Updated July 8, 2026, 4:57 p.m. ET
The Falcons are one of 12 NFL teams that have never won a Super Bowl, but Julio Jones and Matt Ryan helped Atlanta get pretty close back in 2016. While there’s no need to rehash the 28-3 debacle from a decade ago, talking about Jones never gets old.
Jones, a seven-time Pro Bowler, racked up 914 catches for 13,703 receiving yards and 66 touchdowns over his 13-year NFL career. The Falcons legend was recently listed on the first-string offense for the All-PFF Team of the last 20 years.
Jones’ final years in Tennessee, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay were mostly forgettable, however, he undoubtedly made his mark as one of the most dominant wide receivers in league history.
Former NFL cornerback Darius Slay gave Jones some love during an appearance on ESPN this week. Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, retired in the offseason after spending 13 years with the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
When asked to rank the top five wide receivers that he faced in the NFL, Slay put Jones third on his list.
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“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.”
Darius Slay’s top 5 wide receivers he faced in NFLCalvin JohnsonDavante AdamsJulio JonesAntonio BrownA.J. Brown
Slay’s former teammate, Calvin Johnson, and his former division rival, Davante Adams, were the only wide receivers that he ranked above Jones. At No. 4, Slay listed former Steelers and Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown, followed by Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown.
