Did Julio Jones Know he was on Live TV With Shannon Sharpe?

If you didn’t see it, you most likely have heard by now: Julio Jones wants out of Atlanta. We discovered this news when Shannon Sharpe, co-host of FS1’s popular “Undisputed” show, called Jones on air and asked of his future plans. The question floating in the air now is, was Julio Jones aware he was on live television?

The Conversation

Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless were in the middle of one of their Monday morning segments when they paused to reach out to Julio Jones. Shannon began the conversation by posing the question, “You want to go to the Cowboys or you want to stay in Atlanta?” Being upfront, Julio responded, “I’m outta there man.”

Shannon followed up with another question asking, “Ideally, where would you like to go?” “I want to win,” Julio responded. Shannon and Julio proceed to go back and forth for 30 seconds talking about going to Dallas wouldn’t get you any wins.

In the background you can hear Jenny Taft, the new moderator of “Undisputed,” say, “Can you remind him that we’re on television right now?” It’s not until the conversation is coming to a close that Shannon says, “I appreciate you answering. We are on air, but I appreciate you calling me back.” Julio seems a little caught off guard and leaves the phone call stating, “I’m not going to Dallas. I never thought about going to Dallas.”

Trade Rumors Surrounding Jones

Trade rumors have been surrounding Jones and it seems the high caliber, All-Pro receiver is ready for a new team to embrace his talent. He requested a trade at the beginning of the offseason in early March but Atlanta did its very best in protecting Jones and working behind the scenes. 

The Falcons are more likely to deal him to an AFC team and are more hesitant to the idea of keeping him in the NFC, yet they would consider it for the right price. Teams that have inquired about Jones are being expected to return a first-round draft pick in return.

Julio Jones Achievements

Jones has played 10 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He has led the NFL twice in receiving yards, once in 2015 and another in 2018. He has made seven Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro back to back years in 2015 and 2016. 

Alongside Matt Ryan, Julio has become the face of the franchise becoming the Falcons’ all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards while only trailing Roddy White in receiving touchdowns. 

Was Julio Aware he was on Live TV?

What Shannon Sharpe did Monday morning isn’t acceptable in this industry. It was clear that he had caught Julio by surprise in saying they were live on air after he had already said what he said. Prior to this conversation, little talks of Julio were spreading, but now because of a minute conversation rumors will start flying around.

Had Shannon handled the situation differently in approaching Julio at the beginning of the conversation in confirming that he was on air there may have been a different outcome from the discussion? The confidentiality and privacy of these athletes deserves to be respected, not violated. 

Julio Jones was under the impression that Sharpe was reaching out to him as a friend, not a co-host of a weekly sports show. Shannon is responsible for exposing Julio, but how much does Julio really care? All he’s concerned about is finding that team he will win with.