NFL legend Julio Jones has announced his retirement after 13 years in the league revealing his decision on the social media app, Squad. Jones, who was primarily known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons, ends his career as one of the best wide receivers of the 21st century. A free agent throughout the 2024 season, Jones ended a historic career that saw him earn a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade team.
Jones last played for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2023 season where he was brought in to help the franchise go on a playoff run. In 11 games (four starts), Jones caught 11 passes for 74 yards and 3 touchdowns. He gave Quarterback Jalen Hurts another strong pass-catching option.
Julio Jones’ Career At a Glance
A star for Nick Saban at Alabama from 2008-2010 and helping the Crimson Tide win the national championship in 2009, Jones was then drafted sixth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2011 NFL Draft. He immediately became a core piece to the offense, earning seven Pro Bowl trips, two first-team All-Pros, two receiving yard titles and was a key piece to the team’s 2016 Super Bowl LI run.
After dealing with some injury issues in his final season in Atlanta in 2020 and the team appearing to head into a rebuild, Jones was traded to the Tennessee Titans. He spent one season there and caught 31 passes for 434 yards and a touchdown. Following the season, he became a free agent and signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a season in Tampa, he stayed as a free agent until October of the 2023 season where he then signed with the Eagles.
What’s Next?
A star during the entirety of his career, he ended his NFL career having caught 914 passes for 13,703 yards and 66 touchdowns. He led the league in receiving yards both in 2015 and 2018. A big reason for the Falcons’ success, Jones put himself into the Pro Football Hall of Fame conversation and will most likely get his gold jacket in five years. An icon in the city of Atlanta, while also becoming one of the faces of the NFL, Jones retires on a similar level as guys like Jerry Rice and Randy Moss.
While Jones will certainly be missed by fans, he now has an undying legacy that many others will hope to replicate. His role as a superstar is unquestionable and the impact that he has made within the league is a large one, with many of the game’s future stars eager to see if they can reach the same levels of success that he achieved in his career.
Final Thoughts
There is no question that he was one of the best wide receivers of the modern era. His ability to create havoc for opponents while being an exceptional playmaker made him an icon in a league full of superstar talent. While Jones’ retirement may not come as a surprise, not having him in the league anymore will surely be felt by fans of the game. A surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, Jones was one of the key figures that helped make football what it is today.
