Ed "Too Tall" Jones Reflects on the Cowboys’ Championship Legacy and the Importance of Veteran Leadership

Ed "Too Tall" Jones, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has seen it all. As a cornerstone of the team that emerged victorious in Super Bowl XII, Jones’ football acumen is unparalleled. Throughout his 15-year career, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks and earned All-Pro honors as a defensive end, cementing his place among NFL legends.

Yet, Jones’ significance extends beyond his on-field statistics. He brings a profound understanding of what it takes to secure postseason success, a topic he is passionate about. His perspectives are particularly valuable given the Cowboys have not returned to the Super Bowl stage since January 1996.

Jones recently emphasized the vital role seasoned players play 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 remarked, highlighting a missing ingredient in today’s playoff contenders.

Jones’ insights are anchored in the experience of the Cowboys’ pivotal era under Coach Jimmy Johnson in the '90s. The strategic acquisition of Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers, who had already secured two Super Bowl rings, was crucial to their subsequent triumphs. With Haley in the fold, the Cowboys clinched three Super Bowl titles within four years, a testament to the impact of experienced leadership.

Jones elaborated on this concept, stating, “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.”

The Cowboys’ legendary battles against the veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers in the '70s serve as a vivid example of the importance of experience. Jones reflected, “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.”

This philosophy extends beyond merely having leadership; it’s about the presence of players who have navigated the pressures of the biggest stages and emerged victorious. Jones believes the Cowboys’ struggles in recent playoffs can be linked to a lack of this elite, battle-tested leadership. He explained, “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’ perspective on leadership isn’t solely relegated to football. His personal life and ongoing collaboration with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, underscore the broader importance of support and resilience. Jones credits Sportcane for significantly improving his mobility and quality of life, stating, “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’ blend of personal experience and professional success offers a nuanced understanding of what it means to thrive under pressure, both on and off the field. As teams like the Cowboys look to break their long Super Bowl droughts, his words resonate with the clarity and wisdom of someone who has reached the pinnacle of the sport.

Jones’ reflections serve as a potent reminder that while talent and strategy are vital, the presence of experienced warriors in the locker room who have “been there, done that” can be the true game-changer in the quest for championship glory.