Ed "Too Tall" Jones is a name that resonates deeply with fans of the Dallas Cowboys. A linchpin of the defensive front, Jones was instrumental in the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl XII. His 15-year career is distinguished by an impressive 106 sacks, earning him a spot as a former All-Pro defensive end.
Jones has always been more than just an on-field talent; he’s a keen observer of what it takes to build a championship team. Reflecting on current NFL rosters, Jones noted the absence of seasoned veterans who have experienced the ultimate 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 emphasized, underlining the importance of battle-tested players in critical moments.
The Haley Trade: A Turning Point
In the '90s, under the leadership of coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys made a pivotal trade for Charles Haley. Haley, who already had two Super Bowl rings from his time with the San Francisco 49ers, brought a wealth of experience to the locker room. This move soon paid off, as the Cowboys secured three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span. Jones firmly believes that Haley's championship pedigree was a key factor. “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,” said Jones.
Leadership on the Field and Beyond
A vocal advocate for internal leadership, Jones stressed that it's not just about skill but about experience and mentorship. “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 explained.
The Cowboys' most recent Super Bowl appearance was in January 1996, a stark reminder of how fleeting championship windows can be. Jones pointed to a lack of veteran leadership as a contributing factor. “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 said.
Learning from the Past
Reflecting on his own experiences, Jones recalled the significant role veterans played in the Pittsburgh Steelers' victories over the Cowboys in the 1970s. “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 recounted.
Tackling New Challenges
Off the field, Jones has found a new champion in the Sportcane, a revolutionary 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 shared. This partnership illustrates Jones's adaptability and commitment to maintaining a high quality of life, despite the physical toll of a career in professional football.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones’s reflections serve as a valuable lesson for both current players and team executives. His insights on the necessity of experience, leadership, and adaptability remain as relevant today as they were during his storied career. Whether it's strategizing for a Super Bowl run or finding new ways to stay mobile, Jones exemplifies the enduring spirit and wisdom of a true champion.