Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 69)

We countdown the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 69.

We are at day 69 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 69.

The last time the Dallas Cowboys had a tied game was in 1969, and was against the San Francisco 49ers. This matchup took place on Thanksgiving Day in 1969, back when the league did not have overtime rules. In the event that both teams scored the same number of points after four quarters, the game would result in a tie, as was the case for Dallas and San Francisco on that particular day.

Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

The silver lining of the tie game was it meant the Cowboys maintained their record of never losing a Thanksgiving game in the 1960s. Craig Morton would end up throwing for two touchdown passes and over 200 yards, and that was four days after playing the Los Angeles Rams, and playing with a separated shoulder. Morton played well considering the situation he was in for that year’s Thanksgiving game at the Cotton Bowl, leading Dallas to the tie in the most unexpected way.

Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Morton assumed control of the Cowboys offense following Don Meredith’s retirement, capping off a successful Cowboys career that included three straight Pro Bowl appearances. Morton began the season impressively, but his year took a turn for the worse when he suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery. Tom Landry had no other option but to keep Morton playing, so he persevered through the season despite his injury. He was significantly limited in his abilities and experienced pain with every throw.

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images

As the game commenced, the 49ers came out strong, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter without any response. However, the Cowboys fought back in the third quarter, taking the lead with a rushing touchdown by Dan Reeves and a long pass from Morton to Bob Hayes. As the fourth quarter began, the 49ers regained the lead, making it 24-17.

Morton’s connection with Lance Rentzel for a 19-yard touchdown was the highlight of the fourth quarter, which was otherwise uneventful. With only 12 seconds left on the clock, Dallas had a chance to win the game, but Mike Clark’s kick was blocked, resulting in a tie. Morton’s performance was commendable, especially considering the circumstances. The fact that the tie occurred in 1969, before the NFL-AFL merger, makes it even more significant, as Dallas is one of only two teams to not tie a game since the leagues combined.

Cowboys Training Camp, Oxnard, 25th July (24 days to go).