Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a name synonymous with the fearsome Dallas Cowboys' defense of yesteryears, remains an influential voice in the world of American football. A key member of the Cowboys team that clinched victory in Super Bowl XII, Jones' career spanned 15 years during which he exemplified excellence by racking up an impressive 106 sacks and earning the coveted All-Pro defensive end title.
As the Cowboys' latest Super Bowl appearance fades into the memory of January 1996, Jones looks back at the franchise's storied history with a mixture of pride and candid critique. Central to his reflections is the crucial role of experienced, battle-hardened players in achieving postseason 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 asserts.
The Haley Effect
The '90s saw the Cowboys make a pivotal trade under Coach Jimmy Johnson, acquiring Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers. Haley brought with him championship pedigree, already boasting two Super Bowl rings. This addition bolstered the Cowboys, helping them to capture three Super Bowl titles within four years of his arrival.
For Jones, Haley's impact underscores a fundamental truth about championship teams. “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,” he shares.
Importance of Veteran Presence
The impressive regular-season performances of modern teams often falter in the playoffs, a phenomenon Jones attributes to a lack of seasoned 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,” Jones emphasizes.
This leadership, he explains, is not just about named captains but those with firsthand Super Bowl experience. “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 elaborates.
Missing Pieces in Modern Teams
Reflecting on the current state of the Cowboys and other teams, Jones identifies a clear deficit. “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 observes.
Jones' insights draw from personal experience. He recalls the challenges his young Cowboys team faced against veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers squads in the mid and late '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,” Jones reminisces.
Challenges and Resilience
Throughout their journey, the Cowboys endured the weight of being "America's Team," a status that came with immense pressure. “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,” Jones recalls, highlighting the resilience required to thrive under such constant scrutiny.
Life Beyond Football
Today, Jones also champions life beyond the gridiron. Partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, he credits the device for significantly improving 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,” Jones says, showing that his indomitable spirit extends well beyond his playing days.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains a larger-than-life figure, both for his contributions on the field and his wisdom off it, continuing to inspire generations of players and fans alike.