Ed Too Tall Jones: The Dallas Cowboys Legend Who Stood Tall

Dr. Reanna Crooks DVM 23 Jul 2025

When you think about the Dallas Cowboys' glory days in the 1970s, one figure, very truly, stands out, not just for his skill but for his sheer physical presence. That figure, you know, is Edward Lee "Too Tall" Jones. His story is, in a way, a fascinating one, stretching beyond the football field into the boxing ring and even onto the big screen. He was, arguably, a unique force in professional sports, leaving a mark that continues to resonate with fans and historians alike, even today.

Ed Too Tall Jones, a towering defensive end, became a true icon for the Cowboys. He was a big part of their defense during those incredible Super Bowl years. His journey, from a young man dreaming of basketball to an NFL star, and then to a boxer and movie personality, is pretty remarkable, you know. It’s a tale filled with achievements, some challenges, and quite a few surprises along the way, showing just how versatile and determined he was.

This comprehensive article will explore the life and career of Ed Too Tall Jones. We'll look at his historic draft pick, his impact on the Dallas Cowboys, and his ventures outside of football. You'll learn about his early days, his time at an HBCU, and what made him such a memorable player. So, let's get into the details of this truly legendary figure.

Biography: The Story of Ed "Too Tall" Jones
- Personal Details & Biographical Data
Early Life and College Days
The Historic NFL Draft Moment
Dallas Cowboys Career: A Defensive Force
Super Bowl Success and Key Plays
A Stint in Professional Boxing
Return to the Gridiron
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Life After the Game
Frequently Asked Questions About Ed "Too Tall" Jones

Biography: The Story of Ed "Too Tall" Jones

Edward Lee Jones, better known as Ed "Too Tall" Jones, was born on February 23, 1951. His parents were Abbie Jones and Jack Jones. He came into the world in Jackson, Tennessee. This is, you know, where his story truly began, a story that would later take him to the very top of professional sports. He was, apparently, destined for something big, even from a young age.

He grew up in Jackson and attended Merry High School there. As a boy, he actually dreamed of becoming a basketball player. This dream, you see, was quite strong, and he was an outstanding high school basketball player. His talent on the court led him to Tennessee State University. At Tennessee State, he continued to play basketball for his first two years. That, in a way, set the stage for his athletic journey, showing his initial passion was for hoops.

His path, however, would eventually shift from the basketball court to the football field. This change, arguably, proved to be a pivotal one for him and for the history of the NFL. His incredible height and athletic ability, which made him a great basketball player, translated remarkably well to defensive end. This transition, quite frankly, showed his versatility and natural talent for sports.

Personal Details & Biographical Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Edward Lee Jones
Nickname	"Too Tall"
Born	February 23, 1951
Birthplace	Jackson, Tennessee
Parents	Abbie Jones, Jack Jones
High School	Merry High School, Jackson, Tennessee
College	Tennessee State University (HBCU)
Height	6'9" (Six feet, nine inches)
Primary Sport	American Football (Defensive End)
Other Sport	Professional Boxing
NFL Team	Dallas Cowboys (entire career)
NFL Draft	1974, Number 1 Overall Pick
Super Bowl Wins	XII (with Dallas Cowboys)
Career Sacks (unofficial)	106

Early Life and College Days

Edward Lee Jones, born in Jackson, Tennessee, on February 23, 1951, had a childhood where sports were, in some respects, a big part of his world. He attended Merry High School in his hometown. During his time there, he was, quite honestly, an outstanding basketball player. His talent on the basketball court was very evident, and it was his first love in sports, you know, the game he truly wanted to pursue.

His basketball skills led him to Tennessee State University. This institution is, as a matter of fact, a historically Black college and university, or HBCU. At Tennessee State, he spent his first two years playing basketball. He was, apparently, quite good at it, showcasing his height and agility on the court. It was during this period that his path, surprisingly, began to change, leading him away from basketball and towards a different kind of fame.

The shift to football was, in a way, a pivotal moment for him. His incredible physical attributes, especially his height, made him a natural fit for the defensive end position. This move, you see, was quite a transition, but one that he adapted to remarkably well. He quickly became a standout on the football field, demonstrating a powerful presence that would soon catch the attention of professional scouts. His time at Tennessee State, in short, prepared him for the big leagues.

