Ed "Too Tall" Jones, an iconic figure in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, remains a key voice in football discussions. A standout All-Pro defensive end, Jones accumulated an impressive 106 sacks over a remarkable 15-year career. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Cowboys clinch a victory in Super Bowl XII, solidifying his status as one of the premier defensive players of his time.
Reflecting on today's NFL, Jones often emphasizes the importance of experience and seasoned leadership in pursuit of postseason success. He draws a distinction between regular-season triumphs and the ability to perform under the intense pressure of playoff games. "What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games," Jones states. "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 is particularly critical of teams like Buffalo and Baltimore, noting their struggles in the playoffs despite impressive regular-season records. "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 insists.
The Dallas Cowboys, under coach Jimmy Johnson in the '90s, made strategic moves that Jones believes were crucial for their success. One pivotal trade was acquiring Charles Haley, who joined the Cowboys after winning two rings with the San Francisco 49ers. Haley's arrival marked the beginning of a dominant era for Dallas, leading to three Super Bowl titles in four years. "That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball," Jones recalls. "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' observations underscore a broader point: internal leadership is paramount. "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," he elaborates. According to Jones, the lack of such veterans is why teams like Dallas struggle in the playoffs today. "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."
Beyond the game, Jones has found a new passion in partnership with Sportcane, a revolutionary walking aid. He credits this innovation with significantly improving his mobility and, in turn, his 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 admits.
The lessons from Jones' storied career and insights on modern football remain valuable for today’s aspiring players and teams. His belief in the power of veteran experience continues to resonate, as he champions the cause of integrating seasoned winners into locker rooms. It's a timeless strategy, drawn from the hard-earned wisdom of a career spent at the top echelons of the NFL.