The Atlanta Falcons have caused disappointment among their supporters following the announcement of the roster numbers for their 2025 rookie class. Although fans were thrilled about the team selecting two top-tier defensive ends in the first round, many are taken aback by Jalon Walker receiving his new number.
Walker will sport the No. 11 jersey, which was formerly worn by Falcons icon Julio Jones.
Atlanta Falcons Surprised Supporters With Rookie’sJersey Choice
Atlanta has recently disclosed the jersey numbers for their 2025 draft class rookies, drawing attention particularly to one specific number. The number 11, often linked closely with elite pass-rushers, stands out—Micah Parsons being among the most prominent examples currently thriving in the NFL.
For fans of the Falcons, this number represents just one person: Julio Jones. He leads Atlanta’s franchise history in receiving yards and ranks second in career touchdowns. Therefore, the news that Walker, their selection from April’s draft, will sport this number hasn’t been received positively.
When this was written, the club’s social media announcement about the jersey numbers had garnered nearly 200 responses, mostly filled with anger. Supporters have lambasted the organization for assigning Jones’ old number, with several demanding that it should be retired instead.
“What a Laugh” – Supporters Slam Falcons for Provocative Jersey Selection
Views on the team’s choice to assign Walker the No. 11 jersey vary; most seem displeased with this decision. However, some supporters minimize the importance of the jersey number itself. Others criticize Jones for how he departed from the team back in 2021. A particular remark highlighted Jones’ behavior towards the close of his tenure with the Falcons as disrespectful, particularly his treatment of another Falcon great, Matt Ryan.
Although some people aren’t bothered by the choice, it’s evident that this action has upset many fans of the team. One commenter described the decision as “absurd,” whereas another referred to the squad as “the butt of jokes.”
The controversy involving Jones and his number might as well have been lifted directly from debates within numerous teams across the league. Sporting clubs embody whole cities, occasionally even spanning multiple states, attracting supporters ranging widely in age and background. Although Atlanta Falcons enthusiasts might differ when it comes to the significance of a player’s jersey number, this issue stirs up intense emotions for many individuals involved.
Jones was a generational talent at wide receiver, his 1,871 receiving yards in 2015 ranks third in NFL history, while his 1,677 in 2018 ranks 19th. That makes Jones one of only five receivers in history to record two top-20 all-time receiving seasons. His No. 11 jersey may be moving on, but his impact on Falcons fans is still very much alive.
