Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains a towering figure in the annals of Dallas Cowboys history, not just for his imposing stature but also for his remarkable contributions on the field. A key member of the Cowboys team that clinched victory in Super Bowl XII, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks over a prolific 15-year career. As a former All-Pro defensive end, his insights into the game carry considerable weight, especially when discussing the elements that make a team successful in the playoffs.
The Importance of Veteran Presence
Jones firmly believes that seasoned players are a critical component in achieving postseason glory. Reflecting on the current state of the league, he remarked, “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.”
Such observations are rooted in his own experiences. Jones's tenure with the Cowboys provides him with a unique perspective on what it takes to reach and win the Super Bowl. He points to the acquisition of Charles Haley in the '90s as a pivotal moment for the franchise. Haley, who had already won two rings with the San Francisco 49ers, brought a championship pedigree to Dallas. Shortly after his arrival, the Cowboys secured the first of three Super Bowl titles in a four-year span.
Leadership on the Field
Jones emphasized that the difference between good players and great teams often lies in the presence of experienced locker room leaders. “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 said.
For the Cowboys, who last appeared in the Super Bowl in January 1996, Jones sees a lack of such internal leadership as a glaring omission. He explains, “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.”
Experience Matters
The veteran defensive end is convinced that the absence of experienced leaders is a factor hindering the Cowboys and several other teams. “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,” noted Jones.
Drawing from his experiences facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s, Jones highlighted the significant role veteran players can play. “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.”
Facing the Target
Jones also touched on the added pressure that came with being branded "America's Team." This label made the Cowboys prime targets for every opponent, week in and week out. “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,” he recalled.
Off the Field: A Testament to Resilience
Beyond his football legacy, Jones has found a new lease on life through his partnership with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. He credits Sportcane for 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,” Jones stated.
In reflecting on his career and life thereafter, Ed "Too Tall" Jones offers valuable lessons on the importance of veteran leadership, resilience, and the enduring spirit required to succeed both on and off the field.