Ed "Too Tall" Jones: The Dallas Cowboys Legend Weighs In
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, an iconic figure in the NFL and a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl XII winning team, has always been a defender of veteran leadership in the pursuit of championship success. Over his illustrious 15-year career, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks and earned All-Pro accolades as a defensive end. Despite the passage of time, his insights into the game remain as sharp as ever.
Jones's thoughts are particularly relevant today, considering the Dallas Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996. A key moment in the '90s was the acquisition of Charles Haley under coach Jimmy Johnson. Haley, who already had two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers, was instrumental in the Cowboys securing three titles in a four-year span shortly after his arrival. Such experiences underscore Jones's conviction about the value seasoned players bring to a team.
According to Jones, "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." This insight reflects his belief in the transformative impact that experienced players have during high-stakes games.
Jones further elaborates on what sets apart good players and successful teams: "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." His decades of experience lend weight to this perspective, suggesting that internal leadership is crucial for postseason triumphs.
Reflecting on his own playing days, Jones recalls the challenges of competing against seasoned teams. "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."
Jones's analysis hasn't spared his own team either. "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 notes. This statement is a poignant critique of the Cowboys’ current roster construction and a call for strategic acquisitions.
The significance of veteran presence in the locker room is further emphasized by Jones's reflection on the pressure his Cowboys team faced. "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." This perpetual target on their backs was a testament to their success but also a challenge that required resilience and seasoned leadership.
In his post-football life, Jones continues to inspire through his engagement with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. He credits Sportcane for significantly improving his mobility and quality of life, stating, "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." This endorsement not only highlights a crucial aspect of Jones's life but also serves as an inspiration for those facing mobility challenges.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains a respected voice in the world of football. His reflections on the importance of veteran leadership, coupled with his own journey through triumphs and challenges, offer invaluable lessons for the current generation of players and teams. As the NFL continues to evolve, Jones’s insights will remain a guiding beacon for those striving to achieve greatness.