In a groundbreaking moment for collegiate football, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, a towering defensive end from Tennessee State University, made history in 1974 when the Dallas Cowboys selected him as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
This unprecedented move marked the first time a player from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) was chosen with the top selection, paving the way for future generations of talented athletes from these institutions.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Bold Move
The Dallas Cowboys, coming off their eighth consecutive playoff appearance but having won only one Super Bowl in 1971, were in search of a spark for their defensive line. Initially holding the 22nd overall pick, the Cowboys negotiated a trade with the Houston Oilers, who had finished the previous season with a dismal 1-13 record, securing the top spot in exchange for defensive end Tody Smith and wide receiver Billy Parks.
On January 29, 1974, the Cowboys made headlines by selecting the 6-foot-9 Ed “Too Tall” Jones from Tennessee State University. This decision shattered the glass ceiling for HBCU players, as Jones became 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.
A Basketball Standout Turned Gridiron Star
“Too Tall” Jones was originally recruited on a basketball scholarship in 1970 and played two years at Tennessee State before switching to football during his junior year. His first day on the field garnered immediate attention from teammates and coaches alike, with one player even bestowing upon him the memorable nickname “Too Tall.”
Jones’ decision to transition to football proved to be a life-changing choice, as he went on to win two Black College Football national championships in 1971 and 1973. By the end of his collegiate career, he had set the school record with 38 sacks, cementing his reputation as a defensive force.
Defying Expectations and Making an Impact
“We shocked everyone when we took Ed Jones from Tennessee State first overall because none of the draft experts had him ranked at all,” said former Cowboys vice president and Hall of Famer Gil Brandt.
Despite the initial surprise surrounding his selection, “Too Tall” Jones quickly proved his worth on the football field. In his rookie season, he led all first-year players with six sacks (an unofficial statistic at the time), earning a spot on the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team and finishing third in the Associated Press’ vote for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
A Dominant Presence on the “Doomsday Defense”
Jones’ tenure with the “America’s Team” saw him start on both iterations of the legendary “Doomsday Defense.” He played alongside Hall of Famers such as Bob Lilly, Chuck Howley, Mel Renfro, Herb Adderley, and Cliff Harris, as well as future stars like Randy White.
His impressive career spanned 15 seasons, during which he never missed a single game, playing a team-record 244 games (including 20 playoff games) and starting 223 times. Jones started at defensive end in three Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XII in 1978.
A Trailblazer and Hall of Famer
Ed “Too Tall” Jones’ remarkable career stats include an unofficial 106 sacks (sacks became an official stat in 1982, and Jones had 48.5 from 1974-1981), 19 forced fumbles, and three interceptions. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for three consecutive seasons (1982-84) and earned first-team AP All-Pro honors in 1982.
In recognition of his contributions to HBCU football, Jones was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2013, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer who opened doors for generations of talented players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
