ATLANTA -- One of Julio Jones' tallest fans showed up at the Georgia Dome on Sunday wearing a black No. 11 jersey.

Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard was there to see Jones and the Atlanta Falcons dismantle the Green Bay Packers, 44-21, in the NFC Championship Game. Jones had nine catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns, including a 73-yard, catch-and-sprint score, as the Falcons advanced to the Super Bowl.

"I'm a big Julio fan," Howard said. "That's why I've got his jersey. I'm so happy for him, man. He did his thing tonight. He's been doing his thing all season. Hard work pays off."

Howard, an Atlanta native playing his first season with the Hawks, was thrilled for the Falcons in general.

"Very happy, man," Howard said. "I'm excited for the city. It's a great honor to be a part of history. I'm so happy to be home and representing the hometown team."

Jones expressed mutual respect for Howard.

"I saw him the last time we had a 'blackout' game here, he wore the jersey," Jones said. "That's respect. He's a great player for the Hawks. He's from Atlanta. It's just a respect thing."