Ed "Too Tall" Jones: The Legacy of a Legend and the Importance of Veteran Leadership
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a towering figure in the NFL, left an indelible mark on the Dallas Cowboys and the league at large. A cornerstone of the Cowboys team that clinched victory in Super Bowl XII, Jones accrued an impressive 106 sacks throughout his illustrious 15-year career. A former All-Pro defensive end, Jones' insight into the nuances of football remains invaluable, particularly his views on the significance of seasoned players in the quest for postseason glory.
Reflecting on the modern NFL landscape, Jones observed, “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.” His words highlight a critical aspect often overlooked in building championship teams—veteran presence.
The Dallas Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance was in January 1996, and the team has since been chasing the elusive championship. During the '90s, under coach Jimmy Johnson, a pivotal trade brought Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers—a player who had already secured two Super Bowl rings prior to his arrival in Dallas. This move was instrumental in the Cowboys' subsequent triumphs, as they won three Super Bowl titles in a span of four years.
Jones emphasizes the transformative impact of players who have experienced the pinnacle of success. “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.”
According to Jones, the value of such players extends beyond their on-field contributions. Their presence instills a culture of winning, providing invaluable mentorship to younger teammates. “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' reflections point to a broader challenge for many teams, including his former squad, the Dallas Cowboys. He remarked, “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.”
Revisiting his own playing days, Jones recalled the stark contrast between veteran-laden teams and younger squads. “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.”
In his post-football life, Jones has faced new challenges, particularly regarding his mobility. Partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, has significantly improved 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.”
Jones' journey from a dominant force on the gridiron to an advocate for veteran presence in football locker rooms, and now, as a proponent for innovative mobility solutions, reflects the multifaceted nature of his legacy. As NFL teams strive for postseason success, Jones' wisdom underscores the critical blend of talent and experience necessary to reach the summit. His message is clear: to achieve greatness, look not only to the future but also to those who have paved the way.