Seven-time Pro Bowler and former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones has retired from the NFL.
Jones was one of the most dominant playmakers in the NFL at the peak of his career. The 36-year-old led the league in receiving yards on two separate occasions, with 1,871 yards (2015) and 1,677 yards (2018). His 136 receptions in 2015 were also the most of any player that season.
Drafted sixth overall by the Falcons in the 2011 Draft, the former Alabama product set numerous franchise records during his 10-year tenure with the team. Jones has 848 receptions for 12,896 receiving yards, which rank first in the Falcons history.
Jones also played a huge part in Atlanta’s run to Super Bowl LI. He caught 19 passes for 334 receiving yards and three touchdowns across three playoff games during the 2016 postseason. Atlanta’s road ended with a defeat to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.
Jones’ best game as a pro came in 2016, when Julio Jones had 300 receiving yards against the Carolina Panthers. Hitting this mark made him one of only six players ever to tally 300+ yards in a game. He’s also the only player in NFL history to have three games of 250+ receiving yards.
Jones also became the fastest player in NFL history to eclipse 10,000 career receiving yards, needing only 104 games. The previous record was held by former Detroit Lions wideout Calvin Johnson, who needed 115 games.
Jones last appeared in the NFL in 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles. After leaving Atlanta following the 2020 season, he spent 2021 with the Tennessee Titans and then 2022 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jones finished his career with 914 catches, 66 touchdowns, and 13,703 yards, good enough for 16th most in NFL history.
Shoutout to Julio Jones for one hell of a dominate career! I would not be shocked if we see Julio Jones end up on a Hall of Fame ballot in the near future.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler and on YouTube
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