NFL Legend Retires: Best Receiver of the Decade
- Julio Jones, one of the NFL's premier wide receivers of the past decade, has announced his retirement from professional football after 13 seasons.
- Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Jones quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
- Jones addressed fans directly in his announcement, specifically thanking the city of Atlanta.
Julio Jones Announces Retirement After 13 NFL Seasons
Julio Jones, one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers of the past decade, has announced his retirement from professional football after 13 seasons. The declaration came via social media on Friday.
A Decade of Dominance in Atlanta
Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Jones quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. During his 10 seasons with the Falcons, he earned seven Pro Bowl selections and twice led the league in receiving yards.His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Jones addressed fans directly in his announcement, specifically thanking the city of Atlanta. “I am making this announcement today for the city of Atlanta,” Jones said. “Thank you.I thank everyone. I only have love words.”
Later Career Stops
Following his time in Atlanta, Jones played for the Tennessee Titans in 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, and the Philadelphia eagles in 2023. He did not play in the NFL last season.
Julio Jones has announced his retirement after 13 seasons. pic.twitter.com/zqzAvUvazH
— NFL (@NFL) April 4, 2025
Julio Jones: By the Numbers
Jones enjoyed his most productive season in 2015,leading the NFL in both receptions and receiving yards. He holds the Falcons franchise records for receptions (848) and receiving yards (12,896), and boasts more 100-yard receiving games (58) than any other player in team history.
A look at Jones’ career statistics:
| Season | Age | Team | Games | Started | Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 22 | ATL | 13 | 13 | 54 | 959 | 8 |
| 2012 | 23 | ATL | 16 | 15 | 79 | 1198 | 10 |
| 2013 | 24 | ATL | 5 | 5 | 41 | 580 | 2 |
| 2014 | 25 | ATL | 15 | 15 | 104 | 1593 | 6 |
| 2015 | 26 | ATL | 16 | 16 | 136 | 1871 | 8 |
| 2016 | 27 | ATL | 14 | 14 | 83 | 1409 | 6 |
| 2017 | 28 | ATL | 16 | 16 | 88 | 1444 | 3 |
| 2018 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 16 | 113 | 1677 | 8 |
| 2019 | 30 | ATL | 15 | 15 | 99 | 1394 | 6 |
| 2020 | 31 | ATL | 9 | 9 | 51 | 771 | 3 |
| 2021 | 32 | TEN | 10 | 10 | 31 | 434 | 1 |
| 2022 | 33 | TB | 10 | 5 | 24 | 299 | 2 |
| 2023 | 34 | PHI | 11 | 4 | 11 | 74 | 3 |
| Total | 166 | 153 | 914 | 13703 | 66 |
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout his career, Jones amassed a collection of awards and honors, solidifying his place among the NFL’s elite receivers:
- 2011 NFL All-Rookie Team
- Four-time NFC Offensive Player of the Week
- Led the NFL in receiving yards in 2015 (1,871) and 2018 (1,677)
- Seven-time Pro Bowl selection (2012, 2014-2019)
- Two-time Frist-Team All-Pro (2015, 2016)
- Three-time Second-Team All-Pro (2017-2019)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010s Team
Super Bowl Heartbreak
while Jones never won a Super Bowl, coming closest in 2017 when the Falcons lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, his stellar career in Atlanta positions him as a strong candidate for Hall of fame consideration.
Julio Jones Announces Retirement After 13 NFL Seasons
Julio Jones, one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers of the past decade, has announced his retirement from professional football after 13 seasons. The declaration came via social media on friday.
A Decade of Dominance in Atlanta
Drafted by the Atlanta falcons with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, jones quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. During his 10 seasons with the Falcons, he earned seven Pro Bowl selections and twice led the league in receiving yards. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Jones addressed fans directly in his announcement, specifically thanking the city of atlanta. “I am making this announcement today for the city of Atlanta,” Jones said. “Thank you. I thank everyone. I only have love words.”
Later Career Stops
Following his time in atlanta, Jones played for the Tennessee Titans in 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. He did not play in the NFL last season.
Julio Jones has announced his retirement after 13 seasons. pic.twitter.com/zqzAvuazH
— NFL (@
Julio Jones’ NFL Stats
| Year | Age | Team | G | GS | Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 22 | ATL | 13 | 13 | 54 | 959 | 8 |
| 2012 | 23 | ATL | 16 | 16 | 119 | 1374 | 10 |
| 2013 | 24 | ATL | 5 | 5 | 30 | 483 | 2 |
| 2014 | 25 | ATL | 15 | 15 | 104 | 1593 | 3 |
| 2015 | 26 | ATL | 16 | 16 | 136 | 1871 | 8 |
| 2016 | 27 | ATL | 14 | 14 | 83 | 1409 | 6 |
| 2017 | 28 | ATL | 16 | 16 | 88 | 1444 | 3 |
| 2018 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 16 | 113 | 1677 | 8 |
| 2019 | 30 | ATL | 15 | 15 | 99 | 1394 | 6 |
| 2020 | 31 | ATL | 9 | 9 | 51 | 771 | 3 |
| 2021 | 32 | TEN | 10 | 10 | 31 | 434 | 1 |
| 2022 | 33 | TB | 10 | 5 | 24 | 299 | 2 |
| 2023 | 34 | PHI | 11 | 4 | 11 | 74 | 3 |
| Total | 166 | 153 | 914 | 13703 | 66 |
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout his career, Jones amassed a collection of awards and honors, solidifying his place among the NFL’s elite receivers:
- 2011 NFL All-Rookie Team
- Four-time NFC Offensive player of the Week
- Led the NFL in receiving yards in 2015 (1,871) and 2018 (1,677)
- Seven-time Pro Bowl selection (2012, 2014-2019)
- Two-time Frist-Team All-Pro (2015, 2016)
- Three-time Second-Team All-Pro (2017-2019)
- Pro Football Hall of fame All-2010s Team
Super Bowl Heartbreak
While Jones never won a Super Bowl, coming closest in 2017 when the Falcons lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, his stellar career in Atlanta positions him as a strong candidate for Hall of Fame consideration.