Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a moniker recognized by Dallas Cowboys fans and NFL enthusiasts alike, remains a towering figure in the history of American football. A key member of the Dallas Cowboys team that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones' career is studded with remarkable achievements. Playing as a defensive end, he amassed an impressive 106 sacks over a 15-year career, securing his legacy as a former All-Pro.
Jones' reflections on his career and insights into the current state of the NFL resonate deeply with fans and analysts. Speaking about the importance of experienced players in achieving postseason success, Jones articulates a critical aspect that he believes many modern teams lack. “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 emphasized, pointing to a perceived deficit in leadership and experience.
The importance of veteran presence in the locker room cannot be overstated. Jones asserts, “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 echo the strategic moves made by the Cowboys under coach Jimmy Johnson in the '90s, notably the acquisition of Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers. Haley, who had already won two Super Bowl rings, helped the Cowboys clinch their first of three titles over a four-year span soon after joining the team.
Jones' belief in the impact of seasoned players is rooted in his experiences with both triumphs and battles on the field. Reminiscing about games against formidable opponents, he noted, “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.” Jones' respect for experience is clear as he adds, “Experience in big games is very important. Very important.”
However, for Jones, leadership is not just about seniority; it’s about the caliber of the individual. Reflecting on current teams, he expressed some critical observations: “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.” For Jones, successful teams must have internal leadership that goes beyond the titles of captains and extends to those who have ‘been there, done that.’
Beyond the gridiron, Ed "Too Tall" Jones has found a new partnership with Sportcane, a meticulously designed walking aid that has significantly enhanced 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 expressed, marking a new chapter in his post-NFL journey. His endorsement speaks volumes, not just about the product, but about his ethos of resilience and adaptation.
The insights from Jones offer a valuable perspective on both historical and current dynamics within NFL teams. His reflections underscore the necessity of veteran wisdom and the subtle yet significant role it plays in shaping championship teams. The journey and contemplations of Ed "Too Tall" Jones continue to inspire and educate, long after his last snap on the football field.