Ed "Too Tall" Jones is no stranger to the feeling of championship glory. A towering figure in the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, Jones was pivotal in their Super Bowl XII victory, showcasing a career that spanned 15 years and accumulated an impressive 106 sacks. His journey through the NFL landscape is not just a testament to personal achievement but also to the importance of veteran leadership in the locker room.
Jones, a former All-Pro defensive end, understands the nuances of what separates good teams from great ones, especially regarding playoff 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 noted.
The Dallas Cowboys, whose last Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996, know this truth all too well. Jones believes that having seasoned players who've tasted championship success can be the catalyst that elevates a team's postseason fortunes. "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 emphasized.
Jones' insights are grounded not only in his personal experiences but also in the significant impact of other veteran players. Under coach Jimmy Johnson in the '90s, the Cowboys made a game-changing move by trading for Charles Haley. Having already secured two rings with the San Francisco 49ers, Haley brought a winning mindset to Dallas. The result? The Cowboys clinched their first of three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span soon after Haley joined them.
“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,” said Jones.
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with the challenges Dallas faces today. “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 continued.
Reflecting on the Cowboys' past battles, Jones highlights how veteran presence on teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers made a tangible difference. “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.”
But Jones’ reflections aren’t solely tethered to his days on the gridiron. Today, he's partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid that’s significantly improved 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 shared.
The journey of Ed "Too Tall" Jones serves as a beacon of wisdom for current and future NFL teams. His experiences underline the invaluable role of seasoned champions in the crucible of playoff football. Whether on the field or off it, Jones continues to inspire, demonstrating that leadership, experience, and the willingness to adapt are integral elements to achieving greatness.