Ed "Too Tall" Jones and the Championship Blueprint
Ed "Too Tall" Jones, an iconic figure in NFL history, remains a beacon of wisdom in the world of professional football. As a former All-Pro defensive end and a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys team that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks over his stellar 15-year career. His insights into what makes a championship team are built on firsthand experience and years of observing the game’s evolving landscape.
The Importance of Veteran Presence
Jones firmly believes that seasoned players are critical to achieving postseason success. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasizes that internal leadership, particularly from those who have "been there, done that," is paramount. “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,” Jones stated.
He further elaborates, highlighting the difference made by players who can elevate their 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.”
Dallas Cowboys: A Call for Leadership
The Dallas Cowboys, once a dominant force in the NFL, have not reached the Super Bowl since January 1996. Reflecting on this drought, Jones points out the void in veteran leadership. “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 poignantly questions who players should follow, stressing that Dallas—and several other teams—lack that crucial guiding presence. “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.”
Lessons from an Era of Legends
Reflecting on his own experiences, Jones recalls the formidable challenges the Cowboys faced against veteran teams like the 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 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 credits the Cowboys' perseverance against these seasoned opponents, acknowledging the impact of experience in high-stakes games. His reflections underline the necessity of veteran leadership in steering teams through the pressures and complexities of playoff football.
Facing the Target
The Cowboys’ status as "America's Team" brought with it a unique set of challenges, turning them into perennial targets for every opponent. “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.” Jones’ comments shed light on the mental and physical fortitude required to consistently perform at a high level under relentless scrutiny.
Life Beyond the Field
Beyond his football career, Jones has managed to maintain an active lifestyle, thanks in part to his partnership with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid. He passionately credits the product for enhancing 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.”
Jones' journey from the gridiron to his post-football ventures exemplifies the resilience and adaptability that defined his playing days, continuing to inspire both fans and current players alike.