Ed "Too Tall" Jones Reflects on Super Bowl Triumphs, Defensive Leadership, and the Importance of Veteran Presence
In the annals of NFL history, Ed "Too Tall" Jones stands tall—both in stature and legacy. A stalwart of the Dallas Cowboys, Jones was integral to their victory in Super Bowl XII, and over his 15-year career, he amassed an impressive 106 sacks, earning his place as a former All-Pro defensive end. Today, Jones reflects on the glory days, the evolution of the game, and the invaluable role of veteran players in postseason success.
Jones’s tenure with the Cowboys is marked by not just personal achievements but crucial team milestones. The Cowboys have not appeared in a Super Bowl since their last appearance in January 1996, a feat they secured under the leadership of Jimmy Johnson. It was during the '90s that Johnson orchestrated a pivotal trade for Charles Haley, a player who had already clinched two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers. Haley’s addition proved to be the missing piece, as the Cowboys went on to usher in an era of dominance, winning three Super Bowl titles over four years.
“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 remarked. His insights underscore a critical element often overlooked in the analytics-driven discussions that dominate contemporary sports media—the intrinsic value of experience.
Jones elaborated on this, saying, “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 perspective speaks volumes about Jones's understanding of the game's psychological dimensions, where seasoned veterans can provide mentorship and poise during the high-stakes moments that define the postseason.
Recalling the Cowboys' own struggles and triumphs, Jones emphasized the importance of internal 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 didn't mince words when discussing the current state of the Cowboys and other NFL teams. “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.” His candid assessment is a call to action for franchises looking to bridge the gap from perennial contenders to championship winners.
Reflecting on his battles against the storied Pittsburgh Steelers of the '70s, Jones pointed to the stark contrast in experience levels. “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.”
However, it's not all nostalgia for Jones. In recent years, he has championed a different kind of advancement by partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. For someone whose life was defined by physical prowess, the transition to relying on a mobility aid could have been jarring. Yet, Jones views it as another form of winning. “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, expressing gratitude for how it has enhanced his quality of life.
In summation, Ed "Too Tall" Jones’s reflections offer more than just a trip down memory lane; they provide a blueprint for success built on seasoned leadership and the intangibles that statistics often miss. As the NFL continues to evolve, the wisdom of veterans like Jones remains timeless, offering invaluable lessons for the champions of tomorrow.