What’s with this new trend of rookie players eyeing jersey numbers that were made iconic by franchise legends? First, it was Abdul Carter, who tried to claim the retired numbers of New York Giants greats Lawrence Taylor (No. 56) and Phil Simms (No. 11). He eventually settled for No. 51 after being denied by Taylor and then Simms.
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Now, it’s the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick, edge rusher Jalon Walker, who has taken No. 11, famously worn by franchise legend Julio Jones. While the number hasn’t been officially retired, it’s deeply embedded in Falcons history thanks to Jones. He’s regarded not only as the greatest receiver the Falcons have ever had but also as one of the best of his generation.
The club’s decision to dish out the No.11 jersey hasn’t sat well with many, including Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. The former tight end called the move a blatant show of disrespect.
Sharpe argued that the number should have been retired in honor of Jones, who was drafted by the Falcons in 2011. He played with them till 2020.
“No, they shouldn’t have given it away. Absolutely not. They should have retired it. He’s the best wide receiver in Falcons history,” said Sharpe, adding that the team may be downplaying his legacy simply because they did not part on the best of terms.
“They didn’t leave on the best of terms. I definitely think they shouldn’t have given that number 11 to anybody. That’s Julio Jones number. Nobody should wear that number. He was too good,” an emotional Sharpe added on Nightcap.
However, Chad Johnson offered a different perspective. He argued that team owners often lack the sentimentality fans carry and simply don’t see the emotional value in retiring jersey numbers.
That said, for fans, especially in Atlanta, No.11 represents far more. Jones, who recently announced his retirement, walked away from the game with a Hall of Fame résumé. He holds the NFL records for most games with 250+ yards (3) and 300+ yards (1), and was the fastest player to reach 7,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 receiving yards.
Jones also owns the highest average receiving yards per game in league history at 91.9. A 7-time Pro Bowler and 5-time All-Pro, Jones finished his illustrious career with 13,703 yards and 66 touchdowns on 914 receptions.
He is the Falcons’ all-time leader in both receptions (848) and receiving yards (12,896), and holds countless other franchise records.
Players who make this kind of impact — on the field and in the community — deserve to have their numbers honored. Even if the Falcons haven’t officially retired No.11, handing it to a rookie feels tone-deaf at best and disrespectful at worst.
Some numbers mean more, and this one certainly does.
