Julio Jones makes it look easy.
Always has, dating back to his days as a five-star recruit from Foley (Ala.) High School.
Jones, whom the Atlanta Falcons mortgaged five draft picks to select at No. 6 overall in 2011, will remain a staple of the team’s offense as it transitions toward a new stadium.
The former Alabama standout just signed a new five-year, $71.25 million contract, according to ESPN. The contract reportedly includes $47.5 million in guaranteed money, a huge sum.
Prayers answered! I get to keep living, working & playing in the city I love, ATL! Thank you Mr. Blank! #Blessed #Falcons #RiseUp #Family
— Julio Jones (@juliojones_11) August 30, 2015
The 26-year-old is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. His contract barely eclipses the five-year, $70 million deals granted to Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant and Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas, again according to ESPN.
Jones set a Falcons record with 1,593 receiving yards in 2014 despite missing one game due to injury.
Amari Cooper, the No. 4 overall pick of the Oakland Raiders, eclipsed several of Jones’ Alabama records last season. The two teams are not scheduled to meet on the field during the regular season.
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
