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United States Ed "Too Tall" Jones transitioned from a dominant NFL defensive end to an actor and brand ambassador, applying his robust presence to various public engagements.
All-Pro Dallas Cowboys player, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, will become an official ambassador of the brand. The innovative cane assists daily walking activities.
Jones starred in a GEICO commercial that initially aired in late 2009. The commercial rhetorically asks if Jones is indeed "too tall," then confirms it by showing a nurse attempting to measure his height, but breaking the medical scale's height rod when it doesn't reach high enough. The nurse then mutters, "I'm just going to guesstimate."
Edward Lee Jones, born on February 23, 1951, in Jackson, Tennessee, initially excelled in basketball and baseball during his time at Merry High School. Despite playing only three football games in high school, his athletic talent led him to Tennessee State University on a basketball scholarship. He later transitioned to football, where his imposing height earned him the nickname “Too Tall.” Jones became a two-time All-American defensive lineman at Tennessee State, contributing to national championships in 1971 and 1973. He still holds significant school records for sacks, with 12 in a season and 38 career sacks. His collegiate success culminated in his induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
In the 1974 NFL Draft, Jones was the first overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys, marking a historic moment as the first player from a historically black college to be selected at that position. He quickly established himself as a starting left defensive end in his second season, 1975, and was a key member of the Cowboys team that won Super Bowl XII in 1977. After five successful seasons with the Cowboys, Jones briefly pursued a professional boxing career in 1979, where he maintained an undefeated record of 6-0 with five knockouts. His return to the Cowboys in 1980 saw him rebuild his football career, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors three times between 1981 and 1983. He was known for his ability to bat down passes, a skill so pronounced that the NFL began tracking it as an official statistic. Jones played in 224 games and started 203, setting a franchise record for seasons played (15) for a time, accumulating 106 unofficial career sacks and over 1,000 tackles. He retired in 1990, never having missed a game during his extensive NFL career.
Post-football, Jones has leveraged his public profile in acting roles, including appearances on television shows such as “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Married… with Children.” He also featured in a GEICO commercial in 2009, humorously playing on his “Too Tall” persona. Beyond entertainment, Jones has served as a guest referee for the World Wrestling Federation’s WrestleMania 2 in 1986. His career reflects a sustained ability to perform at high levels across diverse fields, extending his influence beyond professional sports into popular culture and endorsements.
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