FLOWERY BRANCH — Julio Jones, perhaps the greatest wide receiver in Atlanta Falcons history, has elected to retire from the NFL.
Jones, a seven-time Pro Bowler who helped the Falcons nearly win Super Bowl 51, played 13 seasons in the league after the team traded up to select him with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
Jones announced his retirement in a video on social media. He last played in the NFL for the Eagles in 2023.
“I’m making this announcement today because of the City of Atlanta,” Jones said.
“Thank you, man. I appreciate y’all. It’s nothing but love. I’m doing this on 404 day,” he added, referring to the date April 4 and one of Atlanta’s area codes.
The Falcons traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans, parting ways with the most prolific receiver in franchise history in 2021.
The Falcons received a second-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round pick for Jones, who had 848 receptions for 12,896 yards in 10 seasons. Atlanta sent its 2023 sixth-round pick to the Titans.
“Julio Jones will always be part of the Falcons story, having set numerous records and creating many great memories for all our fans, including me, since the day we drafted him,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement at the time of the trade. “He has been a fixture on our team for almost half the time I have owned the Falcons.”
Jones was a mainstay of the offense since he was drafted out of Alabama in 2011. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time All-Pro and a member of the NFL’s all-decade team for the 2010s, Jones made arguably the biggest catch in franchise history with his leaping grab against the Patriots in Super Bowl 51.
Jones also is the Falcons’ all-time leader in 100-yard games (57), single-season receptions (136) and receiving yards (1,871) as well as the single-game record for receiving yards (300).
“I’m deeply grateful for what Julio has done for our team and what he has meant to our city and, in my mind, he will always be part of the Falcons family,” said Blank, who once called Jones ‘A Falcon for life.’ “I wish him nothing but the best in Tennessee and throughout his life.”
