Ed "Too Tall" Jones: The Legacy of a Dallas Cowboys Legend
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, the towering former defensive end, is a name etched in the annals of the Dallas Cowboys’ storied history. With an illustrious career that spanned 15 years, Jones's contributions were pivotal to the team’s success, particularly in their Super Bowl XII victory.
Over the course of his career, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks, earning him a reputation as one of the most formidable defensive ends of his time. Not just a sack-master, Jones was an All-Pro, known for his unparalleled skill and determination on the field.
The Importance of Veteran Leadership
Jones remains a keen observer of the game and passionately shares his insights about the importance of experienced players in achieving postseason success. Reflecting on the current NFL, he observed, “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.”
For Jones, the difference between good teams and great teams often lies in the presence of seasoned veterans who know how to elevate their play in crucial moments. “What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games,” he explained. “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.”
Dallas Cowboys’ Struggles
The Dallas Cowboys, despite their storied past, have struggled to replicate their previous success in recent years. Their last Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996. Even with strong regular-season performances, they face difficulty in playoff situations. Jones pinpointed a lack of veteran leadership as one of the core issues. “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,” he stated.
He further emphasized the need for experienced players who can guide the team through high-pressure situations. “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.”
Historic Battles and Learning from the Past
Jones’s own experiences lend weight to his arguments. He recounted the challenges the Cowboys faced against a veteran Pittsburgh Steelers team 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,” he reminisced.
Jones also highlighted the scrutiny and pressure the Cowboys faced as “America’s Team.” “That America's Team thing made us bulletin board material... 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.”
Off the Field: The Value of Sportcane
Beyond football, Jones has embraced new ventures in his post-playing days, including a partnership with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. He credits this innovation with 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 acknowledged.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains a revered figure in the world of football, both for his contributions on the field and his wisdom off it. His reflections on leadership and veteran presence continue to resonate, offering a blueprint for success that today’s teams would do well to heed.