The legendary Julio Jones hangs them up.

Sometimes a player comes along who is such a transcendent talent that it is apparent even when they are a child how special they are.

Alabama has been fortunate enough to have more than its share of such guys, but perhaps no one will be so firmly cemented in lore, as embedded as the cornerstone of a dynasty and the genesis of modern Alabama football, as Julio Jones.

After a football career that has now spanned almost two decades, the 13-year NFL veteran hung up his cleats today.

I’m not Wikipedia. I’m not going to rattle off one impressive accomplishment after another. Sometimes he truly did just have to be seen to be believed.

Everyone has their personal highlight reel moment from Julio. For me it was the annual tradition of making Patrick Peterson his son, especially the sideline scamper to break open the 2009 LSU contest. Those moments, those titles, and his belief in Nick Saban’s vision and what Alabama football could be, are writ in crimson flame.

For that, and so many other reasons, No. 8 will always belong to the incomparable Julio.

Have a great retirement. You have earned it.

Next stop, Canton.
Roll Tide