Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a key figure in the storied history of the Dallas Cowboys, played an instrumental role in the team’s Super Bowl XII triumph. Over his 15-year career, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks, earning recognition as an All-Pro defensive end and solidifying his legacy in the NFL.
As the Dallas Cowboys reminisce about their golden years, it's impossible to overlook the influential figures like Jones who laid the foundation for their success. Reflecting on the team’s latest Super Bowl appearance in January 1996, Jones underscores the importance of seasoned veterans in achieving postseason glory.
The Role of Experience in Championship Success
Jones emphasizes the critical role that veteran presence plays in a team’s pursuit of a championship. "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 asserts.
In the 1990s, under the guidance of coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys executed a pivotal trade for Charles Haley, a move that Jones believes was a game-changer. Haley had already secured two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Cowboys. His arrival heralded a period of dominance for the Cowboys, who clinched three Super Bowl titles over four years soon after.
Leadership Beyond the Field
Jones passionately advocates for the inclusion of players with championship experience on NFL rosters. "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."
While talent is crucial, Jones insists that it’s the internal leadership, the seasoned veterans who've tasted victory, that often makes the difference. "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."
Reflections on Historic Rivalries
Jones reflects on the fierce competition the Cowboys faced against veteran-heavy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers in the '70s. "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."
Being part of "America's Team" brought its own set of challenges, with every opponent eager to topple the Cowboys. "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."
Life After Football
Today, Jones continues to lead an active life, thanks in part to his partnership with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid he credits for 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," Jones confesses.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the insights and experiences of legends like Ed "Too Tall" Jones remain invaluable. His career accomplishments and reflections offer a compelling reminder of the enduring importance of veteran leadership, both on and off the field.