Black History Makers of Alabama: The Dynasty Began with Julio

Every Alabama fan knows the story of Julio Jones. One of the highest-rated recruits coming out of high school in Foley, Alabama, Jones surprised the college football world by signing with the Alabama Crimson Tide, ushering in the age of the Nick Saban Dynasty at Alabama.

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Jones was one of the most vital recruits to Saban's early days with the Crimson Tide. His commitment proved Alabama was going to be a major player under Nick Saban in the recruiting trail. During his freshman season, Jones proved why he was one of the best recruits in the country, and why Saban was smart to land a commitment from the top player in the state of Alabama.

Alabama was 7-6 the year prior, the first under Nick Saban, then Alabama ushered in a recruiting class that featured Julio Jones, Dont'a Hightower, Barrett Jones, Terrence Cody, and Mark Ingram, among others.

As a true freshman in 2008, Jones was the leading receiver immediately after stepping on campus. He caught 58 passes for 924 yards and four touchdowns - all leading the Crimson Tide in 2008.

In 2009, Jones again was the leader in the Crimson Tide receiving game, catching 43 passes for 596 yards and four touchdowns. Jones was instrumental in Alabama's national championship win over Texas at the Rose Bowl, leading Alabama in receiving yards despite just one catch - 23 yards receiving in the game.

Despite the lack of success in record in 2010, it was arguably Jones's most impactful season at Alabama, catching 78 passes for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns.

After his days at Alabama, Jones entered the NFL draft as a junior from Alabama, being drafted No. 6 overall by the Atlanta Falcons.

In the NFL, Jones was one of the most dominant players in NFL history. Over 13 years in the NFL, he caught 914 passes for 13,703 yards and 66 touchdowns.

He also added 163 yards rushing.

Jones ended his career as No. 16 all-time in the NFL in receiving yards, and No. 61 all-time in touchdowns.

Jones made one Super Bowl appearance in his career, catching four passes for 87 yards, including several catches that made the broadcasters and fans say "What in the world."

Jones's impact goes beyond his stellar play on the football field.

Jones's desire to be remembered goes beyond receptions, yards, touchdowns, wins, and titles.

The Make A Difference Everyday (M.A.D.E.) Foundation is one of Jones's primary missions, which is to make a difference in the community.

"The Mission of the M.A.D.E. (Make A Difference Everyday) Sports Foundation is to provide support to all youth by focusing on their physical, social and educational well-being.

Our goal is to provide programs and resources designed to offer youth a diverse perspective on life. Through sports, education, and community involvement, the foundation’s programs and initiatives will be centered on gaining a healthy perspective by inspiring youth to pursue academic and athletic excellence."

Not only does Jones provide a way for young athletes to develop their skills, but he also gives back to the area that gave him his initial start - Aaronville Park in Foley, Alabama.

In 2021, Jones hosted a huge toy giveaway, for families in South Baldwin County. From bicycles to sporting goods, anything a kid could want was available courtesy of Jones.

The event "Keeping up with the Jones'" saw the former Crimson Tide superstar team up with rappers Lil Baby and Polow Da Don to give back to Julio's community. Jones's mom - Queen Marvin - took orders from the kids and families while helping the event go smoothly in 2021. Queen Marvis said by the time the event ended, more than one thousand families were affected by the outreach of the former NFL star.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.