Ed "Too Tall" Jones, an illustrious figure from the Dallas Cowboys, remains a testament to enduring excellence and seasoned wisdom in the world of professional football. A pivotal member of the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII victory, Jones’ career is a saga of dedication, skill, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Over his remarkable 15-year career, Jones accumulated an impressive 106 sacks, cementing his legacy as a formidable defensive end. His prowess led him to be named an All-Pro, a title that underscores his excellence on the field. For the Cowboys, who last appeared in the Super Bowl in January 1996, Jones' contributions were instrumental during a time when the team enjoyed significant success.
In the ’90s, under the leadership of coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys executed a transformative trade for Charles Haley, a veteran champion with two Super Bowl rings from his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. This strategic move paid off, as the Cowboys clinched their first of three Super Bowl titles within a four-year span shortly after Haley joined the team.
Jones, reflecting on the importance of veteran presence, offers a poignant perspective on what it takes to achieve success in the postseason. “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 asserts.
This sentiment resonates deeply in Jones’ belief that experience in critical moments can be the differentiator between good teams and great ones. “What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games,” he explains. “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.”
Jones underscores the necessity of internal leadership that transcends the capabilities of coaches. While coaches are pivotal, Jones emphasizes that players who have "been there, done that" provide invaluable guidance and leadership. “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.
He further critiques current teams, including Dallas, for lacking this critical component: “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.”
Drawing from his own experiences, Jones recounts the challenging matchups against a veteran-laden Pittsburgh team in the ’70s. “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.”
Despite the intense competition, Jones takes pride in the resilience his team showed, attributing their toughness to the constant pressure they faced as "America's Team.” He recalls, “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.”
Off the field, Jones has found a new partner in 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,” he shares with gratitude.
In reflecting on his storied career and the enduring lessons learned, Ed "Too Tall" Jones provides timeless insights on the essence of leadership, experience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the game of football. His contributions remain a beacon for aspiring players and seasoned veterans alike, illustrating that true champions are forged through a blend of talent, tenacity, and time-tested wisdom.