NFL Head Coach Praises an Alabama Legend

Todd Bowles, head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, spoke to the media on the addition of wide receiver Julio Jones as the team approaches its week one matchup.

"He's (Julio Jones) kind of gotten to the point where he's returned to his old self," Bowles said. "He's been great mentally, He's been great for the guys in the locker room, as well as on the practice field. He can play".

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The "old self" Coach Bowles is referring to is Jones's nine years in Atlanta. After trading up in the 2011 draft to draft him with the sixth overall pick, Jones became everything the Falcons hoped for. The future Hall of Famer recorded 12,896 receiving yards, six straight 1,000-yard seasons, 60 touchdowns, and became one of the best wide receivers of his generation during his nine seasons with the Falcons.

After an injury-riddled season with the Tennessee Titans, the 6'3 wideout decided to enter free agency to have a chance of capturing his first Super Bowl. With many teams wanting his services, Skip Bayless, the host of Undisputed on Fox Sports One, reported that Brady was the reason Jones decided to join the Buccaneers.

"This morning, a source who knows Julio texted me that Julio got a DM yesterday from this guy who plays quarterback down in Tampa Bay named Tom Brady," Bayless said. "The message effectively said, 'Hey, come on down to the sunshine here in Tampa and let’s be great together.'"

The Buccaneers begin their 2022 season on Sunday Night Football when they go on the road to face the Dallas Cowboys at 7:20 p.m. CST.