In the annals of the NFL, few players' names are as evocative of sheer dominance as Ed "Too Tall" Jones. The towering former All-Pro defensive end was integral to the Dallas Cowboys' storied success during his tenure, most notably their triumph in Super Bowl XII. With a career spanning 15 years and totaling an astonishing 106 sacks, Jones' impact on the field is undeniable.
A Legacy of Leadership
Jones’ insights into what makes a championship team ring with the wisdom of experience. Reflecting on the current state of teams vying for playoff success, he was candid about the missing ingredient for many: veteran leadership. “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,” he remarked. Jones firmly believes that seasoned players who have tasted Super Bowl glory bring an invaluable presence to the locker room, elevating the entire team's performance when it matters most.
Jones goes further, highlighting the tangible benefits such players bring. “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 wisdom suggests that it's not just about talent, but also about experienced voices who can rally a team under pressure.
The Missing Element in Dallas
Examining his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, Jones didn't shy away from pointing out their recent shortcomings. Despite consistently strong regular-season performances, they have struggled to translate that success into postseason victories. As Jones puts it, “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.”
He attributes some of these struggles to the absence of players who have ‘been there and done that,’ noting the influence such players can have. “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.”
Reflections and Rivalries
Reflecting on his own career, Jones recalls the tough battles against veteran-laden teams, like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who bested the Cowboys in the Super Bowls of '75 and '78. “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.”
The narrative of ‘America's Team’ adds another layer to Dallas’ storied past. Jones reflects on the unique pressures that came with such a moniker. “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.” The weight of expectation and the pressure of proving themselves every game were challenges that Jones and his teammates tackled head-on.
Life After Football
These days, Jones has found a new partner in Sportcane, a modern walking aid that has significantly improved his mobility and quality of life. He speaks highly of this device, 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 from a man who stood as a giant on the gridiron emphasizes the importance of mobility aids in maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle after a physically demanding career.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones may no longer terrorize quarterbacks, but his legacy and insights continue to shape conversations about what it takes to achieve success in the NFL. His reflections on the importance of veteran leadership, the pressures of high expectations, and the challenges of life post-football offer valuable lessons for both current players and fans of the sport.