Ed "Too Tall" Jones was an integral figure in the golden years of the Dallas Cowboys, contributing to their Super Bowl XII triumph. Over a distinguished 15-year career, Jones amassed 106 sacks, establishing himself as a formidable All-Pro defensive end. His insights into the game remain as sharp as ever, particularly when discussing the importance of veteran presence in achieving postseason success.
“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,” says Jones. This sentiment underscores a theme he passionately believes in: the inestimable value seasoned players bring to a team's championship aspirations.
Jones's reflections are particularly poignant when considering the Dallas Cowboys' own history. Their last Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996, during an era when coach Jimmy Johnson made the pivotal acquisition of Charles Haley. At the time, Haley had already claimed two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers. Shortly after joining the Cowboys, the team captured the first of three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span, a testament to the impact of experienced players.
“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,” Jones asserts. His words ring true in an era where many teams struggle to transition from regular season success to postseason glory.
Jones speaks from a place of experience and wisdom, recalling his own playing days when the pressure was unrelenting. “That America's Team thing made us bulletin board material... 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.” The challenge of being the team everyone wants to beat is something Jones knows all too well, a challenge that many current teams face but few can navigate successfully.
On several occasions, Jones has pointed out the significant difference veteran leadership can make. “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.” His acknowledgement of Pittsburgh's veteran-laden squad versus the youthful Cowboys highlights the nuanced impact of experience.
Indeed, Jones believes that the internal leadership forged through postseason battles is irreplaceable. “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.”
Interestingly, Jones’s wisdom extends beyond the gridiron. Having partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, he shares personal testimonials about how it has improved his 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 credits the device for significantly enhancing his mobility and quality of life, underscoring his ability to still stay active and engaged.
Jones’s career, both on and off the field, embodies the principles he advocates. His storied tenure with the Cowboys is a roadmap for recognizing how crucial veteran leadership is in clinching the ultimate football prize. As teams grapple with consistent playoff performances yet fall short in capturing the championship, Jones's insights serve as a reminder: the road to Super Bowl glory often runs through the seasoned leaders in the locker room, those who have been there and done that.