ATLANTA- Fans and reporters were immediately shocked when Atlanta Falcons Julio Jones deleted team photos from his twitter profiles and set his accounts to private. This fueled trade speculation as well rumors that Jones was traded to either the Cleveland Browns or the Tennessee Titans. However, Jones wanted a fresh start on social media. He also provided an example to Alabama players of what kind of reaction they can expect.
What example did Jones prove? Was this just to show reaction or prove to prospects that they can limit their social media activity? Everyone knows that social media can be used to either enhance a player’s reputation or destroy it. The power of social media is constantly at the forefront of athletes’ lives. A bad social media reputation can end careers. In this case, the reaction went too far. The false trade confirmations show that people will start false rumors and some fans will bite on it without a second thought. It shows just how quick people jump to conclusions without any solid evidence to back anything up. Perhaps this is part of Jones’ agenda. He was actually brilliant to point out that these players need to post and delete content with a fine tooth comb otherwise there will be rumors and unwanted discussions to the point of false confirmations as seen yesterday.
Brian Cearns, Atlanta Falcons Director of Football Communications said, “If you want some insight on Julio’s mindset on social media, take a listen at the 5:30 mark. He is one of the most unique men, not athletes I have ever been around. I respect his approach on and off the field.”
This became an interesting topic on the Golic and Wingo show. CBS Sports reporter Mike Freeman tried to figure out the logic with Jones deleted Twitter content saying, “Julio Jones didn’t just wake and say I’m going to delete all of my Falcons (expletive) and make my account private. What the (expletive) is happening in Atlanta”.
Julio Jones wasn’t traded and he didn’t ask for a trade. He will play for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2018 season and probably for the rest of his career.