In the storied annals of the Dallas Cowboys, few names resonate as powerfully as Ed "Too Tall" Jones. A towering figure on the gridiron, Jones was an essential part of the Cowboys team that celebrated a resounding victory in Super Bowl XII. Over his remarkable 15-year career, Jones accumulated an impressive 106 sacks, solidifying his place as a formidable defensive end and earning him All-Pro honors.
Jones's insights into the game remain as sharp as his on-field performances. Reflecting on what makes a championship team, he emphasized the significance of seasoned players 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.”
This perspective draws from Jones's own experiences with the Cowboys, who last graced the Super Bowl stage in January 1996. A crucial element that bolstered their success in the '90s was the acquisition of Charles Haley under the stewardship of coach Jimmy Johnson. Haley, a proven winner with two rings from his time with the San Francisco 49ers, brought invaluable experience to the locker room. It was no coincidence that the Cowboys clinched their first of three Super Bowl titles in a four-year span shortly after Haley’s arrival.
“What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games,” Jones 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.” This philosophy underscores the importance of unseen leadership and experience that championship teams invariably exhibit.
Jones's reflections also touched on the internal dynamics of a successful team. “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.”
Drawing comparisons, Jones highlighted gaps in current rosters, including his beloved Cowboys. “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.” This candid assessment shines a light on the subtle, yet profound impacts that veteran presence can provide within a team.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones's wisdom stems from firsthand experiences during the fierce battles of the '70s. Recalling clashes against formidable Pittsburgh Steelers squads, he said, “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.”
Off the field, Jones has continued to inspire, finding new ways to overcome challenges. Recently, he partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. "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 said, crediting the device for significantly improving his mobility and quality of life.
Looking back, Jones also reflected on the pressures of being part of "America’s Team," saying, “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.”
Ed "Too Tall" Jones’s legacy is carved from his extraordinary contributions to the game, both in terms of performance and the profound wisdom he imparts. His reflections remind us that building a championship team goes beyond sheer talent—it requires the intangible yet indispensable assets of experience and leadership.