Julio Jones breaks Ozzie Newsome record
When Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones caught a pass from quarterback Matt Ryan for an 8-yard gain on the third snap of the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night, it held more significance than the routine play that it appeared to be.
Jones' fifth reception of the game also was the 663rd of his career -- more than any other Alabama alumnus has had in the NFL.
The former Foley High School star entered Thursday night’s game four receptions behind Ozzie Newsome on Alabama’s NFL list.
Newsome caught 662 passes for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns. When he broke the record, Jones had 663 receptions for 10,281 yards and 46 touchdowns. Jones already held the record for the most NFL receiving yards by a former Alabama player.
Newsome played in the NFL from 1978 through 1990 as a tight end for the Cleveland Browns. The former Colbert County High School star joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 1999 after entering the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
The Alabama record for receiving touchdowns is held by another player in both Halls of Fame -- Don Hutson, who had 99 for the Green Bay Packers. Hutson played from 1935 through 1945. He caught 488 passes for 7,991 yards.
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This Sunday, if the Cleveland Browns lose to the Cincinnati Bengals, they will tie the NFL record of 26 consecutive road losses set by the Detroit Lions from 2007-10.
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