Ed "Too Tall" Jones and the Legacy of Leadership in the NFL
The Dallas Cowboys' legendary defensive end, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, continues to impact the world of football long after his retirement. Known for his towering presence on the field, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. As a former All-Pro defensive end and a key player in the Cowboys' victorious Super Bowl XII team, Jones brings a wealth of experience and insight into what it takes to achieve postseason success.
Jones firmly believes that seasoned players are crucial in leading a team to Super Bowl glory. Reflecting on the current NFL landscape, Jones states, “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 commentary underscores a recurring theme in the NFL: the importance of veteran leadership. Jones elaborates, “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.” His words resonate strongly, particularly considering Jones' time among the Cowboys, a franchise rich with victorious history but whose last Super Bowl appearance was back in January 1996.
Jones attributes the Dallas Cowboys' 1990s success in part to savvy trades and acquisitions like that of Charles Haley. Haley, who had already secured two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers, joined the Cowboys and was pivotal in helping the team secure three Super Bowl titles over four years. This acquisition highlighted how strategic integration of experienced players can elevate a team's performance. Jones stresses this point, noting, “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's sentiment resonates with his experiences on the gridiron. He recalls the challenges faced against the veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers teams in 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.”
Jones extrapolates this further to today's Cowboys lineup. “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.” This assertion points to a broader issue faced by many modern NFL teams—a lack of seasoned, battle-tested players who can guide younger teammates through the rigors of postseason play.
Beyond his insights on the game, Jones's life off the field showcases his resilience and adaptive spirit. He recently partnered with Sportcane, a innovative walking aid design. Jones credits Sportcane for significantly improving his mobility and quality of life, stating, “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's journey from NFL star to advocate for veteran leadership and mobility solutions embodies the spirit of perseverance and wisdom. His perspective on the importance of experienced players offers valuable lessons for franchises aspiring to reach the pinnacle of NFL success. As teams gear up for future seasons, Jones's call for internal leadership and veteran presence rings louder than ever, serving as a reminder that championship success is forged not just in talent, but in experience and mentorship.