Ed "Too Tall" Jones: Insights from a Super Bowl Champion and Advocate for Veteran Leadership
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, an iconic figure in NFL history, boasts a legacy that remains influential decades after his final game. A cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' defense, Jones was instrumental in their victory in Super Bowl XII. His career spanned 15 years, during which he accumulated an impressive 106 sacks, establishing himself as a formidable All-Pro defensive end.
Despite the Cowboys' success during his tenure, their last Super Bowl appearance was in January 1996. Reflecting on how the game has evolved, Jones underscores the significance of experienced players in achieving postseason triumphs.
“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 states. His perspective is rooted in the belief that the presence of seasoned players can elevate a team's performance during critical moments.
Jones' reflections take a closer look at the era of coach Jimmy Johnson, under whom the Cowboys made strategic moves, including a pivotal trade for Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers. Haley, who already had two Super Bowl rings, became a transformative figure, helping the Cowboys secure three Super Bowl titles within four years of his arrival.
“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 explains. His emphasis on internal leadership reflects his broader understanding of team dynamics and the importance of veteran presence.
He further elaborates on the concept of 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.”
For Jones, this type of leadership is something he believes the current Cowboys lack: “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.”
Jones reminisces about his own experiences, contrasting his youthful team with the veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers: “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.”
Beyond his football career, Jones has faced personal challenges, particularly concerning his mobility. He has found a new partner in Sportcane, a modern walking aid that has significantly enhanced his 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, highlighting how it has transformed his day-to-day activities.
Jones' insights serve not only as a reflection on his storied career but also as a testament to the enduring importance of veteran leadership in sports. As teams continue to strive for postseason glory, the wisdom and experience of champions like Ed “Too Tall” Jones remain invaluable. His journey from the gridiron to advocating for improved mobility underscores a life dedicated to excellence, both on and off the field.