Julio Jones announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday after a 13-year career. The wide receiver made his announcement on a social media app called “Squad”.
After he was drafted by the Falcons with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Jones was one of the league’s most prolific receivers in his prime. He led the NFL in receiving yards twice and was named a Pro Bowler seven times in his 10 seasons with Atlanta.
After being traded to the Titans in 2021, Jones finished out his career with Tennessee, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia from 2021-2023, playing one season for each of those teams. He did not play for any team last season.
Here’s what you need to know about Julio Jones’ retirement.
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Why did Julio Jones retire?
Jones hinted at his retirement on Instagram on Friday before posting his full announcement on Squad. The Falcons were featured heavily in the video.
“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.”
Julio Jones has announced his retirement after 13 seasons. pic.twitter.com/zqzAvUvazH
— NFL (@NFL) April 4, 2025
Julio Jones stats
Jones had the best season of his career in 2015, when he led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards. He is the Falcons record holder in receptions (848) and receiving yards (12,896) and has more 100-yard games (58) than any player in franchise history.
Here’s a closer look at Jones’ career stats.
| Season | Age | Team | G | GS | 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 | TAM | 10 | 5 | 24 | 299 | 2 |
| 2023 | 34 | PHI | 11 | 4 | 11 | 74 | 3 |
| 13 yrs | 166 | 153 | 914 | 13703 | 66 |
Julio Jones awards
Jones was one of the most accomplished receivers in the NFL in the 2010s. Here’s a list of awards and milestones Jones reached in his 13-year career.
- 2011 NFL All-Rookie Team
- Four-time NFC Offensive Player of the Week
- Led NFL in receiving yards in 2015 (1,871) and 2018 (1,677)
- Seven-time Pro Bowler (2012, 2014-19)
- Two-time First-Team All-Pro (2015, 2016)
- Three-time Second-Team All Pro (2017-19)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010s Team
Did Julio Jones win a Super Bowl?
While Jones and the Falcons fell short of winning a Super Bowl in 2017 when they lost to the Patriots 34-28 in overtime, the wide receiver’s resume from his time in Atlanta could get him into the the hall of fame when he becomes eligible.
