Top 5 Missed DFW Sports Championships: 1994 Cowboys to 2011 Rangers

Ranking Missed DFW Championships

• 🏆 The Ultimate Dallas Sports Show ranks the top five missed championships in DFW sports history, focusing on the impact of these losses on the city and team legacies.
• 💡 The list prioritizes teams whose championship near-misses had the most significant effect on their city and historical narrative.

The 1994 Cowboys: A Dynasty's Near Miss

• 🏈 At number five, the 1994 Cowboys lost the NFC Championship game to the 49ers due to a controversial no-call, potentially costing them a fourth consecutive Super Bowl.
• ⚠️ Despite the loss, this team is ranked lower because the '90s Cowboys were a dynasty, and this was one of several titles they achieved.

The 2006 Mavericks: A Storybook Run Denied

• 🏀 The 2006 Dallas Mavericks, led by a prime Dirk Nowitzki, are ranked third. They overcame tough rivals but ultimately fell short in the Finals due to controversial officiating and Dwyane Wade's performance.
• 💔 This loss is considered traumatic for Mavs fans and serves as a painful precursor to their eventual 2011 championship.

The 1978 Cowboys: Super Bowl XIII Heartbreak

• 🏈 Number two on the list is the 1978 Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII against the Steelers.
• 🎯 A dropped touchdown pass by Jackie Smith is highlighted as a pivotal moment that cost the Cowboys a chance to tie the Steelers and potentially secure their third championship of the decade.

The 2011 Texas Rangers: One Strike Away

• ⚾ The top spot belongs to the 2011 Texas Rangers, who were one strike away from winning their first World Series title twice in Game 6 against the Cardinals.
• 😥 The Rangers ultimately lost in Game 7, a loss that still stings and was frequently referenced during the 2023 season, making it the most impactful missed championship in DFW history.

Honorable Mentions and Discussion

• 🤔 Bob suggests the '81 Cowboys, the 2000 Dallas Stars, and the 2010 Rangers as other notable teams that narrowly missed championships.
• 🗣️ Michelle agrees that the 2011 Rangers' loss is unmatched in DFW sports history due to the extreme closeness of their near-victory.
• 🏒 The current Dallas Stars core is discussed as a potential candidate for the list, but ultimately excluded due to the perception that their opponents were simply better.