Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains an iconic figure in the annals of NFL history, particularly for his role as a formidable defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. A key member of the Super Bowl XII championship team, Jones has cultivated a legacy not only through his athletic achievements but also through his profound insights into the dynamics of successful teams.
A Storied Career
Jones's career with the Cowboys spanned 15 years, during which he amassed an impressive 106 sacks. A former All-Pro defensive end, his contributions were pivotal in the Cowboys' defensive play. Reflecting on the past, Jones highlights the importance of experienced players in a team’s postseason success. “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. To be a champion, you've got to be able to get to another level,” Jones remarked.
The Importance of Experience
Jones believes that the presence of seasoned veterans can make a significant difference during crucial moments in big games. “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,” he asserted.
Pointing to the past, Jones revisits the era under coach Jimmy Johnson. The Cowboys made a pivotal trade for Charles Haley in the '90s, who had already won two rings with the San Francisco 49ers. Shortly after Haley joined, the Cowboys secured their first of three Super Bowl titles over a span of four years. This move underscored Jones's belief that experienced players are integral to a team’s success.
A Missing Element
Despite the Cowboys’ significant history, their last Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996. As Jones observes, the team's current roster lacks the battle-tested leadership required for postseason triumphs. “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,” he explained.
Jones also highlighted the importance of internal leadership in navigating the playoffs. “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 noted.
Veterans and Big Games
Jones often draws on his experiences from his playing days, particularly the Cowboys’ matchups against veteran teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers. “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,” he reflected.
Navigating Life Post-Football
Off the field, Jones has faced his share of challenges, particularly with mobility. Recently, he partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, which he credits for significantly improving his 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.
Jones’s journey, from his dominant days on the gridiron to his current advocacy for veterans' leadership in teams, showcases his enduring impact on the game. His insights continue to resonate, emphasizing the timeless value of experience and leadership in achieving greatness.