The Historic NFL Draft Moment

The year 1974 marked a truly historic moment for Ed "Too Tall" Jones and for the NFL itself. He was, in fact, the number one draft choice overall in that year's NFL Draft. This was, arguably, a groundbreaking selection for several reasons. It put him in a very unique category of players, setting a precedent that has, in some respects, stood the test of time, even to this day.

What made this draft pick so significant? Well, Jones was the first Black college player ever to be drafted number one overall. This achievement, you know, was a massive step forward for diversity in professional football. It showed that talent, regardless of background, could reach the very top. This selection, quite frankly, made headlines and was a proud moment for many, especially for the HBCU community.

Furthermore, his selection also made history for HBCUs. He was the first, and still only, player from a historically Black college and university to be selected with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. This is, truly, a remarkable distinction that highlights his exceptional talent and the quality of football played at HBCUs. His draft day, you see, was more than just about him; it was about breaking barriers and setting new standards.

Dallas Cowboys Career: A Defensive Force

Ed "Too Tall" Jones joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1974, right after being the number one draft pick. He played defensive end for the team from 1974 through 1978 during his first stint. His physical presence, standing at 6'9", was, honestly, quite imposing on the field. He was, basically, one of the biggest players in NFL history at that time, and that height gave him a distinct advantage.

Jones quickly became a very big part of the Dallas Cowboys defense. This defense was, in fact, a dominant unit during their Super Bowl years in the 1970s. He was a versatile defender, you know, someone who could both rush the passer with great effectiveness and also stop the run cold. His ability to do both made him a truly valuable asset to the team, a player who could impact the game in multiple ways.

He was, in a way, a key component of a defense that struck fear into opposing offenses. His height wasn't just for show; it allowed him to bat down passes, a skill he actually became known for. He was, surprisingly, the first player in the NFL to bat down a pass. That specific play, you see, became a signature move for him, showing his unique reach and timing. His presence on the line, quite frankly, made a huge difference for the Cowboys' success.

Super Bowl Success and Key Plays

Ed "Too Tall" Jones was, very truly, a central figure in the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl successes during the 1970s. His time with the team saw them reach the pinnacle of professional football. He played a significant role in their Super Bowl XII victory. That win, you know, was a crowning achievement for the team and for him personally, solidifying his place in Cowboys history.

As a defensive end, Jones contributed to a formidable defensive unit that helped the Cowboys win that championship. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt plays was, honestly, a big reason for their success. He was, basically, a nightmare for offensive lines, using his incredible height and strength to get past blockers. His contributions were, in some respects, vital to the team's overall performance during those high-stakes games.

His skill in batting down passes was, as a matter of fact, a truly unique aspect of his game. Being the first to do it in the NFL meant he literally changed how defensive linemen played. This move, you see, showcased his exceptional reach and his keen understanding of the game. It allowed him to turn what might have been completions into incomplete passes, giving the Cowboys' defense an extra edge. He was, in short, a game-changer on the defensive line.

A Stint in Professional Boxing

After his initial run with the Dallas Cowboys from 1974 through 1978, Ed "Too Tall" Jones made a rather surprising decision. He, you know, attempted a professional boxing career. This was, arguably, a bold move for an NFL player at the peak of his football career. It showed his willingness to take on new challenges and explore other athletic avenues, even if it meant stepping away from the gridiron for a bit.

He spent a year pursuing this boxing career. During that time, he actually won all of his professional boxing matches. This record, you see, is quite impressive, demonstrating his natural athletic ability translated well to the boxing ring. He was, apparently, a formidable presence in boxing, just as he was in football, using his height and reach to his advantage. It was, in a way, a testament to his overall athletic prowess.

This venture into boxing made headlines and showed a different side of the towering athlete. It was, frankly, an unusual path for a star NFL player to take, but Jones was never one to shy away from something new. His success in the ring, though brief, added another layer to his already unique sports story. It proved, in some respects, that he could excel in more than just one demanding professional sport.

