Falcons fans are FURIOUS a rookie is taking Julio Jones’ number
The Falcons thought it was a good idea to give Julio Jones’ No. 11 to a rookie.
There are just some things you don’t do as an NFL team — one is giving away the number of a legendary franchise player to a rookie. That’s the exact thing the Falcons did this week, with Julio Jones’ No. 11 going to Jalon Walker, who Atlanta took in the first round.
1️⃣1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/zdxeSS1uwZ
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 7, 2025
While it’s fair to note that Walker is simply keeping the number he wore at Georgia, this also feels so wrong.
It’s unclear if Jones will ever make it into Canton. The threshold for receivers to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame is unfairly high, and he currently ranks 16th in all-time receiving yards, behind the likes of Steve Smith Sr, Reggie Wayne, and Anquan Boldin — who are all hoping to make it in. Still, Jones is far and away the Falcons all-time leading receiver, and only left the organization five years ago. It’s ridiculous to give away his number so soon.
Falcons fans agree.
No one disrespects former stars like we do. 11 and 7 should be in the rafters forever
— Coach Goff (@Matt_Goff13) May 7, 2025
this is why nobody respects us tbh
— youaintslickboy (@isssaparty) May 7, 2025
Looks raw but it's wild Julio can't get the respect he deserves. Best receiver in franchise history smfh
— Jered Chinn (@FinesseGOD805) May 8, 2025
Sorry young man that number should not be allowed. This really is crazy they let this happen.
— ahhhnode (@ahhhnode) May 8, 2025
That number should be retired that’s insane
— #DeeBoy (@ThatBoiDWill) May 8, 2025
Over on The Falcoholic fans are reacting to the announcement too, and there are some mixed feelings.
Brass tacks: Regardless of how players leave a franchise they often mend the relationship in time. Julio Jones’ No. 11 deserves to be put in the rafters, or at the very least give it a solid decade before trying to hand it off to someone else. This just feels disrespectful.