This May 24, 2011, file photo shows Atlanta Falcons rookie receiver Julio Jones, left, greeting quarterback Matt Ryan before an informal football workout, in Buford, Ga. Ryan and Jones haven’t let the NFL lockout stop them from beginning a new friendship. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)By George Henry, The Associated Press
BUFORD, Ga. – The NFL lockout hasn’t affected an emerging friendship between Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and rookie receiver Julio Jones.
Over the past two months, the new teammates have met at Ryan’s suburban Atlanta home to study formations and discuss how Jones, the NFL’s No. 6 overall draft pick, will fit into the offense.
They eat lunch. They study football. They learn each other’s background.
One guy mostly talks. The other guy mostly listens.