Ed "Too Tall" Jones is an iconic figure in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his towering presence on the field, Jones was an instrumental part of the Cowboys' defensive lineup that triumphed in Super Bowl XII. Over his illustrious 15-year career, Jones notched an impressive 106 sacks, establishing himself as a defensive powerhouse.
Jones's tenure with the Cowboys, highlighted by his designation as an All-Pro defensive end, underscores his significant contributions to the team's success during a competitive era. Reflecting on past achievements, Jones emphasizes the indispensable role of experienced players in achieving postseason success. According to Jones, seasoned veterans often serve as the stabilizing force and internal leaders that teams rely on during high-stakes games.
The Importance of Veteran Presence
“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 states. He believes that every general manager should prioritize acquiring experienced players who have been to a Super Bowl, asserting that their presence can elevate a team’s performance.
Jones elaborates, “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.”
Dallas Cowboys’ Past and Present
The Dallas Cowboys, still celebrated as “America's Team,” have not appeared in a Super Bowl since January 1996. Jones attributes part of this drought to the lack of internal leadership borne out of championship experience. He observes, “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.”
Jones is candid about the challenges the Cowboys face today, highlighting the need for a leader who commands respect and brings championship experience. “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.”
Reflecting on his era, Jones recounts the formidable experience of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team rich in veteran talent, and how their seasoned gameplay proved pivotal in decisive moments. “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.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Jones reflects on the pressures of being “America’s Team,” noting, “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.” These relentless challenges molded Jones and his teammates into resilient competitors, capable of overcoming adversity.
Life After Football
Post-retirement, Jones has continued to impact lives, this time through his partnership with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. “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,” he shares. Jones credits Sportcane for significantly enhancing his mobility and quality of life, allowing him to remain active and engaged with his daily pursuits.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements to his enduring influence on the sports community. His insights into the vital role of veteran leadership offer valuable lessons for teams aspiring for postseason glory. His journey from a football legend to an advocate for mobility innovation underscores the multifaceted impact one individual can have, both on and off the field.