A 6’9” defensive end from Tennessee State University, Ed “Too Tall” Jones gained national attention in 1974 when the Dallas Cowboys selected him as the first pick in the NFL draft. This marked the first and only time a player from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has been chosen as the top pick. Jones played his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, appearing in 224 games while never missing a game. He was a three-time Pro Bowler(1981-1983), a two-time AP All-Pro ( 1981 & 1982), and helped the Cowboys to a 1977 Super Bowl XII victory over the Denver Broncos. “Too Tall” registered 106 (unofficial) career sacks, which ranks top 50 in the NFL’s all-time sack leader ranks. His most productive season rushing the passer came in 1985 when he started all 16 games and recorded a career-best 13 sacks, which ranked as the eighth-most that season. Jones retired from football in 1979 to pursue a professional boxing career.He compiled a perfect 6-0 record before returning to the Cowboys in 1980. After a combined 15 seasons with ‘Americas Team”, Jones officially retired at the end of the 1989 season. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.
