage late in games after opponents in darker jerseys had been worn down by the conditions.
Symbolism and Superstition
Beyond home field advantage, the white home jersey took on a deeper symbolism and superstition for the Cowboys franchise over time.
For one, white was seen as symbolizing “good guys” and virtue in old Western movies and TV shows. With the Cowboys representing the Dallas area and state of Texas, the white uniform color connected to positive cowboy imagery.
There was also a superstition that the white jerseys were lucky. After the Cowboys had some big early games wearing white at home, a tradition and ritual developed around continuing to wear the “lucky whites.” Once a superstition develops around an item like a jersey, it can be psychologically powerful for athletes and fans even if the original rationale fades.
Showcasing Opponents’ Colors
Another factor in the white home jersey was showcasing the colors of opponents’ uniforms. Unlike other teams that wore colored jerseys at home, the white Cowboys jerseys allowed visiting teams to wear their non-white uniforms when playing in Dallas.
This created more visual variety and color for broadcasts of Cowboys home games. Rather than both teams wearing colored jerseys, the Cowboys provided a neutral white backdrop that better showcased the vibrant colors of rival teams like the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, etc.
A Competitive Edge
Research has shown another competitive edge the white jerseys may provide beyond just the psychological factor of superstition. In a 2011 study published in the journal Vision Research, scientists showed white uniforms could give a split-second visual advantage compared to darker jerseys.
The study tracked rapid eye movements and response times for observing dark vs. light images. Participants more quickly detected light images against dark backgrounds. This suggests players in white jerseys may be slightly more visible in opponents’ peripheral vision compared to darker jerseys.
In a game where split seconds matter, this potential visual edge could be the difference between a completed pass or tackle vs. a missed opportunity. Even the tiniest advantage can make an impact in a competitive league like the NFL.
| Year | Cowboys Home Record |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 5-1 |
| 1961 | 6-2 |
| 1962 | 4-3-1 |
| 1963 | 7-1 |
| 1964 | 8-0 |
As this table shows, during the first five seasons after the Cowboys adopted their white home jersey, they posted a strong 30-7-1 home record. This early home field success seemed to confirm the notion that the white jerseys were “lucky” and provided a competitive boost.
The Tradition Continues
While the original rationale may have been more superstition than confirmed science, the Cowboys’ white home jersey became an entrenched tradition over time.
Fans came to expect and love the distinctive look of their Cowboys in white jerseys at home games. Coaches and players became accustomed to wearing white at home over the decades.
And the team continued compiling an impressive home field record when wearing the white jersey. Since 1964, the Cowboys have posted a stellar .631 winning percentage (321-187) when wearing white at home.
For a franchise that emphasizes history, tradition, and identity, the white home jersey is now an integral part of the Cowboys lore. An entire NFL fanbase recognizes immediately that they’re watching “America’s Team” when they see that white jersey with the blue star.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the white jersey is a Dallas Cowboys trademark, there are occasional exceptions when the team wears colored jerseys at home. These include:
- Thanksgiving Day games when the Cowboys traditionally wear blue jerseys at home
- Wearing newer alternate colored jerseys for a limited number of home games per season
- Wearing colored “throwback” retro jerseys for home games on anniversary seasons
So while seeing the Cowboys in white at home is the default, fans may get treated to the team in blue, silver, or other jersey colors a few home games out of the year.
Visiting Teams’ Jerseys
The Cowboys’ white home jerseys also impact the jersey selection of visiting teams to Dallas. Most other NFL teams wear colored jerseys at home. So when they visit Dallas, they nearly always wear white to contrast against the Cowboys’ standard home whites.
This can create less common road uniform matchups for Cowboys vs. visiting teams. For example, a visiting team like the New York Giants might wear white jerseys in Dallas rather than their typical blue road jerseys.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys’ white home jerseys have become an iconic staple recognized by NFL fans around the country. What originally started as a creative uniform design choice by Jack White in 1960 turned into a tradition soaked in history, identity, and superstition.
While the competitive advantages of the white jerseys can be debated, their symbolic meaning and influence on road team uniforms is undeniable. Love them or hate them, the white home jerseys are a unique trademark of “America’s Team.” After over 60 years, it has become a tradition that will likely continue for Cowboys fans and players far into the future.