Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a linchpin for the Dallas Cowboys during their Super Bowl XII triumph, is a name every NFL aficionado recognizes. Over a remarkable 15-year career, Jones accumulated an impressive 106 sacks, earning his stripes as an All-Pro defensive end. Despite the Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance dating back to January 1996, Jones's insights into what it takes to achieve postseason success remain relevant and poignant.
A Champion’s Perspective
Reflecting on today’s NFL teams, Jones emphasizes the importance of experienced players in achieving playoff 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,” he asserts. These words resonate in an era where the pressure to perform is unrelenting, and the postseason separates the legends from the rest.
What’s clear from Jones's observation is a call to general managers across the league. “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.” For Jones, the absence of seasoned leaders is a significant gap in many franchises aiming for Super Bowl glory.
The Dallas Cowboys Equation
For the Dallas Cowboys, a team with a storied past but recent playoff struggles, Jones’s perspective hits close to home. “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.” These comments point to a deficit in the intangibles that often spell the difference between a good team and a championship team.
Jones doesn't shy away from critiquing the current Cowboys' setup, “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.” His analysis is rooted in historical precedent, where the blend of seasoned veterans and young talent created dynasties.
Lessons from the Past
Jones reflects on the bitter rivalry and tough losses against Pittsburgh in the '70s, where experience tilted the scales. “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.” The lesson is not lost: experience and veteran presence are invaluable.
A Modern-day Advocate
Off the field, Jones has found a new mission, partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. The impact on his life is profound. “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 Sportcane for significantly improving his mobility and quality of life, an endorsement that speaks to many who may underestimate the importance of such aids.
The narrative woven by Ed "Too Tall" Jones stands as both a reflection of a storied career and a blueprint for future success. His emphasis on veteran leadership, seasoned experience, and the critical nature of big-game performance transcends eras, offering timeless advice to teams striving for Super Bowl glory.