Return to the Gridiron

After his year pursuing a boxing career, Ed "Too Tall" Jones made the decision to return to professional football. He came back to play for the Dallas Cowboys for the 1980 season. This return was, honestly, a welcome sight for Cowboys fans, who had missed his dominant presence on the defensive line. He was, basically, stepping back into a role he was born to play, ready to make an impact once more.

Upon his return, he replaced John Dutton at defensive end. And, you know, he performed even better than he had during his first stint with the team. This improvement, you see, was quite remarkable, showing that his time away, perhaps, even sharpened his focus or his physical condition. He came back with renewed vigor and continued to be a very dominant force for the Cowboys' defense, picking up right where he left off, and then some.

Jones continued to play for the Dallas Cowboys for many more seasons after his return. He is best known for playing 15 seasons for the team, which is a very long and distinguished career in the National Football League. This extended period of play, arguably, speaks volumes about his durability, skill, and commitment to the sport. He truly became, in a way, a permanent fixture on that Cowboys defensive line, a reliable and powerful presence for years.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Ed "Too Tall" Jones left an undeniable mark on the NFL, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys. He was, in fact, considered one of the most dominant defensive players of his era. His career sack total, unofficially recorded at 106, speaks volumes about his ability to get to the quarterback. This number, you know, places him among the very best at his position, showing his consistent effectiveness throughout his long career.

His physical stature, standing at 6'9", made him one of the biggest players in NFL history. This height, you see, was not just a curiosity; it was a powerful tool that he used to great effect on the field. He was, apparently, physically imposing, to be sure, and his unique build allowed him to disrupt plays in ways other players simply could not. His presence alone, quite frankly, altered offensive game plans.

Beyond his on-field performance, Jones's legacy also includes his groundbreaking draft status. Being the first Black college player and the first HBCU player drafted number one overall is, arguably, a historic achievement that paved the way for others. This aspect of his story, in some respects, goes beyond football statistics, touching on important social and athletic milestones. He was, truly, a pioneer in that regard, a trailblazer for future generations of athletes.

Life After the Game

After a long and successful career with the Dallas Cowboys, Ed "Too Tall" Jones retired from professional football. He retired early in his career, then came back, and then retired again. His career spanned many years, leaving him as a true Cowboys legend. Even after hanging up his cleats, his story, you know, continued to capture interest, showing that his impact went beyond just playing the game.

He was, as a matter of fact, known for his ventures outside of football, including his brief but successful professional boxing career. This willingness to explore different avenues showed his diverse talents and interests. He even became a movie star, adding another interesting chapter to his life story. This transition, you see, from athlete to entertainer, is quite unique and speaks to his charismatic personality.

Today, people still learn about the life and career of Ed "Too Tall" Jones. His stats are still checked out by fans and researchers. He remains a significant figure in the history of the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL. His story, in a way, serves as a reminder of a time when a towering defensive end could dominate the game, venture into other sports, and leave a truly lasting impression. You can learn more about his professional football statistics and biographical data on a well-known sports history site, for example, like Pro-Football-Reference.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ed "Too Tall" Jones

What made Ed Too Tall Jones unique in the NFL draft?

Ed "Too Tall" Jones was, in fact, unique in the NFL draft because he was the first Black college player ever to be drafted number one overall. He was also the first, and still only, player from a historically Black college and university (HBCU) to be selected with the first overall pick. This made his draft moment, you know, truly historic and groundbreaking for the league and for HBCU football.

Did Ed Too Tall Jones ever box professionally?

Yes, he did. After his first stint with the Dallas Cowboys, Ed "Too Tall" Jones pursued a professional boxing career for about a year. During that time, he actually won all of his professional boxing matches. This venture, you see, was quite successful, showing his versatility as an athlete, and he later returned to play for the Cowboys, too.

How tall was Ed Too Tall Jones?

Ed "Too Tall" Jones stood at an impressive 6 feet, 9 inches tall. His height was, honestly, a very defining characteristic and gave him a significant advantage as a defensive end in the NFL. He was, basically, one of the biggest players in NFL history, and his stature helped him bat down passes and dominate the line of scrimmage.

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