Ed "Too Tall" Jones: Reflections on a Legendary Career and Insights on Modern NFL Dynamics
Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains an indelible figure in Dallas Cowboys' history and the NFL at large. As a key member of the Cowboys team that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones' contributions to the game are etched in the annals of football glory. Over his storied 15-year career, Jones racked up an impressive 106 sacks, earning him a reputation as a formidable defensive end and a place among the elite as a former All-Pro.
Jones' tenure with the Cowboys is marked by significant achievements and memorable moments. The franchise's latest Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996, a time when the team was a perennial powerhouse in the NFL. Reflecting on the past, Jones emphasizes the importance of seasoned players in achieving postseason success, a quality he believes is often missing in modern teams. “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,” Jones notes. “To be a champion, you've got to be able to get to another level.”
Jones' perspective is deeply rooted in his experiences during the Cowboys' golden era. Under the leadership of coach Jimmy Johnson, the team made a pivotal trade in the '90s for Charles Haley, a defensive force who had already won two rings with the San Francisco 49ers. The acquisition paid off handsomely as the Cowboys clinched their first of three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span soon after Haley joined. For Jones, the presence of players like Haley, with championship pedigree, underscores what sets great teams apart. “What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games,” Jones asserts. “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 crucial role of internal leadership, particularly seasoned veterans who have been through the trials of postseason battles. Reflecting on today's Cowboys, he points out a significant deficiency. “That is definitely one of the things," he says. "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 notes that many teams, including Dallas, lack this veteran presence that can forge the path to victory. “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,” he explains.
The veteran defensive end also recalls the challenges faced by his own young team against seasoned opponents, particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers. “That Pittsburgh team had nothing but veterans on both sides of the ball,” he remembers. “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.”
Delving into the origins of the Cowboys' moniker, "America's Team," Jones reflects on its unintended consequences. “That America's Team thing made us bulletin board material,” he reveals. “We didn’t start that as players. The media started that because the Cowboys sell more memorabilia than any other team in the league, even to this day and haven’t won anything in 20-something years. 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.”
In more recent developments, Jones has partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid that combines innovative engineering and orthopedic expertise. Jones credits Sportcane 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.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones’ reflections offer a captivating glimpse into the past and present dynamics of the NFL. His insights on leadership, experience, and resilience continue to resonate, underscoring the timeless lessons from a storied career and the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.