Ed "Too Tall" Jones: The Legacy of a Cowboys Legend
Ed "Too Tall" Jones remains an enduring figure in the annals of football history, a towering defensive end whose career with the Dallas Cowboys left an indelible mark on the game. A key member of the Cowboys team that triumphed in Super Bowl XII, Jones' contributions to the sport continue to resonate years after his retirement.
During his illustrious 15-year career, Jones amassed an impressive 106 sacks, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force on the defensive line. A former All-Pro defensive end, he played a critical role in the Cowboys' success, helping to anchor a defense that consistently performed at an elite level.
The Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl Legacy
The Cowboys' latest Super Bowl appearance dates back to January 1996, a time when the team was a dominant force under the leadership of coach Jimmy Johnson. A pivotal moment in that era was the trade for Charles Haley in the '90s. Haley, who had already secured two rings with the San Francisco 49ers, brought invaluable experience to the Cowboys' locker room.
With Haley on board, the Cowboys won their first of three Super Bowl titles over a four-year span. His presence underscored the importance of seasoned players in achieving postseason success—a sentiment echoed by Jones.
"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 remarked.
The Importance of Veteran Leadership
Jones believes that what separates good players and teams is the presence of veterans who can elevate their game 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 said.
This perspective is rooted in his own experiences, having faced veteran-laden teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers during his career. "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," Jones reflected. "I was proud of the way we hung in there against a veteran team because experience in big games is very important. Very important."
The Current State of the Cowboys
Turning his attention to the current state of the Cowboys, Jones pointed out something he believes is missing: leadership from players who have been to the pinnacle of the sport. "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 noted.
He expressed his thoughts on the challenges teams face in the playoffs, emphasizing that it's not just about the coaches. "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 explained.
Off the Field: Too Tall’s New Chapter
Despite his football career being long behind him, Jones continues to make strides off the field. He has partnered with Sportcane, a newly designed walking aid, which he credits with significantly improving 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 said.
Jones' journey from the gridiron to his current endeavors exemplifies the resilience and adaptability that defined his career. While the Dallas Cowboys' search for Super Bowl glory continues, Jones' legacy as a stalwart defender and advocate for veteran leadership remains a guiding beacon for future generations.