In some respects, Curt Cignetti and Julio Jones helped launch each other’s careers.
Cignetti was the receivers coach at Alabama on Nick Saban’s first staff, and he helped propel Jones to a Hall of Fame caliber NFL career.
They were together for three years, and Cignetti has mentioned Jones as a source of pride on his coaching resume. Jones played at Alabama during Cignetti’s second through fourth years in Tuscaloosa. Jones was the SEC freshman of the year in 2008.
In a video released by Jones on Friday announcing his retirement, he mentioned Cignetti as one of the key figures in his career.
During his three seasons at Alabama, Jones set school records for single-season receptions and receiving yards and single-game receiving yards. He also helped the Crimson Tide win the 2009 BCS national championship in an undefeated season.
Also serving as recruiting coordinator under Saban, Cignetti was also involved in the recruitments of Alabama stars Mark Ingram, Dont’a Hightower, and others.
Jones totaled 914 receptions for 13,703 yards and 66 touchdowns in 166 regular-season NFL games. He also had 77 receptions for 992 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 postseason contests. He’ll be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2029.
“I know what hard work is,” Jones said. “I just needed the guidance to hone it to be the best version of myself.”
Cignetti was mentioned by Jones right after Nick Saban.
Julio Jones, one of the best WRs of all-time, announced his retirement on the social media app, “Squad”. Here is the video: pic.twitter.com/VuGbs4EpR9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 4, 2025
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