Today we celebrate one of the best to ever do it in Tuscaloosa.

Julio Jones was the catalyst in Nick Saban’s first national championship winning recruiting class. A five-star wide receiver coming out of Foley, AL, Jones joined the Crimson Tide in 2008 following a 7-6 season. In his freshman season, Jones hauled in 58 passes for 924 yards, helping guide Alabama to a 12-2 record and a SEC championship berth.

In Jones’ second season as the feature receiver, Alabama went 14-0 en route to their first National Championship under Nick Saban, and college football was never the same.

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Julio Jones ended his career with Alabama in 2010 after amassing 179 catches for 2653 yards and earning first and second team All-SEC honors in three seasons. Deciding to forego his senior season, Jones entered the 2011 NFL Draft and was taken sixth overall by the Atlanta Falcons.

In nine years in Atlanta, Jones has made the pro bowl seven times and has been named a first team All-Pro twice. Jones has led the league in receiving yards twice, and was named to the NFL All-Decade team for the 2010s.

One of the top receivers in the NFL since his introduction into the league, Jones has put together a Hall of Fame worthy career and has no plans of stopping anytime soon. Ranking 20th in all time receiving yards with 12,896, and 29th in receptions with 848 Jones has been a force in this league and will be until he decides to hang it up.

Happy 32nd Birthday, Julio!

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