“[Current Cowboys coach] Jason Garrett’s daddy, Jim Garrett, stood up in our draft room,” Jones said. “He had been with us going on 20 years as a scout. He stood up and said, ‘We got to take this Moss kid.’ He said, ‘Guys, this is pro football.’

“Chan Gailey was our coach and, of course, we had had some sensitive times with off-the-field issues. And we were a little more skittish than we should have been. And it was a real mistake, and he made us pay. And I just have to think he got extra motivation when he walked into the stadium.”

On Thanksgiving Day as a rookie, Moss caught three passes for 163 yards and touchdowns of 51, 56 and 56 yards in a win over the Cowboys.

When Jones answered his phone at Cowboys headquarters, he apologized for his voice being so hoarse. When told: “That’s OK, you’ve had a lot to shout about this season,” Jones laughed.

“I agree with that,” he said.

On Feb. 4, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 46-member selection committee will vote on Jones as an NFL contributor finalist when it gathers in Houston.