Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains a towering figure in the annals of Dallas Cowboys lore. A pivotal player in the team’s triumph at Super Bowl XII, Jones' name is synonymous with defensive prowess. Yet, his legacy extends far beyond his career numbers, which include an impressive 106 sacks over 15 seasons. Jones was not just another All-Pro defensive end; he was a cornerstone, a beacon of what it meant to be a steadfast competitor in the NFL.
Reflecting on his storied career and the dynamics of team success, Jones offers a perspective rich with hard-earned wisdom. He ardently believes that seasoned players are integral to achieving postseason glory. "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 asserts.
Jones’ insights speak volumes, especially considering the context of the Dallas Cowboys' challenges in recent decades. The team's last Super Bowl appearance was in January 1996, a game that now feels like a distant memory to their ardent fanbase. The 90s, however, were a beacon of hope, marked by strategic moves under coach Jimmy Johnson, including the acquisition of Charles Haley. Haley, a formidable force who had already won two rings with the San Francisco 49ers, brought a winning mindset that translated into immediate success. The Cowboys clinched their first of three Super Bowl titles within a four-year span shortly after Haley joined the team.
Jones is vocal about the unseen yet critical elements of team composition. "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 emphasizes. His views underscore a broader narrative on leadership and experience, intangible assets that can catalyze a team's performance under pressure.
Internal leadership, according to Jones, is not a commodity that can be listed on a stat sheet but an intrinsic quality that makes the difference when the stakes are highest. "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 explains.
Jones' reflections are steeped in firsthand experience, particularly when recalling the Cowboys' clashes with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the '70s. "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," he reminisces. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
Beyond the gridiron, Jones has ventured into a partnership with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid that has revolutionized his post-career 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 states with gratitude. The device has significantly improved his mobility, ensuring that Jones remains active and engaged despite the physical toll of his years on the field.
Jones’ candid reflections shed light on the essence of what it takes to build a championship team. It's not merely about talent or strategy but about integrating wisdom, experience, and leadership into the fabric of the team. His words resonate as a poignant reminder that the legacy of a player is not just measured in accolades and statistics, but also in the enduring impact they have on the generations that follow.