The Jackson-Madison County African-American Chamber of Commerce played host to the largest number of participants – 104 – in the history of the ‘Follow me Celebrity Golf Classic,’ held at Bent Tree Golf Course, Tuesday.

Among those participating in the 10th annual event was Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones, a graduate of Merry High School in Jackson, who was the No. 1 pick overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1974 NFL Draft.

Jone is still recognized as one of the most dominant players at the defensive end position.

A graduate of Tennessee State University, he played in 16 playoff games and three Super Bowls.

Jones was part of three NFC championship teams with the Cowboys, which won Super Bowl XII.

His success in batting down passes led to the National Football League making the play an official statistic.

“It’s good to be back for the (African-American) Chamber of Commerce in Jackson for the golf tournament,” Jones said, “We have a beautiful day … we missed being here last year. It’s been a tough couple of years – but we’re back.

“I’m so glad everybody is back again – in fact I think this is the biggest tournament we’ve had of the four years that I’ve been here.

“It’s good to see everybody, and it’s good to be home.”

The Follow Me Celebrity Golf Classic – sponsored by Leaders Credit Union – raises funds for the African American Chamber’s Follow Me Into Business youth development program.

“We’re excited to be here … excited to be sponsors to support the cause for the Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce – we’re just happy to support our community,” said Ron Tharpe, Leaders Credit Union, community engagement, “At Leaders Credit Union we love giving back to our community and we love helping all of those who help others.”

Tharpe said the classic is good for people to get out and support our community.

“At Leaders, that’s our passion – we’re passionate about our members, we’re passionate about the communities in which we serve and we’re always trying to improve and help in any way that we can,” Tharpe said, “This particular tournament, we are sponsors with the African-American Chamber of Commerce and we are concerned about the well-being of our community … the economy of our community.

“We try to support where there is need and where our mission fits.”

(PHOTO: Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones, left, and Ron Tharpe, Leaders Credit Union, community engagement)