Ed "Too Tall" Jones Reflects on Championship Legacy and Importance of Veteran Leadership
A Defensive Titan
Ed "Too Tall" Jones is an iconic figure in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, remembered for his towering presence and relentless gameplay. As a key member of the team that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones was a force to be reckoned with on the field, amassing 106 sacks over a 15-year career and earning All-Pro defensive end honors.
Veteran Savvy in Super Bowls
Jones often reflects on the critical role seasoned players play in achieving postseason success. In his view, the backbone of a Super Bowl-winning team is not just talent, but experience and 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,” says Jones.
His insights ring true in the annals of the Cowboys' own history. The last time the Cowboys appeared in the Super Bowl was in January 1996, a year of triumph that can be partly attributed to the strategic acquisition of seasoned players like Charles Haley. Under coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys executed a pivotal trade for Haley, who had already clinched two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers. Soon thereafter, the Cowboys went on to win their first of three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span.
Leadership Beyond Strategy
Jones insists that veteran presence isn't something that can be coached—it's a unique blend of experience and intrinsic leadership. He states, “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.”
This philosophy stems from personal experience against teams laden with veterans. Jones recalls facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in '75 and '78, with a sense of enduring respect for their veteran core. “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 Importance of Internal Leadership
For Jones, it's not just about having experienced players—it's about having the right type of leadership inside the locker room. “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 explains.
He believes this element is currently missing from many teams, including the 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 adds.
Off the Field
Beyond the gridiron, Jones faces new challenges in daily mobility. His partnership with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, has provided him with significant relief. “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.” It’s a testament to the ongoing adaptability and resilience that defined his football career.
Reflecting on his playing days, Jones also mentioned the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by America's Team. “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 Road Ahead
As modern NFL teams strive for the coveted Super Bowl title, Jones' insights on veteran leadership remain ever-relevant. With players like him providing a blueprint for success, today's teams might well heed the lessons of the past to shape a victorious future. Whether it’s on the field or off, Ed "Too Tall" Jones's legacy will continue to inspire both players and fans alike.