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Julio Jones Makes Eye-Opening Admission Regarding Super Bowl 51

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alec Musa | Last updated May 27, 2025 8:31 PM ET

From 2008 to 2010, Alabama Crimson Tide superstar receiver Julio Jones dominated in the SEC, headlined by a national championship during his second season. However, he never experienced a title during his 13-year NFL career. During his ten-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons, the NFC South club made a deep run in 2016 only to blow a three-score lead in the Super Bowl.

Nearly a decade later, the wound still hasn't healed for Julio Jones.

During a recent episode of the Legacy Locker Room Podcast , hosted by former Atlanta Falcons wideouts Roddy White, Harry Douglas, and Jones himself, the legendary receiver opened up about the Falcons' infamous collapse in Super Bowl LI. This game remains one of the most devastating losses in NFL history.

Jones took issue with his limited involvement in that game, which saw the Falcons blow a 28-3 lead and fall 34-28 to the New England Patriots in overtime.

"I had four opportunities in that game. That's insane. Four targets in the Super Bowl," Jones said. "But again, I did what was asked of me."

Despite making one of the most spectacular catches in Super Bowl history, a toe-tapping sideline grab late in the fourth quarter, Jones received less than a target per quarter, given the game reached overtime.

His frustration is understandable. In 2016, Jones led the NFL with 100.9 receiving yards per game, finishing the season with 83 catches for 1,409 yards and six touchdowns. It was his second consecutive year as a First-Team All-Pro.

Now 35 and retired, Jones admitted he still hasn't been able to watch the game back.

"I have yet to go back and watch it," he said.

That Super Bowl loss remains Atlanta's most recent trip to the big stage and only their second in franchise history. The Falcons did return to the playoffs in 2017 but haven't been back since currently mired in a seven-year postseason drought.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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