Too Tall Jones
There was, you know, a time when a player's presence on the football field just felt different, like they were almost larger than life. That's certainly the case for Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a name that still echoes in the halls of football history. He was a force, playing defense for the Dallas Cowboys, and he even, in a way, stepped into the boxing ring. His time with the Cowboys saw them achieve the ultimate prize, a Super Bowl victory, which is something many players only dream about, actually.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones truly was a significant contributor to the Dallas Cowboys' defensive unit during their most successful period in the 1970s, a time when they were often competing for championships. His involvement helped shape that era for the team, making him a memorable figure for fans who watched those games. People still talk about the impact he had on the game, and that, is that, a pretty good sign of his lasting influence.
This discussion will go into the life and professional path of Ed "Too Tall" Jones, from his beginnings to his moments of glory on the football field and beyond. We will, in some respects, explore what made him such a remarkable athlete and a unique individual in the world of professional sports. You'll get a better sense of his journey and what he accomplished, especially as the first and only player from a historically Black college and university to be picked first overall in the NFL's selection process, which is quite a distinction.
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Table of Contents
- The Story of Ed "Too Tall" Jones
- What Made Too Tall Jones Stand Out on the Field?
- Did Too Tall Jones Pursue Other Sports?
- What Awards and Records Did Too Tall Jones Achieve?
- How Did Too Tall Jones Get His Famous Nickname?
- A Look at the Career Stats of Too Tall Jones
The Story of Ed "Too Tall" Jones
Edward Lee Jones, the man who would come to be known far and wide as "Too Tall," entered the world on February 23, 1951, in a place called Jackson, Tennessee. His beginnings were humble, like many athletes who go on to achieve great things. He grew up there, and, you know, it was in this setting that his journey toward becoming a notable figure in sports began. This early part of his life, in Jackson, Tennessee, really set the stage for all that would follow, giving him a foundation, in a way, for his later accomplishments.
Before his days with the Dallas Cowboys, or even his time playing college football, Ed Jones was just a young person in Jackson. He completed his high school education at Merry High School, which was located in his hometown. After finishing up there, he then went on to attend Tennessee State University. This move to college marked a new chapter for him, one where his athletic gifts would really start to get noticed. It's almost as if his path was laid out, leading him from a local high school to a university where he would begin to make a name for himself, basically.
Early Life and Collegiate Days for Too Tall Jones
During his time at Tennessee State University, Ed Jones was not just focused on football right away. Actually, he spent his first two years there playing basketball, which speaks to his athletic abilities beyond the gridiron. He was, apparently, quite a good high school basketball player, and that talent led him to be recruited by Tennessee State. It's interesting how some athletes have a broad range of skills, and his story certainly shows that versatility, in some respects.
It was at Tennessee State, too, that Jones picked up the nickname that would stick with him for the rest of his public life. A teammate, noticing that his football pants seemed a bit on the short side for his frame, made a comment. He told Jones that he was "too tall for football." This casual remark, as a matter of fact, ended up becoming the moniker that everyone would use to identify him. That simple observation from a friend ended up defining a part of his public identity, which is really something.
His performance while at Tennessee State, even with that humorous nickname attached, certainly caught the attention of the Dallas Cowboys' talent scouts. They were, you know, always looking for promising players, and Jones's skills stood out. So, in 1974, the Cowboys made a significant decision: they selected Jones as the very first pick in the entire NFL draft. This was a massive moment, not just for him, but for college football history, which we'll get into a little more later, but it truly shows how much potential they saw in him.
Personal Details for Too Tall Jones
Here are some personal details about Edward Lee "Too Tall" Jones, giving a quick look at some key facts about his life and background. This information helps to paint a picture of the man behind the famous nickname, giving you, like, a sense of his origins.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward Lee Jones |
| Nickname | Too Tall |
| Date of Birth | February 23, 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Jackson, Tennessee |
| Parents | Abbie Jones and Jack Jones |
| High School | Merry High School (Jackson, TN) |
| College | Tennessee State University |
| Height | 6 feet, 9 inches |
What Made Too Tall Jones Stand Out on the Field?
