Playoff history is long for Packers and Cowboys

Published 8:55 am Friday, January 13, 2017

The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers go way back, as in the 1967 NFL championship game played in such frigid conditions at Lambeau Field that it is known in league annals as the “Ice Bowl.”

Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has more recent memories, and they’re painful for reasons other than the cold.

Two of the league’s marquee franchises share a postseason history that dates back five decades. They have met seven previous times in the playoffs , with Dallas holding a 4-3 edge going into the divisional round game on Sunday against the Packers at AT&T Stadium.

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While the teams may not be heated divisional rivals, their postseason meetings often leave an impression.

“I hope the Cowboys don’t spoil it, or I’ll be really (angry) if they do,” said former Packers offensive lineman Jerry Kramer.

He was one of the blockers for Hall of Famer Bart Starr’s game-winning, 1-yard quarterback sneak with 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter of Green Bay’s 21-17 win in the Ice Bowl.

Each team has made 32 postseason appearances, tied with the New York Giants for most in NFL history.

Dallas and Green Bay have unique owners. For the Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones is part-showman, part-personnel executive and part-spokesman. Dallas plays in a cavernous, modern stadium in a sprawling suburb.