On January 15, 1995, the San Francisco 49ers achieved a major victory, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 38-28 in a thrilling NFC Championship Game. This pivotal matchup marked the 7th postseason meeting between the two legendary franchises, continuing their intense rivalry. Remarkably, it was the third consecutive year these teams had clashed in the playoffs, with Dallas having won 5 of the previous 6 encounters, including the 1993 NFC Championship Game, where they defeated the 49ers 38-21.
This win was especially significant for San Francisco, as it ended the Cowboys’ dominance in postseason battles, securing the 49ers their sixth NFC Championship Game appearance, the most in NFC history at the time. The 49ers were led by star quarterback Steve Young, who threw for six touchdowns and delivered one of his career-defining performances. His leadership was crucial in overcoming the formidable Cowboys, who had been the dominant team of the early ’90s.
The victory set the stage for the 49ers to go on to win Super Bowl XXIX, where they defeated the San Diego Chargers, cementing their place as one of the NFL’s most successful franchises of the era. The 1994 NFC Championship Game remains a landmark event in the storied rivalry between the Cowboys and 49ers, showcasing the high stakes and competitive spirit that defined their postseason battles during the decade.