May 26, 2021
680 THE FAN, ATLANTA – It appears that Julio Jones’ time with the Falcons has come to an end. I’m not sad, mad or disappointed. 

Julio clearly wants an opportunity to win a title before his career ends and he’s welcome to feel that way. It’s his career and he gets to deal with the backlash of (allegedly) requesting a trade to get out. 

There’s no right way to break up. In life, business or sports, someone is going to feel like they got the short end of the deal. In this case, I think it’s best for both sides to move on. 

The Falcons need to do what is best for them, in terms of getting a package of picks and maybe even a current player (at a much cheaper price salary cap wise). Wherever Julio Jones goes, I hope he wins. 

He was a beast in college at Alabama. He’s been a beast from day one with the Falcons. I’ll always remember the 180 yards and two touchdowns he had against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game. I’ll remember the long catch and run against the Eagles on Sunday Night Football to electrify the team to a win. 

Julio Jones has been a player that cannot be duplicated. His size, speed and strength is something that only belongs to Julio. 

Yes you can criticize Julio for being frustrated, after signing his most recent contract a couple of years back. I have been critical of that fact and him wanting out. 

I’m honestly kind of surprised that I’ve seen the reaction from Falcons fans that I’ve seen regarding Julio’s comments to Shannon Sharpe on FS1 and supposed wishes. We also haven’t had a chance to hear his side of the story. We’ve only really heard the reports up until this week, that the team was open to trading him for cap concerns. 

Like I said, it’s a breakup. Falcon fans feel like their relationship was put into the public. Truth is, it was coming to an end and there was nothing that could be done about that fact. 

As time passes, I think Julio will be remembered fondly for his greatness in a Falcons uniform. People thought that the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre would never mend fences. That came to pass after the years came to pass. 

It’s ok to feel hurt by this coming to an end. I’ll remember him for how great he was while in this uniform.