Julio Jones just announced his retirement over social media. From jaw-dropping catches to rewriting the franchise record books, his presence defined an era of Falcons football.
A Legacy to be Remembered: Julio Jones Announces Retirement
Coming onto the Scene Early
In 2011, the Falcons could not pass on the opportunity to trade up and give the talented receiver out of Alabama a shot. Trading up 21 spots and sending multiple draft picks to the Cleveland Browns, the investment was a pricy one the organization will never regret. Taken with the sixth-overall pick, Julio Jones had all eyes on him immediately. As soon as he stepped on the field Jones shined. In his rookie season, Jones had over 950 yards and eight touchdowns, setting a precedent for things to come.
Franchise Record Holder in… Everything.
Julio Jones completely rewrote the Atlanta Falcons’ record book during his time with the team. Jones owns every meaningful receiving record in franchise history: most receiving yards, receptions, and 100-yard games. Julio is second in career receiving touchdowns to Roddy White by just 3 touchdowns (Roddy White – 63, Julio Jones – 60).
There is a very short list of receivers who had at least 300 yards receiving in a game in the past 25 years: Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones. On October 2, 2016, Jones torched the Carolina Panthers. Julio finished the game with 12 catches, 300 yards, and a touchdown. It was a masterpiece to watch. Every time Matt Ryan threw his way, he turned a catch into a big play, averaging 25 yards per reception.
Toe Tap Catch in Super Bowl LI
This game was not very fun for Falcons fans. Despite the outcome, there were some amazing plays by Atlanta that no one could forget. One of those plays would be Julio’s toe-tap reception towards the end of regulation. Late in the fourth quarter, Matt Ryan launched a pass to the sideline. With two defenders draped on him and little room on the sideline to work with, Julio extended and somehow tapped both feet in bounds while securing the football. The moment showed that Julio always showed up for the Falcons when it mattered most.
Eventually, the next few plays would be a sack and a holding call that knocked the Falcons out of field goal range. From there the Patriots took over and the rest is history. However, this flash of perfection from Julio Jones was something that will live in Super Bowl lore. It is not a common occurrence for a player on the losing side of a Super Bowl to be remembered. That just proves to show just how special Julio was.
First Ballot Hall of Fame
It is no doubt that this man will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Everyone for generations to come will not be able to make a top ten all-time NFL wide receiver list without mentioning Julio Jones. Jet Jones was reliable, consistent, and one of the most athletic players ever seen. There will be statues of Julio in Atlanta, his jersey will hang in the rafters, and his number will be retired. He deserves all that recognition and some. The city of Atlanta thanks Julio Jones as he embraces retirement, the best wide receiver in franchise history.
Main Photo: Dale Zanine – Imagn Images
The post Julio’s Journey: A Retrospective on a Falcons Legend appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.