Ed "Too Tall" Jones: A Legacy of Leadership and Grit
In the annals of NFL history, few defensive linemen have left an indelible mark comparable to that of Ed "Too Tall" Jones. A former All-Pro defensive end, Jones was a cornerstone of the formidable Dallas Cowboys defense that triumphed in Super Bowl XII. Over his remarkable 15-year career, Jones recorded an impressive 106 sacks, a testament to his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and his critical role in the Cowboys' defensive strategy.
Reflecting on his time in the league, Jones emphasizes the importance of seasoned players in achieving postseason 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 asserts. His insights are particularly poignant given the Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996.
Jones’s observations highlight a broader trend in the NFL: the value of veteran presence in the locker room. “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 explains. His words carry the weight of experience, drawn from battles both won and lost on the gridiron.
During the early '90s, under the guidance of coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys executed a pivotal trade for Charles Haley, a move that would prove instrumental in their subsequent success. Haley, who had already secured two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers, brought a championship pedigree to a young Cowboys team. The result was immediate: the Cowboys clinched three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span, vindicating Jones's belief in the power of experienced 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 expounds. His perspective is an invaluable lens through which to view the challenges facing modern NFL teams.
Jones’s reflections extend beyond tactics and rosters. He speaks to the psychological warfare that accompanies NFL stardom, particularly for teams branded as favorites. “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.” His words remind us that the mental resilience required to be a champion is as critical as physical prowess.
Even in retirement, Jones continues to make an impact. Partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, he credits the device 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,” he shares. It's a testament to his enduring spirit and adaptability.
Jones also reminisces about the formidable competition he faced, particularly citing the veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers. “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.”
The career of Ed "Too Tall" Jones is a rich tapestry of achievements, lessons, and enduring wisdom. His analysis of what it takes to reach and win the Super Bowl is a clarion call for current and future NFL teams. In his view, cultivated over years of triumph and tribulation, it is the presence of experienced, battle-hardened players that often tips the scales in favor of greatness. And as the Cowboys and other teams strive for a return to glory, they would do well to heed the advice of a legend who has walked the path to the pinnacle of professional football.