Two weeks ago, Julio Jones unknowingly struck a winning blow for himself and player empowerment. And for those in power, Jones represents the one thing they fear most- the uprising of those below them.
On May 24th, Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless were discussing Julio Jones’ situation. Sharpe decided to call Jones live on air and ask him if he was going to Dallas or staying in Atlanta.
“Oh man. Nah, I’m outta’ there man,” replied Jones.
The interview immediately went viral and the backlash was just as immediate.
The Falcons were caught off guard. They were upset with Fox Sports. A few railed at “Undisputed” producers for not protecting the show against slander and possible liability. Others pondered if Sharpe violated California law. Per Pro Football Talk, “In California, both parties to a phone call must consent to the call being recorded or to others listening in. Penalties potentially apply under the California Penal Code ($2,000 fine and/or a year in jail, as noted by McCarthy and Perez) and federal law, if Jones wasn’t in California at the time the call was made. While a prosecution likely would go nowhere unless Jones pushes it, it would not be hard to prove a violation beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Two weeks later, the Falcons traded Julio Jones to the Titans. In exchange, the Falcons received a second-round pick in 2022 and a fourth-round pick in 2023. The Titans also received a sixth-round pick in 2023. The Falcons also get cap relief as the Titans will absorb Jones’ full contract. That’s a guaranteed base salary of $15.3 million in 2021 and a guaranteed $2 million in 2022.
The Titans immediately climbed the NFL ranks and Super Bowl odds. Fans thanked Titans receiver AJ Brown for his social media “recruitment” of Jones.
But what’s really been missed is how Jones empowered players. Whether he knew he was on air or not, the fact remains that his comment to Sharpe tipped the scales in his favor.
Atlanta initially had the leverage. Trade rumors said they were looking for a first-round pick in exchange for Jones. His career demanded that.
In the 2011 NFL Draft, the Falcons traded up to select him with the sixth overall pick. Jones, 32, became Atlanta’s all-time leading receiver in receptions (848) and yards (12,896). His 63 TD receptions put him behind team leader Roddy White. Jones also holds the best receiving yards per game average in NFL history (95.5). That’s almost 10 yards better than future Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson (86.1).
But with that one phone call, Jones (allegedly unknowingly) snatched Atlanta’s leverage away.
The winning formula for teams is to say they have no plans to trade a player. That gives them power in any trade discussions. If a team wants that player bad enough, they will have to ante up.
In the past, players could do no more than say things like “I don’t read the papers,” “This is a business,” or “I don’t know what’s going on.” Rumors would swirl. Debates would ensure. Eventually, things would transpire one way or another. We’re witnessing this now with Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay.
But at that moment on “Undisputed”, the Falcons leverage went up in smoke.
Teams learned Jones officially wanted out. The Falcons had salary cap issues and everyone knew that. But they simultaneously lost their bargaining edge and could no longer demand a first-round pick in exchange for Jones. They ultimately secured cap relief in the trade with the Titans but were forced to part with their future Hall of Famer at a bargain price.
Organizations in power fear uprisings. When those on the frontlines recognize their power and wield it, it scares the power base. That fear motivates them to react vehemently. Oftentimes harshly. We’re witnessing it in state politics, corporate environments, and sports. Voting laws are changed. Education curriculums are revamped. Unions are busted. Scoring rules are changed.
All done to quell the rebellion and maintain the power structure.
Julio Jones is the frontline ranker who shattered the corporate phalanx and won the battle with a simple phone call. He went to a contender and retained his guaranteed salary. For future disgruntled players and free agents, this is a path they can venture down. Until the NFL reacts against it, which we know they will, players in these positions can follow Jones’ power grab to accomplish their goals.
All it takes is a phone call.
