Top 30 athletes under 30
By Robert Judin
16. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals – 27 years old
While we’ve already hit on a few of those top picks from the 2011 NFL Draft, here’s another gem from that draft class doing big things for his squad.
Julio Jones may be killing it for the Atlanta Falcons, but A.J. Green has continued to one-up him. Green was rated higher out of high school and committed to play for the Georgia Bulldogs while Jones joined the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Green was selected fourth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals while the Falcons snagged Jones two picks later. He’s continued to edge out Jones by even the smallest of margins at every single level, and it hasn’t really changed in the NFL.
Since his rookie year, Green has been a monster in the Bengals’ passing game. He and quarterback Andy Dalton came in together and immediately formed a connection that has produced 1,000-yard seasons for Green in his first four years.
It’s hard to believe a rookie can haul in 115 catches for seven touchdowns and 1,057 yards… and get better after that. Green is that type of player. He’s a physical freak at 6-foot-4, 205 lbs, and he has a pair of hands that will make you go looking for the crazy glue.
He’s made the Pro Bowl every year so far and caught 38 touchdowns during that time — hence the Pro Bowl selections.
Amazingly, he’s only missed four games during that time. If he stays healthy — assuming he produced no more or less than he is right now — Green will be looking at a potential of 175 receiving touchdowns. Sounds like a pretty good career, doesn’t it?
Next: No. 15 Russell Westbrook