As the Dallas Cowboys continue to chase another Super Bowl appearance, it's invaluable to reflect on the contributions of key figures from the team's storied past. Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense during their Super Bowl XII triumph, offers a wealth of insights based on his prolific career and his observations of the modern game.
Having spent 15 seasons terrorizing quarterbacks, Jones accumulated an impressive 106 sacks, earning himself a spot among the all-time greats. His stature on the field as a former All-Pro defensive end is matched by his stature off it, where he remains a respected voice in football circles.
The Importance of Veteran Leadership
Jones brings a perspective that only someone with his experience could provide. Reflecting on the current state of NFL teams vying for playoff success, he points to a significant factor many seem to overlook: the value of seasoned leadership in the locker room. "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.
For Jones, having been there matters immensely. Throughout the years, his belief has been unwavering that what separates good teams and players from great ones is the ability to elevate performance in crucial moments. "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," he adds.
Building Winning Chemistry
The Dallas Cowboys' recent history underscores Jones's point. Despite their talent and regular season success, the franchise hasn't made a Super Bowl appearance since January 1996. Moreover, Jones emphasizes that internal leadership is just as critical as the tactics devised by coaches. "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," Jones explains.
He elaborates further, stressing the necessity of a proven veteran presence. "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 states.
The Dallas Cowboys' strategic moves during the '90s reflect an understanding of this principle. Under coach Jimmy Johnson, the pivotal trade for Charles Haley brought a seasoned champion into the fold. Haley, who had already secured two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers, contributed to the Cowboys' three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span, marking an era of dominance.
The Veteran Advantage
Drawing parallels between his era and the current landscape, Jones recalls the challenges his young Cowboys team faced against veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers teams in the 1970s. "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," he recounts.
Facing the Pressure
Jones also touched on the unique pressures of playing for the Cowboys, famously dubbed America's Team. "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,” he acknowledges.
Life After Football
Off the field, Jones continues to inspire, having partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. His endorsement of the product is not merely professional but personal. "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 says, crediting it for significantly improving his mobility and quality of life.
As the Cowboys and other NFL contenders seek to recapture past glory, the wisdom of veterans like Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains a crucial part of the conversation. His experiences and observations underscore the profound impact of targeted veteran leadership and the resilience required to thrive at the highest levels of the sport.