Ed "Too Tall" Jones is celebrated for his contributions to the storied history of the Dallas Cowboys, notably helping the team secure a victory in Super Bowl XII. Over his illustrious 15-year career, Jones distinguished himself with 106 sacks, establishing a legacy as one of the top All-Pro defensive ends of his era.
Reflecting on the current state of NFL teams, Jones emphasizes the crucial role experienced players play 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," Jones remarked.
His perspective is informed by his own experiences and observations. Jones points out that the Cowboys' recent history of playoff appearances has lacked the seasoned leadership necessary to propel the team to Super Bowl glory. "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," he asserted.
The Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance was back in January 1996. During that era, the team benefited from the acquisition of Charles Haley, a seasoned player who had already secured two championship rings with the San Francisco 49ers before bringing his talents to Dallas. Soon after Haley's arrival, the Cowboys clinched three Super Bowl titles in four years, a testament to the value of veteran presence.
Jones draws from painful memories against the veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s to highlight his point. "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 recollected.
The importance of internal leadership extends beyond just having captains, according to Jones. He believes that having a player who has "been there, done that" makes an indelible difference. "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," he explained.
For Jones, the demanding nature of the sport extends past the physical toll. Teams like the Cowboys, dubbed "America's Team," often face heightened scrutiny and competition. "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," he said.
Despite the physical challenges that come with a lengthy career in the NFL, Jones has found ways to maintain his quality of life post-retirement. He has partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, which he credits with significantly improving his mobility. "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 shared.
Jones’s insights and reflections provide a compelling case for the invaluable role of veteran leadership in NFL locker rooms. As the Cowboys and other teams continue their quest for Super Bowl success, the lessons from seasoned players like Jones could prove pivotal in turning aspirations into reality.