Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a key figure in the Dallas Cowboys' legendary Super Bowl XII victory, remains an influential voice in the world of football. Known for his formidable presence on the field, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career, earning him the status of a former All-Pro defensive end. His insights into the game, particularly the importance of seasoned players, continue to hold weight in current NFL conversations.
Reflecting on the Dallas Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance in January 1996, Jones draws parallels with the current state of various NFL teams. He observes, “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 belief is that the presence of veteran players who have experienced the pinnacle of success is crucial for any team aiming for the title.
Jones points to a pivotal trade in the '90s under coach Jimmy Johnson, when the Cowboys acquired Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers. Haley brought with him the experience of winning two Super Bowl rings, a strategic move that paid off. The Cowboys, fueled by his leadership, went on to secure three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span. Jones underscores, “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 also highlights the indispensable value of internal leadership, differentiating it from merely having captains. He states, “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.”
The veteran defensive end's insights reflect a broader belief that playoff success often hinges on having experienced players who can inspire and guide their teams through high-pressure situations. “Who will they follow? Dallas don’t have it. Several teams don’t have it,” he notes. He elaborates on how the right leadership and chemistry can compensate for other deficiencies, saying, “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 draws from his own experiences with the Cowboys during the '70s, when they faced veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers teams in Super Bowls X and XIII. “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 addition to his football insights, Jones has recently partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, which he credits with greatly improving his mobility and quality of life. He shares, “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.” This partnership highlights his ongoing commitment to staying active and engaged despite the challenges that follow a lengthy and physically demanding career.
Jones remains a steady advocate for the integration of seasoned veterans into NFL teams, believing their presence and leadership can be the deciding factor in postseason success. His reflections on past games and current team dynamics provide valuable lessons for today’s NFL general managers and team builders.