Ed "Too Tall" Jones, the towering former All-Pro defensive end of the Dallas Cowboys, remains a voice of wisdom in the world of football long after his retirement. Known for his incredible career tally of 106 sacks over 15 seasons, Jones was an integral part of the Dallas Cowboys' roster that secured victory in Super Bowl XII.
Reflecting on the current state of the NFL and the importance of seasoned leadership, Jones often points to the value of experience 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," he states. This insight springs from his extensive experience on the field, illuminated by battles against seasoned teams that tested the mettle of youthful squads.
The Value of Veteran Presence
In Jones's view, what separates the good teams from the great ones isn't just talent or coaching—it's the presence of players who have been through the fire of Super Bowl combat. "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 emphasizes, highlighting the unseen value of postseason-proven veterans.
Jones specifically notes the Cowboys' last Super Bowl appearance was in January 1996, a period of domination catalyzed by the acquisition of Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers. Haley already came with two Super Bowl rings and brought an element of veteran stability that Jones believes is crucial. Notably, under coach Jimmy Johnson’s guidance, this pivotal trade helped the Cowboys claim three Super Bowl titles over a four-year stretch. Jones argues, “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." For Jones, this leadership isn’t merely about captains—it’s about those who've "been there, done that."
Leadership Gaps in Modern Teams
Jones doesn't shy away from calling out teams he feels lack this crucial component. "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," he notes.
Drawing on his own experiences against veteran teams, Jones recounts the challenges his youthful Cowboys faced against the veteran-laden Pittsburgh Steelers in 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 when they beat us in '78, even though we only lost by four points both games." These experiences against the Steelers underscored for Jones the critical role that experience plays in clutch moments. "Experience in big games is very important. Very important,” he stresses.
Challenges and Adjustments Post-Career
In his post-football life, Jones has faced his own battles, including maintaining his mobility. To this end, he credits Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, with significantly improving his 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,” Jones shares.
The legendary defensive end's reflections offer a compelling blend of personal experience and professional insight, casting a critical eye on the evolving dynamics of team leadership in the NFL. His observations carry weight not just because of his past accolades but because they resonate with a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to reach and excel at the pinnacle of professional football.
Jones's story and his advice serve as a potent reminder of the enduring importance of seasoned leadership, a factor that might just be the missing piece for many good teams looking to become great. As coaches and general managers chart their courses, they would do well to heed the words of a man who has not only witnessed championship glory but has also been a cornerstone of it. Ed "Too Tall" Jones’s wisdom, born from the gridiron, remains a valuable asset both on and off the field.