Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a name synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys' heyday, remains an emblematic figure in NFL history. As a crucial member of the team that clinched victory in Super Bowl XII, Jones carved out a legacy marked by relentless defense and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Over his illustrious 15-year career, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks, a testament to his prowess as a defensive end. His performances earned him All-Pro honors, cementing his status as one of the greats to don the Cowboys' star. Yet, despite the individual accolades, Jones always viewed football as a team effort, underscoring the importance of experience and leadership in achieving postseason success.
The Value of Veteran Presence
Reflecting on this, Jones highlighted the significance of having seasoned players within a team. “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 said. “To be a champion, you've got to be able to get to another level.”
Jones's insights into the intangibles of football go beyond mere physical talent. “What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games,” he added. “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 wisdom Jones shares stems from personal experience, particularly in facing the formidable Pittsburgh Steelers in the '70s. “That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball,” he recalled. “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.”
The Modern Cowboys' Struggles
The conversation inevitably turns to the current state of the Dallas Cowboys, whose last Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996. Under Coach Jimmy Johnson, pivotal moves such as acquiring Charles Haley—already a two-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers—played a key role in their success during the '90s. The inclusion of Haley contributed to the Cowboys securing three Super Bowl titles in a four-year span.
Jones believes that today's Cowboys lack veteran leadership. “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 shared.
He elaborates on what differentiates good teams from great ones: “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.”
Personal Resilience
Beyond his football wisdom, Jones's journey is also one of personal resilience. Partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, has significantly improved 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 admitted, highlighting the importance of innovation in maintaining an active lifestyle post-football.
Jones's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his on-field achievements and his steadfast commitment to sharing hard-earned insights with the next generation. His observations offer a blueprint for building not just a successful team, but a championship-caliber culture—one that reveres experience, fosters leadership, and thrives under pressure.