Julio Jones Announces NFL Retirement, Closes Chapter on Legendary Career

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NFL icon Julio Jones officially declared his retirement on Friday, April 4, marking the end of a storied 13-year professional football career. The former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver shared the news with fans via social media, first teasing the announcement on Instagram before posting a full video on the Squad platform.

"I'm making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta," Jones said in the video. "Thank you, man. I appreciate y'all. It's nothing but love. I'm doing this on 404 day."

Jones, who played college football at the University of Alabama, was selected sixth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. To acquire him, the Falcons orchestrated a bold trade with the Cleveland Browns, exchanging five draft picks, including their No. 27 selection, to secure the rights to draft Jones. At the time, the move raised eyebrows, especially as the Falcons already had Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White on their roster.

Former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff defended the decision, stating, "We knew it was going to be an aggressive move and cost us... for a player who truly adds the explosive, urgent athleticism we're looking for."



The investment paid off. Over a decade with the Falcons, Jones became the franchise's all-time leading receiver, amassing 12,896 receiving yards and 60 touchdowns across 134 games. He set numerous records, including surpassing Jerry Rice as the fastest player in NFL history to reach 12,000 receiving yards during the 2019 season. His accolades include:

  • Most career receiving yards (12,896)

  • Most receiving yards in a single season (1,871 in 2015)

  • Most career receptions (848)

  • Most receiving yards in a single game (300)

  • Most playoff receiving yards (182 in NFC Championship, 2013)

  • Most 100-yard receiving games (58)

  • Three seasons with 100+ receptions

  • Three games with 250+ receiving yards

Jones played a vital role in Atlanta's playoff runs, including their trip to Super Bowl LI during the 2016 season. Reflecting on his journey, Jones expressed gratitude to teammates and coaches, notably Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Harry Douglas, Eric Weems, Terry Robiskie, and Mike Smith.

"Again, Roddy, Harry, teaching me the blueprint as far as a receiver, being a pro. Again, thank y'all. Y'all my brothers forever. Thank you. I appreciate you."

After leaving the Falcons in 2021 following a trade request, Jones had one-year stints with the Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. He concluded his NFL career after the 2023 season.



Jones leaves behind an impressive legacy, including being named to the:

  • Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010s Team

  • Pro Football Reference First-Team All-2010s Team

  • 2011 NFL All-Rookie Team

  • Seven Pro Bowls (2012, 2014-2019)

  • Two First-Team All-Pro honors (2015, 2016)

  • Three Second-Team All-Pro selections (2017-2019)

  • NFL's leading receiver in 2015 and 2018

He finishes his career with 13,703 receiving yards, ranking 16th in NFL history.

"I started when I was 8 years old, just a kid from Foley, Alabama," Jones said. "It was an amazing ride."

Julio Jones' retirement marks the close of an era for one of the NFL's most dominant and respected receivers, whose impact will be remembered for years to come.

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