​The Atlanta Falcons stand among 12 NFL franchises that have yet to win a Super Bowl, though Julio Jones and Matt Ryan helped the team come remarkably close during the 2016 season. While revisiting the infamous 28-3 collapse from years past isn’t necessary, talking about Jones remains a perennial topic that never gets old. Over his 13-year NFL career, Jones, a seven-time Pro Bowler, accumulated 914 receptions, 13,703 receiving yards, and 66 touchdowns. His enduring impact on the Falcons is highlighted by his recent inclusion on the first-string offense of the All-PFF Team of the last two decades.
Despite Jones’ later years with Tennessee, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay being less memorable, his legacy as one of the most dominant wide receivers in league history is undeniable. This week, former NFL cornerback Darius Slay offered praise for Jones during an appearance on ESPN. Slay, who earned six Pro Bowl selections and spent 13 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in the offseason, was asked to rank the top five wide receivers he faced in the NFL. Slay placed Jones at No. 3 on his list.
“He’s a guy that never talks trash. Never did. He just kept going,” Slay said of Jones. “He was amazing, man. One of the best to ever do it. So that’s my third spot.” By Slay’s account, only two receivers outperformed Jones on his list: his former teammate Calvin Johnson and Slay’s former division rival, Davante Adams. Slay placed Jones behind those two, but ahead of the rest of the field. At No. 4 on Slay’s ranking, he included Antonio Brown, the former Steelers and Buccaneers wide receiver. He then added Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown to round out his top five.
The discussion around Jones’s career continues to evoke strong responses from players and fans alike. Slay’s endorsement offers a candid, respected perspective from a top-tier cornerback who faced Jones repeatedly, highlighting the admiration that exists within the league for Jones’s consistent excellence, route running, and big-play ability. Jones’s career numbers and achievements—paired with the respect he commands from peers—underscore why he remains a central figure in discussions about Falcons lore and NFL wide receivers more broadly.
This overview reflects the broader sentiment that, even though the Falcons did not secure the franchise’s elusive championship, Jones’s contributions elevated the team and the league. His presence on the field was a constant threat to defenses, drawing attention from safeties and linebackers and creating opportunities for teammates, as evidenced by the sustained productivity he delivered across his career. Slay’s remarks add another layer to the recognition Jones has earned from those who competed against him at the highest levels of professional football.