Ed "Too Tall" Jones Reflects on Dallas Cowboys Legacy and Importance of Veteran Leadership
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, the towering former defensive end of the Dallas Cowboys, stands as a formidable figure in the history of the franchise. A key player in the Cowboys' triumph in Super Bowl XII, Jones’s legacy is cemented by his impressive career statistics, including 106 sacks over a 15-year period. His accolades also include All-Pro selections, highlighting his excellence on the field.
Reflecting on the current landscape of the NFL, Jones's insights offer a unique perspective on what it takes to reach the pinnacle of football success. He emphasizes the critical role that experienced players play in achieving 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 remarks.
Jones's perspective is grounded in his own experiences and the history of the Cowboys' success, particularly during the '90s under coach Jimmy Johnson. It was then that a pivotal trade brought in Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers, a player who already had two Super Bowl rings. This move proved instrumental as the Cowboys went on to win three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span soon after Haley joined.
Jones believes that the presence of seasoned veterans who have experienced the rigors of Super Bowl contention can transform a team. “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 asserts.
The significance of internal leadership cannot be overstated, according to Jones. He explains that while a team might perform excellently in regular season games, the playoffs demand an elevated level of play and leadership that often comes from those who have "been there, done that." “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 elaborates.
The veteran leader is a missing piece for several teams, including his beloved Dallas Cowboys. “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,” Jones notes. His observation points to a broader issue within the NFL, where the presence of game-tested veterans can serve as a cornerstone for developing a championship-caliber team.
Jones's memories of facing veteran-laden teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers in the '70s underscore his belief in the value of experience. “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 recalls.
Off the field, Jones continues to inspire and influence others. He has partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid that 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 praises the innovation. His endorsement of the Sportcane is a testament to how he continues to lead by example, championing tools that enhance life quality even after retiring from the sport.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones’s reflections provide a window into the intricacies of NFL success and the irreplaceable value of veteran leadership. His career insights and personal anecdotes present a compelling narrative about what it takes to win, the importance of experienced players, and the transformative power of internal leadership, setting a high bar for current and future NFL teams aiming for championship glory.