Ed "Too Tall" Jones is a name synonymous with the glory days of the Dallas Cowboys. As a key member of the team that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones left an indelible mark on the field. Over his dynamic 15-year career, Jones racked up an impressive 106 sacks, earning his place as a former All-Pro defensive end.
Jones's talents were a cornerstone of the Cowboys' success during his era. The latest Super Bowl appearance for the Cowboys, however, dates back to January 1996. Since then, the team has struggled to replicate the kind of postseason success they enjoyed in the past. According to Jones, the lack of seasoned, veteran players contributes significantly to this drought.
Importance of Veteran Leadership
"If you look at these teams now that make the playoffs, like Buffalo, Baltimore, all those teams, they don't have anybody on those teams that won a Super Bowl in that locker room," Jones pointed out. "To be a champion, you've got to be able to get to another level."
Jones emphasized that having players who know what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of competition is crucial. "What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games. Every general manager in the league should be out trying to pick up a guy that gets cut or something that's been to a Super Bowl and put him in that locker room. It makes a big difference."
The Value of Internal Leadership
Reflecting on his own experiences, Jones highlighted the necessity of internal leadership. He mentioned, "That is definitely one of the things. The team plays too well every year. They win 12 games every year and they’re a different animal in the playoffs. Coaches can't do it all to put you over the top. You must have internal leadership. I’m not just talking about captains. I'm talking about a guy in that locker room that’s been there, done that, knows what he’s talking about, and players will follow."
Jones used the historical context of the Cowboys' matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers to underscore his point. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. Nothing but veterans. We were a very young team both times when they beat us in '75 and when they beat us in '78, even though we only lost by four points both games and [Roger] Staubach had the ball driving [late] in those games. I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Trade That Changed the 90s
Under coach Jimmy Johnson, the Dallas Cowboys made strategic moves to inject veteran experience into their roster. One pivotal trade in the '90s brought Charles Haley to the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers, where he had already won two Super Bowl rings. Haley's presence was transformative, helping the Cowboys secure their first of three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span soon after his arrival.
Jones believes that other teams can learn from this approach. “Who will they follow? Dallas don’t have it. Several teams don’t have it. That’s just one of the things. They’re missing a few horses in key positions, too, but oftentimes, when you have the right leadership and the right chemistry, you make up for it.”
Challenges of Modern Play
"That America's Team thing made us bulletin board material," Jones recalled. "We were a target every time we stepped on the field. … We got a team's best. Picture having to deal with that every Sunday. That’s not easy."
With each Sunday presenting a new challenge, Jones recognizes that the dynamics of the game have changed, but the necessity for seasoned leadership remains constant. His insights provide a compelling case for the league’s general managers to prioritize players who bring championship experiences to their teams.
A New Chapter with Sportcane
Off the field, Jones has partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid that he credits with significantly improving his mobility and quality of life. “I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t for the Sportcane as far as being able to get around and still not letting anything hinder what I do in life," he shared.
From his success with the Cowboys to navigating life's challenges today, Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains a figure of resilience and wisdom. His reflections on veteran leadership and preparedness for big games are lessons that resonate far beyond the locker room, offering valuable insights for both current and future generations of NFL players.