“Knocks the guy out”: Steve Sarkisian remembers Julio Jones’ miracle strength from Atlanta days

Steve Sarkisian served as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2017 and 2018 NFL seasons. Then, he had the opportunity to coach seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones, who was known for his strength and high-end tenacity on the gridiron.

In his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday ahead of Texas’ game against Georgia, Steve Sarkisian recalled a day with Julio Jones in the 2018 season when the wide receiver showed his strength and determination in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I coach Julio for two years in Atlanta,” Sarkisian said. “It was 2018, we were going to Week 17 and we were playing in Tampa. We're not going to the playoffs. We're ineligible for the playoffs. Antonio Brown decides not to play Week 17, and Julio has won the receiving crown … and decides to play.”

“It's a tight game, we're behind and we're trying to get to the field goal range right there at the end. We're going to run the ball. This guy has won the receiving tallies, already got a 100-yard in the game and we call an outside zone and he push-cracks the safety and knocks the guy out with a minute to go in the game.

“He gets called for a 15-yard penalty for hitting the guy too hard. So, he had to go and make a play on third down, which he converted again and then we kicked the field goal-win. That epitomizes who that guy was.”

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Steve Sarkisian's career since leaving the Atlanta Falcons

Steve Sarkisian made his way out of the Atlanta Falcons following the conclusion of the 2018 season to make a return to college football. He took the Alabama offensive coordinator job, replacing Lane Kiffin ahead of the 2018 national championship game against Clemson.

Sarkisian spent two full seasons with the Crimson Tide, building what is arguably the best offense under Nick Saban. He won the coveted Broyles Award in the 2020 season after two players in his offense, Mac Jones and Devonta Smith, were Heisman Trophy finalists.

Following his success in Tuscaloosa, Steve Sarkisian took the Texas head coaching job ahead of the 2021 season. He was tasked to return the Longhorns to powerhouse status in the college football landscape after years of struggle.

It didn't start so well for Sarkisian in Austin as he recorded a losing season in his first year. However, the coach has been able to transform the program significantly.

Texas is arguably the best team in the landscape in the ongoing 2024 college football season, showcasing the good work of Sarkisian.