Ed "Too Tall" Jones played an instrumental role in the Dallas Cowboys' storied history. A key member of the team that clinched victory in Super Bowl XII, Jones has long been celebrated for his impressive career that spanned over 15 years and included 106 remarkable sacks.
As a former All-Pro defensive end, Jones contributed significantly to the Cowboys' defense, a legacy that still resonates today. Reflecting on the team’s last Super Bowl appearance in January 1996 and the crucial moves made along the way, Jones recounted the pivotal acquisition of Charles Haley under the guidance of coach Jimmy Johnson. Haley, who brought with him two championship rings from his time with the San Francisco 49ers, proved to be a catalyst for the Cowboys' subsequent success. “The Cowboys won their first of three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span soon after Haley joined,” Jones noted.
Importance of Veteran Leadership
Throughout his career and beyond, Jones has been an advocate for the importance of seasoned players in achieving postseason success. He believes that the presence of experienced champions within a roster can elevate a team's performance when it matters most. “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 asserted.
Jones’ insights derive from his personal experiences and observations, underscoring that “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.”
A Call for Internal Leadership
For Jones, the formula for postseason success extends beyond individual talent; it encompasses internal leadership. “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 emphasized.
He further pointed out the void created by the absence of such figures in the current Cowboys team and other similar franchises. “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.”
Lessons from the Past
Jones also reflected on the challenges faced by the Cowboys against the veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers in the mid-70s. “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.”
Describing the weight of the expectations that came with the moniker "America's Team," Jones said, “That America's Team thing made us bulletin board material... Well, 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.”
Life Beyond Football
In his post-football life, Jones has continued to focus on maintaining his mobility and quality of life with the help of the Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. “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,” Jones shared, expressing gratitude for the product that has significantly improved his life.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones' journey, from dominating the football field to contributing insights on what makes a Super Bowl-winning team and maintaining his vitality post-retirement, offers an inspiring glimpse into the multifaceted life of a sports legend. His reflections not only highlight the importance of veteran leadership but also underscore the enduring impact of a seasoned champion's presence in shaping a team's success.