Ed "Too Tall" Jones was, in many ways, a distinctive presence on the football field, especially for a defensive player. His unusual stature, standing at an impressive 6 feet, 9 inches, certainly played a part in making him noticeable. This kind of height for a defensive lineman was not typical, and it gave him some clear advantages, as you might imagine. It's that kind of physical attribute that just makes you stop and take notice, frankly, when you see it in action.
His physical dimensions were a big part of what made him so effective. Being so tall meant he could reach out and affect plays in ways other players simply could not. He wasn't just tall, though; he combined that height with a strong build and athletic skill, which made him a tough opponent for anyone trying to get past him. This combination of size and ability meant he was, you know, a very difficult person to block, and that's a big deal in football.
A Towering Presence - The Physicality of Too Tall Jones
As a defensive end, Jones was known for being a true disruptor. His job, in essence, was to mess up the other team's plans, particularly their passing game. He was a player who, you know, chased down opposing quarterbacks with a lot of force and determination. But he didn't stop there. His long arms and great reach meant he could often bat down passes right out of the air, which is a rare skill for someone in his position. This made him a threat on every play, not just when he was trying to sack the quarterback.
To give you a sense of just how impactful his pass-deflecting abilities were, consider this: in 1980, the Dallas Cowboys' defense, as a whole, managed to tip or knock down 19 passes throughout the entire season. A significant portion of those were, apparently, due to the efforts of "Too Tall" Jones. This statistic really shows how much of a difference one player, with a unique set of physical gifts, could make to an entire team's defensive output. It's a clear indication of his specific contribution to the team's success, really.
Jones himself had a clear mindset about his role and his presence on the field. He once put it this way: "My attitude was I’m the toughest, biggest, baddest on the block." This quote, you know, gives you a pretty good idea of the confidence and the aggressive spirit he brought to every game. That kind of self-belief, coupled with his immense physical attributes, made him a truly intimidating figure for opposing offenses. It's a mindset that, honestly, defines a lot of great defensive players.
Dominance and Defensive Plays by Too Tall Jones
He was, in fact, one of the biggest players to ever step onto an NFL field. Standing at that impressive 6 feet, 9 inches, he wasn't just a tall individual; he was also a remarkably versatile defender. This means he could perform a variety of tasks on defense effectively. He had the speed and agility to pursue the passer, making life difficult for quarterbacks trying to throw the ball. But he could also, you know, hold his ground and stop running plays, which is often called "stuffing the run." This combination of skills made him a complete defensive package, a true asset to his team.
His ability to both pressure the passer and defend against the run made him a rare talent. Many players excel at one or the other, but "Too Tall" Jones could do both with a high degree of success. This versatility meant that opposing offensive coordinators had to spend extra time planning how to deal with him, because he wasn't a one-trick pony. He could, in a way, adjust to whatever the offense was trying to do, which made him incredibly valuable to the Cowboys' defense.
Did Too Tall Jones Pursue Other Sports?
Yes, Ed "Too Tall" Jones did, in fact, try his hand at another professional sport besides football. After playing defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys from 1974 through 1978, he took a break from the gridiron to attempt a career in professional boxing. This was a pretty bold move, considering his success in football. It showed, you know, a different side of his athletic ambition and his willingness to try new challenges. It's not every day you see a top NFL player switch sports like that, basically.
His boxing career, while perhaps not as long-lasting or as widely known as his football career, was, in a way, quite successful during the time he pursued it. He managed to win all of his professional boxing matches. This achievement speaks volumes about his athletic gifts and his ability to adapt his skills to a completely different physical challenge. It's pretty remarkable, actually, to be undefeated in a professional sport, even for a short period. This period of his life showed that his "toughest, biggest, baddest" attitude extended beyond the football field.
It's worth noting that his time in boxing was a specific chapter in his overall athletic story. He eventually returned to play for the Dallas Cowboys, which shows his deep connection to football. But for a period, he was a boxer, and he performed well. This part of his story often surprises people who only know him from his football days, and it just goes to show, you know, the breadth of his athletic capabilities. It's a unique aspect of the story of "Too Tall" Jones.
What Awards and Records Did Too Tall Jones Achieve?
Ed "Too Tall" Jones collected a number of significant accomplishments and honors throughout his long career with the Dallas Cowboys. These achievements really highlight his consistent performance and the respect he earned from his peers and the league. One of the most notable team accomplishments, of course, was winning Super Bowl XII with the Dallas Cowboys. That's a major milestone for any player, and it's something that, you know, forever links him to a championship team. This victory is a big part of his legacy, actually.
