Ed "Too Tall" Jones: The Cowboys Legend on What It Takes to Win and Life After Football
When discussing the pantheon of NFL legends, Ed "Too Tall" Jones’ name invariably surfaces. A cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys defense that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones’ 15-year career is marked by a robust 106 sacks and a reputation for being among the league's premier defensive ends. But Jones’ insights into the game go beyond mere statistics; they delve into the intangibles that separate perennial contenders from champions.
Reflecting on the state of modern NFL teams, Jones astutely observes that playoff-bound teams often lack seasoned veterans who have tasted Super Bowl glory. “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. His belief underscores a critical yet often overlooked element in team-building: the presence of players who have been on the biggest stage of all.
Jones speaks from experience. During the 1990s, under coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys executed a pivotal trade for Charles Haley, a seasoned player with two Super Bowl rings from his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. Haley’s arrival catalyzed the Cowboys’ dominant run, leading to three Super Bowl titles in four years. Jones firmly believes that Haley’s experience was instrumental in that 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,” Jones emphasizes.
The importance of internal leadership and veteran presence is evidenced by Jones’ reflection on the Cowboys' encounters with 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,” Jones recalls.
However, Jones also points out that it's not just about having veterans; it's about the right kind of leadership. “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,” he notes. According to Jones, a seasoned player’s ability to inspire and lead can often compensate for other deficiencies on the team.
Beyond the gridiron, Ed "Too Tall" Jones continues to inspire, albeit in a different arena. Teaming up with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, Jones has found a new avenue for improving his post-football 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 acknowledges. Endorsements like this highlight how former athletes continue to navigate challenges and maintain their quality of life long after the final whistle blows.
His perspective on enduring physical challenges and leveraging tools for better mobility reflects the resilience that defined his football career. Just as he towered over opponents and altered the course of games, Jones now stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of athletes who continue to impact and inspire well after their playing days have ended.
The reflection and advice from Ed "Too Tall" Jones offer a potent reminder for current teams aspiring for greatness. In a league where youth often grabs headlines, it’s the battle-tested veterans who can provide the critical edge in the postseason. As Jones himself proved on numerous occasions, experience and leadership are as essential to victory as raw talent and athleticism.
As we look at the modern NFL landscape, one cannot help but ponder Jones' wisdom. The Dallas Cowboys, whose last Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996, could indeed benefit from the leadership and tenacity of a veteran presence, just as they did during their most dominant eras. With Jones' legacy continuing to serve as a beacon, current and future Cowboys will always have a paradigm of grit, leadership, and excellence to emulate.