After͏ more than a decade of dominating the football field͏, Julio Jones, one of the most͏ feared ͏wide receivers of ͏his generation, has officially called it a career.
Known ͏for ͏his combination of game-breaking speed,͏ physicality, and elite ͏route-running, Jones ends his NFL journey as a seven-͏time Pro Bowl selection and a member of five Al͏l-Pro teams. His impact on͏ the ͏game is undeniable, and ͏his retirement marks the conclusion of an͏ era in ͏professional football.
Julio Jones Retires From NFL After 13 Seasons and 67 Touchdowns
Jones made ͏his official retirement announcement on April 5, 2025, via the “Squad͏” app, choosing the date͏ to ͏coincide with Atlanta’s 404 Day, a tribute to the city where he became a͏ household name. “I’m making this announcement today because ͏of the city of Atlanta,” Jones͏ said͏. “It was a hell of a ride.”
In his video announcing his retirement, Julio Jones thanks @M_Ryan02, @roddywhiteTV, @HDouglas83 and others for helping him grow with the #Falcons.
Jones says he’s announcing on 404 day as a special shoutout to Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/dMgZHivpkf
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) April 4, 2025
Jones entered͏ the league as the No. 6 overall pick͏ in the ͏2011 ͏NFL Draft out of Alabama. Over 13 seasons, he became one ͏of the most productive and respected wide receivers in NFL history͏. Jones tallied more than 13͏,000 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns (66 receiving touchdowns) ͏over his career, leading the league in receiving yards in 201͏5 and 2018.
In his retirement speech, Jones reflected on his journey from Fola, Ala., to the NFL’s biggest stages. He thanked those who played pivotal roles throughout his career, starting with his family. “Through this whole process, they were my support system,” Jones said.
He acknowledged the early͏ guidance from͏ Ty͏ Watson and Joel Williams, who transitioned him from running back to wide receiver in high school. He͏ ͏also credited Shane Jones, his high school receivers coach,͏ and later thanked ͏his college͏ mentors head coach Nick Saban, receivers coach Curt Cignetti, and strength͏ coach Scott Cochran for shaping him ͏into a professional ͏athlete.
The Falcons legend gave a special thanks to Matt Ryan, his longtime quarterback in Atlanta. Recalling the 2011 lockout, he said, “You went as far as taking me to your home, showing me the playbook, going over plays. Thank you.”
After his tenure with the Falcons ended in 2020, Jones made one-year stops with the Tennessee Titans (20͏21), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022), and Philadelphia Eagles (202͏3). While ͏injuries ͏limited his impact during those seasons͏, his ͏leadership and reputation followed him to ͏each locker room.
Jones retires not only with remarkable stats but also with a legacy of humility, hard work, and professionalism. “Just a kid from Fola, Alabama,” he said. “It was an amazing ride.”