What is the Landry shift?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 10, 2026
An offensive line technique, the Landry shift features all linemen but the center moving from a three-point stance, standing briefly into a two point stance, and back down into a three-point stance.
What is the purpose of the Landry shift?
The famous Landry Shift - a tribute to legendary Cowboys coach Tom Landry - is a Cowboys offensive trademark meant to quietly celebrate the running out of the clock.
Why is it called the Landry shift?
The Landry Shift is an innovative (if subtle) bit of trickeration dating back to the Cowboys teams of the 1970s. Then-coach Tom Landry instructed his linemen to crouch, then stand straight up in unison on the quarterback's command before settling into their stances.
Why do the Cowboys do the Landry shift?
Garrett said it was a nice gesture by the players as a nod to legendary coach Tom Landry. “That's one of the signature things of the Coach Landry teams, was the offensive line coming to the line of scrimmage and doing that when Roger [Staubach] said shift, and the backs would shift behind him,” Garrett said.
What is the Landry shift Victory Formation?
Holding a 38-17 against New Orleans, the Cowboys went into the ubiquitous "Victory" formation – a quarterback kneel that effectively kills the remaining seconds on the clock. The play is usually a formality, as it is only used when the game has essentially been decided.
42 related questions foundWhat was Tom Landry flex defense?
Landry countered with what he called a “flexible” 4-3 defense, in which he put a man in every gap and made him stay there. But the player could not-repeat, could not-anticipate where the play was going and head that way. no matter what his hunches or instincts told him.
When did the Landry shift start?
This is known as the “Landry Shift” and was prominent in the Cowboys' offense in the 70s and 80s as a deception tactic to disguise any shift that the backfield would make.
Is Tom Landry in the Football Hall of Fame?
He compiled a career record of 270-178-6, the third most wins in NFL history and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Landry was inducted into the Ring of Honor at halftime of the Cowboys against N.Y. Giants on Nov. 7, 1993.
How long did Tom Landry coach for the Dallas Cowboys?
Tom Landry, byname of Thomas Wade Landry, (born September 11, 1924, Mission, Texas, U.S.—died February 12, 2000, Dallas, Texas), American professional gridiron football coach, notably with the National Football League (NFL) Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1989.
What did Tom Landry invent?
Thus, Landry invented the use of "keys" to determine what the offense might do, and block out the "daylight." Landry's defenses came to be known as the "Doomsday Defense." After winning two Super Bowls as a coordinator, Belichick was hired as the head coach for the Cleveland Browns in 1991.
When did the victory formation start?
The victory formation - a kneel-down play with maximum fumble protection - became a coaching staple after Edwards' unbelievable touchdown gave the Philadelphia Eagles a victory over the Giants in November 1978. CBS Sports rolled its credits.
What happened to Landry on Friday Night Lights?
Season 5. Landry goes off to college at Rice University in Houston. A running gag throughout the show is that Coach Taylor cannot remember his name, and often incorrectly refers to him as Lance.
What happened Tom Landry?
Tom Landry's death
Landry's last few years of his life were rough as he dealt with Leukemia that he passed away from on February 12, 2000, at age 75. Landry's legacy has been cemented as one of the greatest coaches in league history that left an ever-lasting mark on the Cowboys.
Was Tom Landry in the military?
Before his almost three-decade career coaching the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Piloting a B-17 Flying Fortress, Landry often flew missions deep into enemy territory and frequently returned his aircraft with minimum fuel.
Where did Landry live?
Tom Landry, the first coach of the Dallas Cowboys who led them to a pair of Super Bowl victories, died in 2000 but his legend lives on — especially in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Who is Landry?
Landry is described as the courageous, headstrong leader of the Knights Templar, a real Catholic military order that traces back to the 12th century. As a boy, Landry was left at the steps of an orphanage, where he was found by nuns and brought up in the church.
What is Lake Landry football?
Harold Antonio Landry III (born June 5, 1996) is an American football outside linebacker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Boston College and was drafted by the Titans in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Is Alicia Wiggs Landry still alive?
Alicia Wiggs Landry, the wife of longtime Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, died Thursday at the age of 91. According to an obituary published at Dignity Memorial, Landry was born on Jan. 12, 1930, in Elberton, Georgia.
Is Tom Landry buried at the Texas State Cemetery?
Landry was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1999. He died February 12, 2000 and was buried in Dallas. The Landry family wished to have him honored at the Texas State Cemetery and installed a cenotaph in his honor. Information taken from Texas State Cemetery file materials.
How many games did Tom Landry win?
The Cowboys also played in Super Bowls V, X and XIII. His regular season career record is 250-162-6 and his record counting playoffs is 270-178-6. Only Halas and Don Shula top his 270 career wins. Landry gained a reputation as a great technical innovator, as well as an inspirational leader.
What does kneel mean in football?
In American football and Canadian football, a quarterback kneel, also called taking a knee, genuflect offense, kneel-down offense, or victory formation occurs when the quarterback immediately kneels to the ground, ending the play on contact, after receiving the snap.