Ed "Too Tall" Jones: Reflections of a Legendary Career and His Views on Today's NFL
Ed "Too Tall" Jones stands as a monumental figure in the history of the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL at large. As a key member of the team that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones carved out an illustrious 15-year career, accumulating an impressive 106 sacks. The former All-Pro defensive end's journey on the field is one marked by fervent dedication, unparalleled skill, and an unrelenting quest for greatness.
Jones's perspective on football goes far beyond his physical exploits on the turf. His insights into team dynamics and postseason success reflect the wisdom garnered from years of top-tier competition. Reflecting on the current state of NFL teams, Jones astutely observes, “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.”
This sentiment resonates deeply, especially when examining the Dallas Cowboys' journey since their last Super Bowl appearance in January 1996. The '90s witnessed a pivotal era under coach Jimmy Johnson, marked by the acquisition of Charles Haley. Haley, who had previously secured two rings with the San Francisco 49ers, brought a championship pedigree to the Cowboys, who subsequently clinched three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span shortly after his arrival.
Jones firmly believes that the presence of seasoned players significantly bolsters a team's postseason prospects. “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 emphasizes. This underscores the critical role of internal leadership and experience in achieving success when it matters most.
Beyond his football acumen, Jones has found new avenues to inspire and lead. He recently partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid that has dramatically improved his mobility and quality of life. Jones's endorsement is a testament to the product's efficacy, “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.”
Analyzing the past and present, Jones reiterates the crucial role of internal leadership within 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.”
Jones points out that this lack of seasoned postseason experience can be detrimental. “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 comments reflect a fundamental understanding of what it takes to rise to the pinnacle of professional football.
Reflecting on past battles, Jones highlights the importance of experience in crucial games. “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 also sheds light on the pressures of being part of the revered "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.”
Through his reflections and wisdom, Ed "Too Tall" Jones offers an invaluable perspective on the intricate dynamics of professional football, underscoring that while talent and coaching are crucial, the essence of leadership and experience play an irreplaceable role in realizing championship dreams.