Ed “Too Tall” Jones Reflects on His Career and Importance of Veteran Leadership
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a key figure in the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl XII victory, recently shared his insights on the integral role of veteran leadership in achieving postseason success. Jones, a former All-Pro defensive end, accumulated an impressive 106 sacks over his 15-year career. His contributions to the game are remembered not only for their statistical significance but also for his influence in the locker room and on the field.
Reflecting on the current state of NFL teams vying for playoff glory, Jones made a compelling case for the necessity of seasoned players. “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 stated, emphasizing the often-overlooked aspect of experience in high-stakes games.
Jones’s thoughts on the matter are backed by historical precedent. Under the stewardship of coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys made a pivotal trade in the '90s for Charles Haley, a seasoned player who had already won two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers. The acquisition of Haley was a game-changer, contributing to the Cowboys winning their first of three Super Bowl titles in a four-year span. This move underlined the value of having players who have "been there, done that" in the pursuit of championships.
“What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games,” Jones elaborated. “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's reflections point to a broader understanding of team dynamics. He highlighted that having internal leadership extends beyond the captain’s armband or the voice of the coaching staff. “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 insisted.
Drawing from his experiences, Jones also noted the intangible quality that veteran presence brings, which can compensate for other gaps within the team. “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 said.
The Cowboys' recent history in the Super Bowl, or lack thereof—having last tasted such success in January 1996—serves as a testament to the challenges teams face without veteran leadership. Jones reminisces about the past matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team loaded with veterans, and how their experience played a crucial role, even in tightly contested games. “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 recounted.
Moving beyond the realm of football, Jones has also found a way to maintain his quality of life post-retirement. Partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, has been a significant boon for him. He credits the Sportcane for enhancing his mobility and independence. “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 remarked, showcasing that even off the field, he's still finding ways to overcome challenges.
Jones's insights offer a window into the mind of a player who has lived through the highs and lows of professional football. His sentiments on the importance of veteran leadership will resonate with many, especially as the NFL continues to evolve and teams strive to recreate the chemistry and success of past champions.