As Oakland WR Amari Cooper worked his way through University of Alabama and into the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Julio Jones was often there to help.
Jones, a fellow Crimson Tide product, got to know Cooper during some of his visits to Tuscaloosa. There, the two developed a meaningful relationship, and Jones, five years Cooper's senior, had a lot of guidance to offer.
"Julio, he's given me a lot of advice over the years," Cooper said. "Of course I never played with him at Alabama because he's older than I am, but he comes back often and we talk sometimes. He gives me good advice.
"When he came and watched me play when I was at Alabama, he'd give me little tips about what I should do against this coverage, and this cornerback. … He's a great player."
Jones and Cooper played against each other last winter at the Pro Bowl; on Sunday, their teams will face off again. Containing Cooper will be an important task for Atlanta: During his rookie season, he caught 72 passes for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns.
