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Star cornerback Deion Sanders became the first player in the modern era of the NFL to start several games on both offense and defense. Adding to their difficulties, star wide receiver Michael Irvin was suspended for the first five games due to his highly publicized off-season incidents. Though not career-threatening, Smith's injury hampered his effectiveness for the duration of the season.
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Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during careerĪgainst the Chicago Bears in week one, running back Emmitt Smith left the game late with an injury that left him temporarily paralyzed. Main article: 1996 NFL draft 1996 Dallas Cowboys draft This would be Troy Aikman’s final season with a playoff win. The Cowboys failed to win another playoff game until 2009, and since their Super Bowl win the previous season, the Cowboys have never made it past the divisional round as of 2024. This shocking loss would kick off a long stretch of playoff futility for the Cowboys. The Cowboys blew out the Vikings 40–15 in the Wild Card Round before being upset by the Panthers 26–17 in the Divisional Round. Additionally, late in the season defensive tackle Leon Lett would be suspended for the last 3 games of the season and the first 13 of the following season after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Longtime trainer Mike Woicik also left the team after the season following a sideline dispute with coach Barry Switzer although Woicik returned in 2011. Controversy also took place when writer Skip Bayless published a scathing account of the Cowboys' 1995 season. Star receiver Michael Irvin was suspended by the league for the first five games and before the playoffs was accused along with lineman Erik Williams of sexual assault. Following their victory in Super Bowl XXX, the Cowboys endured a rough year failing to improve their 12–4 record from 1995 but still reached the playoffs with a 10–6 record. The 1996 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 37th season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the third year under head coach Barry Switzer.