Ever heard the saying, “Life has a funny way of surprising you”? Well, that’s exactly what happened when the Jones family was preparing to welcome their baby girl—only to end up with a future NFL superstar instead. Talk about a plot twist, right? You see, the story of Julio Jones—one of the most electrifying wide receivers in NFL history—begins with a classic case of “expect the unexpected.” His mama was so sure she was having a girl that she had already picked out the name Queen. But life had different plans, and instead of a little princess, she got herself a king in the making.

Fast forward to that unforgettable Sunday night at the Georgia Dome, where Julio, foot injury and all, straight-up torched the Green Bay Packers as if they were playing in different leagues. Picture this: our man standing in the tunnel after the game, surrounded by his day ones, his ride-or-dies, all wearing smiles bigger than a touchdown celebration. But here’s the thing, y’all—behind every great athlete is an even greater support system. And let me tell you, Julio’s story isn’t just about football stats and highlight reels; it’s about family, roots, and the village that raised this King of the gridiron.

The untold story of Julio Jones’s family

When it comes to family, for Julio, it’s all about his brother and his mom. His dad left when he was just five years old. While he still keeps in touch with his dad, his mom has always been his rock. With his dad out of the picture, Queen had to step up big time for her two boys. Who needs a dad when you’ve got a supermom, right? That’s exactly what Julio’s mom, Queen, did—working long shifts at a fast-food joint to support them.

But how much had his mom shaped his life? Julio remarked, “She was strict, but she was just trying to teach me right from wrong. In the neighborhood I came from, there was a lot of violence and people selling dope. She just tried to keep me straight and keep me level-headed,” in an interview with AL.com that he gave in November 2009.

Julio was determined to change his family’s situation—and with his football skills and his mom’s support, he made it happen. Queen later opened up to USA Today about Julio’s drive.

“He told me, on the day his daddy left—he was just five years old—that everything was going to be OK. He said he was going to be a football player and that everything would work out for us,” Queen told USA Today. Julio had to step up as the family’s main support after a life-changing event. Yep—everything flipped upside down after his brother’s accident.

According to FOX 10, Julio’s brother, Phillip, was accidentally shot. USA Today reported that Phillip had to have his left arm surgically removed. But guess who’s still one of Julio’s biggest fans? His brother, of course. At the Georgia Dome, Phillip was right there by Julio’s side, soaking up the moment. While waiting in the soon-to-be-demolished arena, he got tons of hugs and love from familiar faces in the crowd.

It’s been tough for Queen, no doubt—but for Phillip, watching Julio play like that really lifts his spirits. Julio’s family played a huge role in shaping him as a superb athlete, and their strength and support helped guide him through it all.

Where did Julio Jones spend his childhood?

Julio’s been dominating on the football field for years, but it all started in a small Alabama town. He’s from Foley—a cozy spot on the Gulf Coast, not far from Mobile Bay. At Foley High School, Julio had an incredible run. According to AL.com, he earned All-State honors twice, landed a spot on the Parade All-American team, and was named Alabama’s Mr. Football. Oh, and he wasn’t just a football star. He crushed it in track and field too, winning state titles in the long jump and triple jump, twice.

It’s no surprise that top college programs were all over him. Rivals gave him a five-star rating—the highest possible. And they ranked him as the No. 1 wide receiver in the country, fourth overall. Julio chose Alabama over heavy hitters like Florida, Florida State, and Oklahoma.

“It’s great just to be able to be represented by someone who’s not out there doing the wrong things and giving Foley a bad name,” he once said. “They always supported me through my accomplishments in college and, obviously, here [with the Atlanta Falcons].” After 13 seasons, he may have hung up his cleats. But when people look back at his legacy, there’ll always be those unsung heroes and childhood memories behind it all. And that’s the real story.