Julio Jones: Falcons star means everything to city of Atlanta
By Adnan Ikic
Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) shown on the sideline against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Titans defeated the Falcons 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The city of Atlanta is a vibrant one with a deep craving for excitement. The night life is famous for being so active, and the people in this city are very spirited in their desire for thrill. As a result, there is nothing more the city of Atlanta loves than a superstar who represents the city.
Today, that player is Julio Jones.
The music scene in Atlanta has become famous for producing many stars which go on to represent the ATL. Names such as Ludacris, B.o.B, Usher and especially Outkast are beloved in the city. They are the superstars in music, and they feed the town’s hunger for furor.
One thing that has been missing in Atlanta, for the better part of the past decade, is a superstar the entire city can behind in the sports world. Georgia’s capital is home to three professional sports teams and a craving for star players. Not just players who are really good, but who are also electric. That excitement is a reflection of the city, it’s what the city is starving for.
This isn’t to say that Atlanta doesn’t appreciate its teams, and exceptional players who are a part of those teams. This is an excellent sports city despite the bad rap it gets from media. But having that electric player is what rallies everyone. There’s nothing like it.
Atlanta’s first major superstar to fit the criteria was Dominique Wilkins, back in the 1980s for the Atlanta Hawks. The Human Highlight Film, as he was dubbed, was arguably the greatest dunker of all time. He could make the stadium erupt with a single play. The beloved Wilkins got the entire city behind him, and the Hawks.
The Hawks, however, infamously traded ‘Nique in 1994. Some fans were left heartbroken by the departure of their hero.
As the Dominique Wilkins era in Atlanta was happening and ending, the Atlanta Braves won a succession of division titles spanning from 1991 to 2005, culminated by four world series appearances and a title in 1995: the city’s only professional championship.
Next: From Wilkins to Primetime