Falcons Icon Julio Jones Announces NFL Retirement \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Julio Jones, the Atlanta Falcons’ all-time leading receiver and seven-time Pro Bowler, officially announced his retirement from the NFL. He played 13 seasons, earning multiple All-Pro honors and leading the league in receiving yards twice. Jones shared the news on social media, thanking Atlanta and calling it a “hell of a ride.”
Quick Looks
- Julio Jones, 36, retires after 13 NFL seasons
- Played 11 games with Eagles in 2023, scored 4 TDs
- Career totals: 914 receptions, 13,703 yards, 66 touchdowns
- Holds Falcons records for catches (848) and yards (12,896)
- Ranked second in team history for TDs (60), behind Roddy White
- Led NFL in receiving yards in 2015 and 2018
- Honored with a tribute from Falcons on X (formerly Twitter)
- Retired on “404 Day” in tribute to Atlanta
- Thanked Nick Saban, University of Alabama, and Falcons fans
- Called Atlanta his inspiration for making the announcement
Deep Look
After more than a decade of dominance, jaw-dropping highlights, and historic production, Julio Jones, the Atlanta Falcons’ all-time leading receiver and one of the most physically gifted wideouts in NFL history, officially announced his retirement on Friday. The 36-year-old ended all speculation about a potential return by delivering a heartfelt farewell on social media—choosing April 4, affectionately known in Atlanta as “404 Day,” to honor the city that embraced him like a hometown son.
“I’m making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta,” Jones said in his video post on Squad, the popular athlete-first social app. “Thank you, man. I appreciate y’all. It’s nothing but love. I’m doing this on 404 day — it was a hell of a ride. This was for the city, man, I appreciate you all.”
With that, Jones closed the chapter on a 13-year NFL career that saw him become a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time first-team All-Pro, and arguably the most dominant wide receiver of his era.
A Career That Redefined Greatness in Atlanta
Jones was drafted sixth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2011 out of the University of Alabama. From the moment he arrived in the NFL, it was clear the Falcons had landed a rare talent. His blend of size, speed, hands, and football IQ was nearly unmatched. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing over 220 pounds, Jones was a physical nightmare for cornerbacks. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and could leap out of the stadium.
Over the next decade, Jones built a resume that placed him squarely among the all-time greats. He spent 10 seasons with the Falcons (2011–2021), rewriting the franchise’s receiving record books. His 848 catches and 12,896 yards both stand as team records, and his 60 touchdown receptions place him just behind Roddy White (63) on Atlanta’s all-time list.
Jones wasn’t just a stat compiler—he was a game-changer. He delivered clutch performances, explosive plays, and acrobatic catches in the biggest moments. Whether it was torching defenses deep down the sideline, snatching impossible passes over double coverage, or gaining yards after the catch, Julio was consistently the most feared receiver on the field.
Dominant Seasons and Record-Setting Performances
Jones’ peak years in Atlanta were nothing short of spectacular. In 2015, he posted career-best numbers with 136 receptions for 1,871 yards—both leading the NFL that season. It was the second-highest single-season yardage total in league history at the time, trailing only Calvin Johnson’s 1,964-yard campaign.
He repeated as the NFL’s receiving yards leader in 2018, racking up 1,677 yards on 113 receptions. That season further cemented his reputation as one of the most unguardable players in football.
Over his 10 years with the Falcons, Jones averaged 95.5 receiving yards per game—the highest average in NFL history for any player with more than 100 games played. That consistency, combined with explosive ceiling performances, made him a cornerstone not just for Atlanta’s offense, but for fantasy football lineups, highlight reels, and opposing defensive game plans.
Super Bowl LI and the Catch That Defined a Career
Though the Falcons ultimately fell short in Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots in one of the most infamous collapses in NFL history, Jones delivered a moment that remains frozen in time. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Falcons clinging to a lead, Jones made an incredible toe-tapping sideline catch while tightly covered, managing to keep both feet in bounds.
The catch was hailed as one of the greatest in Super Bowl history and showcased everything that made Jones elite—body control, concentration, athleticism, and a flair for the dramatic. Although the Falcons failed to secure the win, Jones’ legacy as a big-game performer was never questioned.
The Final Years and Quiet Farewell
After the 2020 season, the Falcons traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans, signaling the end of an era. Injuries began to take their toll, limiting his effectiveness and availability. He played just one season in Tennessee (2021) before a brief stint with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022.
In 2023, Jones signed with the Philadelphia Eagles midway through the season. Although no longer the centerpiece of an offense, he appeared in 11 games (starting four), hauling in 11 passes for 74 yards and four touchdowns. The touchdowns reminded fans he still had the knack for finding the end zone, even in a reduced role.
Jones didn’t play during the 2024 season and remained unsigned, prompting speculation about whether he had quietly stepped away from the game. But his official announcement on 404 Day brought clarity and celebration—not just from Atlanta, but across the football world.
A Legacy of Excellence
Across 13 NFL seasons, Jones recorded 914 receptions, 13,703 yards, and 66 touchdowns. He ranks 16th all-time in receiving yards and leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest wide receivers in league history.
His accolades include:
- 7× Pro Bowl selection
- 2× First-team All-Pro
- 3× Second-team All-Pro
- 2× NFL receiving yards leader
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team selection
Jones is widely considered a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame when eligible.
A City Says Thank You
The Atlanta Falcons paid tribute to Jones on Friday, sharing a video montage of his greatest moments and a simple but powerful message: “Forever a Falcon. Thank you, Julio.”
Fans flooded social media with stories of his impact on and off the field. To many in Atlanta, Jones wasn’t just a player—he was a symbol of hope, loyalty, and elite athleticism. His decision to retire on “404 Day” wasn’t just symbolic; it was poetic.
In thanking the city, Jones made it clear that his bond with Atlanta runs deeper than football. He also gave a special shoutout to the University of Alabama and coach Nick Saban, under whom he won a national championship in 2009 before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Final Drive
Julio Jones retires not just as the Falcons’ greatest wide receiver, but as one of the greatest to ever play the position.
As the NFL moves forward and a new generation of receivers emerges, Julio Jones’ legacy will endure—as a standard-bearer for excellence, toughness, and loyalty. He was the rare player who could take over a game, redefine a position, and inspire a city all at once.
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