Is Julio Jones the greatest player in Atlanta Falcons’ history?

The NFL team’s handling of Jones’ jersey number doesn’t indicate that he is considered as such.

The Falcons announced the number assignments for their rookie class on Wednesday, and for the third time since Jones’ last game with Atlanta on Dec. 6, 2020, his No. 11 has been issued to a player.

Backup quarterback Logan Woodside wore No. 11 in one game during the 2023 season. Quarterback Emory Jones had No. 11 last season as a member of the practice squad.

On Wednesday, the Falcons announced first-round draft pick Jalon Walker had been given No. 11, the number that he wore as a Georgia pass-rusher.

Jones played 10 seasons with Atlanta, earned seven Pro Bowl invitations and received first-team All-Pro recognition twice. He has more Pro Bowl selections than any other Atlanta player, and he’s among the five Falcons tied for the team lead in first-team All-Pro picks.

The former Foley High School and Alabama star holds the franchise records for single-game, single-season and career receiving yards and single-season and career receptions.

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Most of Jones’ receptions came from the hand of quarterback Matt Ryan, who joined Atlanta three years before Jones and stayed one more season with the Falcons after Jones left.

A four-time Pro Bowler and the NFL MVP for the 2016 season, Ryan made his final appearance for Atlanta on Jan. 9, 2022. The Falcons have not issued Ryan’s No. 2 since he left the team.

Atlanta does not retire numbers – officially – but some numbers have had limited circulation after a favorite Falcon has finished his career.

No Atlanta player has worn No. 78 since offensive tackle Mike Kenn completed 17 seasons with the Falcons in 1994.

Since injuries brought a premature end to the career of former Auburn running back William Andrews in Atlanta in 1986 no player had worn his No. 31 for the Falcons until two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons donned it in 2024 after signing as an NFL free agent.

Quarterback Steve Bartkowski’s No. 10 showed up on a couple of players after he completed his time with Atlanta in 1985. But no Falcons player has worn the No. 10 since 1990.

Since center Jeff Van Note retired after 18 seasons with Atlanta in 1986, his No. 57 has been worn by only one Falcons player. Outside linebacker Clay Matthews kept the number that he had worn through 16 seasons with the Cleveland Browns for his three seasons with Atlanta.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.