Beyond team success, Jones also earned individual recognition for his play. He was selected to participate in three Pro Bowls, which are games that showcase the best players in the league from each conference. Being chosen for the Pro Bowl multiple times indicates that he was consistently considered among the top defensive players during his era. This kind of recognition from coaches and fellow players is a strong indicator of his skill and impact on the game, pretty much.
He also holds a significant club defensive record for the Cowboys: he started an impressive 194 games throughout his career. This number speaks to his durability and his consistent presence on the field for a very long time. Playing in and starting that many games for one team is, in a way, a testament to his toughness and his reliability as a player. It shows he was always ready to go, week after week, which is a rare quality for a professional athlete.
In 1989, Jones was also given the Ed Block Courage Award. This award is presented to a player who demonstrates unusual strength, especially in overcoming adversity or showing remarkable resilience. Receiving this award suggests that his impact went beyond just his statistics on the field; it recognized his character and his ability to push through challenges. It's an award that, you know, really speaks to the kind of person he was, not just the player. It shows he had a lot of inner strength, too.
How Did Too Tall Jones Get His Famous Nickname?
The story behind Ed Jones's famous nickname, "Too Tall," is actually quite simple and, in a way, pretty charming. It didn't come from a dramatic play on the field or a sportscaster's clever phrase. Instead, it originated during his college days at Tennessee State University. This is, you know, often where these kinds of personal identifiers stick, in those formative years of a young athlete's life. It's a little bit of trivia that many fans find interesting, honestly.
The nickname came about because of a comment made by one of his teammates. Apparently, Jones's football pants were a bit short for his extremely long legs, which, of course, made him look even taller. His teammate, noticing this, made a casual remark that Jones was "too tall for football." It was a lighthearted jab, but it stuck. This seemingly small observation, as a matter of fact, ended up becoming the name by which he would be known to millions of football fans around the world. It's a great example of how nicknames can just, like, happen organically.
This simple phrase, uttered by a teammate, became an indelible part of his identity. It highlighted his most striking physical characteristic, his great height, in a way that was both descriptive and memorable. The nickname, "Too Tall," became synonymous with his powerful presence on the defensive line. It's interesting how something so straightforward can become so widely recognized, almost a brand in itself, you know, for a professional athlete.
A Look at the Career Stats of Too Tall Jones
When we look at the professional football career of Ed "Too Tall" Jones, we see a player who spent a significant amount of time with one team, the Dallas Cowboys. He played a total of 15 seasons for the Cowboys, which is a very long and impressive tenure in the demanding world of the NFL. This kind of longevity speaks volumes about his dedication and his ability to maintain a high level of play over a considerable period. It's not every player who gets to stay with one club for so long, basically.
His playing time with the Cowboys stretched across a number of years. The information available suggests he played defensive end for the team from 1974 through 1978, which was the initial part of his career before his boxing venture. However, other information also indicates he played for 15 seasons in total, implying a return to the team and a longer overall presence. It's a bit of a puzzle, but what is clear, you know, is that he was a long-term fixture on that Cowboys defensive line. His commitment to the team was evident through his extended time there.
During his time on the field, he participated in many games. There's a mention that in one particular instance, he played but did not record a tackle. This can happen in football, as defensive players have many roles beyond just making tackles, such as disrupting plays or occupying blockers. So, you know, while tackles are a key stat, they don't tell the whole story of a defensive player's impact. His overall contributions were more about disruption and control, as we've discussed.
As mentioned earlier, he was selected to play in three Pro Bowls, which is a significant honor for a player in his position. These selections show that he was consistently recognized as one of the best at what he did. Being chosen by his peers and coaches for these all-star games speaks volumes about his performance and reputation across the league. It's a pretty clear sign of his consistent excellence, really.
And, of course, the highlight of his team accomplishments was winning Super Bowl XII. This championship victory is the ultimate prize in professional football, and it places him among a select group of players who have reached the pinnacle of the sport. His role in that Super Bowl-winning defense was, in a way, a defining moment of his career. It’s the kind of achievement that every player strives for, and he managed to get it, actually, with the Dallas Cowboys.
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