Former Falcons WR Julio Jones thanks the city of Atlanta during video of him announcing his retirement from the NFL
All-time great Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons. Jones made his announcement in a video on the social media app "Squad." Jones shouted out all teams that he has played for, but naturally spent more time thanking the city of Atlanta, where he played his first 10 […]
All-time great Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons.
Jones made his announcement in a video on the social media app "Squad."
Jones shouted out all teams that he has played for, but naturally spent more time thanking the city of Atlanta, where he played his first 10 NFL seasons.
"I'm making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta," Jones said. "Thank you, man. I appreciate you all. There's nothing but love. I'm doing this on 04/04 day. It was a hell of a ride."
The Falcons drafted Jones sixth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He mad an instant impact, recording nearly 1,000 receiving yards (959) and eight touchdowns as a rookie, earning a spot on the PFWA's All-Rookie Team.
He went on to be named an All-Pro five times, a Pro Bowler seven times, and was named to the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team. He led the league in receiving yards twice (2015, 2018) and co-led in receptions with Antonio Brown in 2015 with 136.
In 2021 the Falcons traded Jones to the Titans. It was an injury-riddled season for Jones as he caught just 31 passes for 434 yards in 10 games. He was released after the season, and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. Injuries once again cost him significant playing time.
Jones' last season came in 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles, but made a minimal impact with just 11 receptions. A suffered a concussion in what would be his last NFL game during a wild-card playoff matchup against the Buccaneers.
Jones did not play in 2024. His resume is definitely Hall of Fame worthy, it's just a matter of whether or not he will get in on a first-ballot basis. Jones is one of eight WRs in history with 900+ receptions, 13,500+ receiving yards, and seven Pro Bowls (H/T JaguarGator9NFL).
