There are just a few stuff you don’t do as an NFL workforce — one is giving freely the variety of a legendary franchise participant to a rookie. That’s the precise factor the Falcons did this week, with Julio Jones’ No. 11 going to Jalon Walker, who Atlanta took within the first spherical.
Whereas it’s honest to notice that Walker is solely protecting the quantity he wore at Georgia, this additionally feels so flawed.
It’s unclear if Jones will ever make it into Canton. The edge for receivers to make the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame is unfairly excessive, and he at present ranks sixteenth in all-time receiving yards, behind the likes of Steve Smith Sr, Reggie Wayne, and Anquan Boldin — who’re all hoping to make it in. Nonetheless, Jones is way and away the Falcons all-time main receiver, and solely left the group 5 years in the past. It’s ridiculous to present away his quantity so quickly.
Falcons followers agree.
Nobody disrespects former stars like we do. 11 and seven ought to be within the rafters eternally
— Coach Goff (@Matt_Goff13) Might 7, 2025
that is why no person respects us tbh
— youaintslickboy (@isssaparty) Might 7, 2025
Appears to be like uncooked but it surely’s wild Julio cannot get the respect he deserves. Greatest receiver in franchise historical past smfh
— Jered Chinn (@FinesseGOD805) Might 8, 2025
Sorry younger man that quantity shouldn’t be allowed. This actually is loopy they let this occur.
— ahhhnode (@ahhhnode) Might 8, 2025
That quantity ought to be retired that’s insane
— #DeeBoy (@ThatBoiDWill) Might 8, 2025
Over on The Falcoholic followers are reacting to the announcement too, and there are some blended emotions.
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Brass tacks: No matter how gamers go away a franchise they typically mend the connection in time. Julio Jones’ No. 11 deserves to be put within the rafters, or on the very least give it a strong decade earlier than attempting handy it off to another person. This simply feels disrespectful.
