The biggest recruiting win of the Nick Saban era at Alabama is pursuing a Super Bowl ring for his legacy.
Julio Jones is a first-ballot Hall of Famer for the National Football League in the future.
RELATED: Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign WR Julio Jones to a one-year deal
He has the stats and accolades needed for Canton, Ohio. Jones got selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He played 10 seasons in Atlanta, becoming the most dominant wide receiver in the league. Jones posted seven 1,000+ yard seasons, including six years of 1,300+ yards receiving. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time first-team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team with the Falcons. Jones spent last season on the Tennessee Titans, but injuries limited his production. He has joined Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year contract worth $8 million.
Jones lost to Brady in the 2017 Super Bowl matchup (2016 season) as the New England Patriots defeated the Falcons.
He hopes to now win an NFL Championship with Brady. Jones, who now wears No. 85, looked healthier and stronger in Tampa Bay’s first training camp session. He looked smooth in his routes and displayed a burst in his cuts. Brady connected with Jones in the red zone a few times for touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder brings the size and red zone threat that the Bucs need.
More Julio Jones in passing drills. pic.twitter.com/O1GzzlZbgl
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 28, 2022
Big cheers each time Julio Jones comes up in receiver rotation at Bucs practice. pic.twitter.com/WXO5aU4t4p
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 28, 2022
Tom Brady to Julio Jones in the corner of the endzone. pic.twitter.com/WZPbKxiat8
— David Schiele WTSP (@Deacon_Schiele) July 28, 2022
Jones, 33, wants to prove he has more football left in him.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.