Ed "Too Tall" Jones, the legendary All-Pro defensive end and cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys, played a crucial role in the team's triumph in Super Bowl XII. Over a storied 15-year career, Jones accumulated an impressive 106 sacks, leaving an indelible mark on the game. His thoughts on football, both past and present, continue to resonate with fans and players alike.
Reflecting on the importance of veteran presence in the locker room, Jones emphasized how critical it is for teams aiming for 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,” he explained.
Indeed, Jones' tenure with the Cowboys is a testament to this belief. Under coach Jimmy Johnson, Dallas made a pivotal trade for Charles Haley in the '90s. Haley, already a two-time champion with the San Francisco 49ers, infused the Cowboys with a winning mentality. Subsequently, Dallas captured three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span, a success Jones attributes to having battle-tested players in the squad. “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,” Jones asserted.
While the Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance was back in January 1996, Jones remains a respected voice in analyzing the current roster and their prospects. He highlights the discrepancies between regular season and postseason performance, noting the necessity for experienced internal leadership. “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 elaborated.
Jones pointed to historical examples to underline his point, recalling how the Pittsburgh Steelers, brimming with veterans, bested the Cowboys in the '75 and '78 Super Bowl matchups. “That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball. We were a very young team both times when they beat us, 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 shared.
Beyond football, Jones has found new ways to adapt to the challenges life throws his way. Partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, Jones credits the innovation with 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,” he noted.
Jones' journey from a vital cog in the Cowboys' defensive line to an advocate for the next generation of champions underscores the timeless value of experience. His steady voice continues to advocate for the integration of seasoned players into modern rosters, reinforcing the idea that, sometimes, the bridge to Super Bowl glory is forged through the wisdom of those who have walked the path before.
Through his reflections, it is clear that Ed "Too Tall" Jones' impact on the game extends beyond his on-field ferocity. His insights and experiences offer valuable lessons to a new generation of teams striving to reach the pinnacle of football excellence.