The 2025 Atlanta Falcons are struggling with a 4-8 record, sitting as the sixth-worst team in the NFC. It feels like a lifetime ago that this franchise was competing for a Super Bowl in 2016 before the famous 28-3 comeback by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. One player defined that era of Atlanta football more than any other: Julio Jones.
While the former superstar has stepped away from the field, his legacy remains a massive part of the city’s sports history.
How Did Julio Jones Become a Falcons Legend?
Jones arrived in Atlanta as the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He immediately made his presence felt, beginning a decade-long tenure that would see him become arguably the greatest receiver in franchise history.
From 2011 to 2020, Jones was a dominant force. He earned two All-Pro selections, made the Pro Bowl seven times, and secured a spot on the Hall of Fame All-2010s Team. PFSN’s WRi data highlights just how effective he was, particularly in 2019. During that season, he ranked as the eighth-best wide receiver, hauling in 99 passes for 1,394 yards and six touchdowns.
Following the 2020 campaign, the relationship between Jones and the Falcons underwent a change. Jones requested a trade, and the team sent him to the Tennessee Titans. However, his time in Nashville was short-lived. Injuries limited him to just 10 games, where he caught 31 passes for a career-low 434 yards and one touchdown. The Titans cut him after just one season.
Jones continued his career with two more stops. In 2022, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the age of 33, but injuries again limited his impact. He played in 10 games, recording 24 catches for 299 yards and two scores. His final NFL action came with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. Signed mid-season to help a depleted receiving corps, he started on the practice squad before playing 11 games, finishing with 11 receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns.
In April 2025, Jones officially ended his playing career. He timed his announcement for April 4, known as “404 Day” in reference to Atlanta’s primary area code. The date allowed him to pay tribute to the city where he spent his prime years. In his post, he said, “I’m making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta. Thank you, man. I appreciate y’all. It’s nothing but love. I’m doing this on 404 day.”
Jones leaves the game with 914 receptions, 13,703 yards, and 66 touchdowns across 166 games. After a legendary career, his next stop looks to be the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
