Julio Jones came out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night looking like a new man.
While the Buccaneers receiver is 33 years old, it appears he’s turned back time.
No longer did he look like the receiver fans saw in Tennessee last season.
His performance on Sunday night had him looking like the player who’s won multiple receiving titles.
So what has Jones looking like the wide receiver he was in Atlanta many years ago?
Jones Was Good Downfield For Brady
Making long connections is something Jones did many times in his career.
However, some of his flash from his younger years is fading away.
But after his performance, it seems his flash is back.
BRADY TO JULIO
📺: #TBvsDAL on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/xlZm1YHXQD pic.twitter.com/6Fcm5RfKx8— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2022
A deep connection to him by Tom Brady set up the Buccaneers for points before halftime.
While the pass reception was Jones’s longest of the night, it wasn’t the only reception he got.
Jones finished the night with three receptions for 69 yards.
However, it was his play throughout the game which was giving him praise.
Cris Collinsworth Believes Jones Is Looking Great For 2022
If anyone was listing to the announcers on Sunday night, they might have caught what Cris Collinsworth thinks about Jones.
If you’re listening to Collinsworth on @SNFonNBC you know Julio Jones (33 yo) looks rejuvenated. Fwiw Jerry Rice in his 33yo season (95) had a receiving line of 122-1848-15. From age 33 until he retired he put up 759-10,049-69. That’s 9 more rec than Irvin had in his career 1/
— Steve Gallo (@SteveGalloNFL) September 12, 2022
While some on Twitter think the gushing over Jones by Collinsworth was excessive, he earned the praise.
Didn't you hear Collinsworth say 100 times that Julio Jones is back to being Julio Jones?
— Josh Yunker (@JoshYunker) September 12, 2022
He stepped up during a critical drive where Chris Godwin was hurt early in the drive.
Having him helped the Buccaneers score points, giving them an opening season win over the Dallas Cowboys.
So everyone ragging about the Collinsworth praise missed why he was receiving the praise.
However, can Jones continue looking better in 2022?
Brady Brings A Fountain Of Youth Feel To Players
With Brady already 45 years old, many other players get a boost from his longevity in the NFL.
His presence brings The Fountain of Youth to players needing a re-vamping of their career.
Jones was clearly feeling that youthful elixir when he clocked his fastest speed since 2020
Update from @NFLResearch: Julio Jones was FAST https://t.co/AIWB8zSXIu pic.twitter.com/l53IpCCFbE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022
His speed during Sunday night’s game also placed him as the seventh-fastest receiver during Week 1.
That’s why some are feeling Brady has The Fountain of Youth in his backyard.
Oh my god Tom Brady let him drink from the fountain of youth in his backyard https://t.co/bDXoMJYOV9
— Tyler Wilcox (@johnnymyspace) September 12, 2022
However, we all know that’s not true.
But he makes players feel young again, as his presence makes him the oldest player on the team.
With him around, Jones will continue to benefit from the knowledge and moxie of Brady.
He can also feel young again, something we saw on Sunday night.
Jones Might Not Be Number One, But He’ll Continue Being Great In Tampa Bay
While Jones isn’t the number one receiver in Tampa, he’ll continue to provide the team with solid play.
His greatness from prior seasons is making a return.
That greatness will serve Brady and the Bucs well as they attempt to reach Super Bowl 57.
So get accustomed to the Brady to Jones connection in 2022.
With him looking youthful in Tampa, there’s no doubt the greatness from Sunday will continue throughout the NFL season.
It will be that greatness that will help push the Buccaneers back into the playoffs.
NEXT: Tom Brady Kept An Elite Streak Alive With Ease In Week 1