Ed "Too Tall" Jones: Reflecting on an Iconic Career and the Path to Postseason Success
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a towering figure both literally and figuratively in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, still commands respect years after his retirement. A former All-Pro defensive end, Jones' illustrious 15-year career saw him notch an impressive 106 sacks, a statistic that solidifies his place in NFL lore. A key contributor to the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII triumph, Jones' insights on postseason success stem from an intimate knowledge of what it takes to win at the highest level.
The Dallas Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance came in January 1996, a span many fans yearn to end. Under the guidance of coach Jimmy Johnson during the '90s, the Cowboys made one of the most pivotal trades by acquiring Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers. Haley, a seasoned veteran with two Super Bowl rings to his name, joined the Cowboys and soon led them to their first of three Super Bowl titles in a prosperous four-year span. This move was emblematic of Jones' belief that experienced players are vital for 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,” Jones observed. “To be a champion, you've got to be able to get to another level.” His words resonate, particularly when considering how modern NFL teams strategize for success.
Jones argues that what separates good teams from great ones is the presence of players who perform exceptionally in clutch moments. “What separates good players and good teams is teams who have players who can go to another level in big games,” he said. “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, despite a consistent regular-season performance, have struggled to replicate their historical playoff success. Jones highlights a lack of internal leadership as a critical gap. “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.”
Reflecting on past battles, Jones recalled the experience gap that separated his team from the Pittsburgh Steelers during 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 '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’ candid reflections on the motivations that come from being labeled "America's Team" offer another layer to his narrative. “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.” His words paint a vivid picture of the relentless scrutiny and high expectations faced by the Cowboys.
Off the field, Jones has embraced a new role, partnering with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid that has significantly improved his mobility and quality of 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,” he remarked. Jones’ partnership with Sportcane underscores his ongoing resilience and commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle, irrespective of physical challenges.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones' life and career offer invaluable lessons. From emphasizing the importance of veteran presence in football to his endorsement of innovations that enhance quality of life post-retirement, Jones continues to be a voice of wisdom and inspiration. His journey and observations serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of a champion. As the Dallas Cowboys and their fans look to the future, the insights of legends like Jones could provide the roadmap to restoring the franchise's storied legacy of success.