Ed "Too Tall" Jones Reflects on Super Bowl Success and the Significance of Veteran Leadership
In the storied history of the Dallas Cowboys, few players have had as much impact as Ed "Too Tall" Jones. A key member of the squad that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones' impressive 15-year career saw him accumulate 106 sacks, earn All-Pro honors, and leave an indelible mark on the game. With the Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance dating back to January 1996, Jones offers valuable insights on the importance of experienced players in achieving postseason success.
Jones firmly believes in the critical role that seasoned players play in guiding teams through the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. "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," remarked Jones, highlighting the fine line that separates good teams from great ones.
Jones’ insights draw from his firsthand experiences and observations over decades in the sport. "What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games," he explained. "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."
His perspective is rooted in the history of his own team. During the 1990s, under the leadership of coach Jimmy Johnson, the Dallas Cowboys made a pivotal trade for Charles Haley. Haley, who had already clinched two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers, brought crucial experience that helped the Cowboys secure their first of three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span. This move underscored the Cowboys' strategic emphasis on acquiring proven champions to bolster their squad.
Jones stressed that success cannot be achieved by talent alone; it requires internal 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," Jones asserted.
Reflecting on his experiences against top teams, Jones recalled the fierce competition with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s. "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 continued to influence and inspire. His recent partnership with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, has 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, highlighting how the product has made a positive impact on his post-football endeavors.
As the Cowboys strive to reclaim their former glory, Jones’ reflections on leadership and experience offer a roadmap. "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 commented, underscoring the need for not just physical prowess but also the intangible qualities that drive postseason success.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones' career and insights serve as a testament to the enduring power of experience and leadership in sports. As teams gear up for future seasons, the wisdom of veterans like Jones remains a guiding light, illuminating the path to championship glory.