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NFL Star Julio Jones Announces Retirement At 36

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 8:24 PM ET

After spending over a decade in the NFL, wide receiver Julio Jones has announced his retirement.

Jones had a dominant run at Alabama before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2011 NFL Draft. The front office in Atlanta traded five draft picks just so they could acquire the former All-SEC wide receiver. Although there was a lot of pressure on him to perform, he absolutely lived up to the hype.

During his time with the Falcons, Jones had 848 receptions for 12,896 yards and 60 touchdowns. He had one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history, but unfortunately for the future Hall of Famer, he didn't leave that game with the Lombardi Trophy.

"Today I'm announcing my retirement," Jones said in a video shared on social media. "I started when I was 8 years old. I was just a kid from Foley, Alabama. It was an amazing ride. I'd like to thank my family. Without them, none of this could be possible.

Jones said he decided to retire this Friday so he could honor Atlanta on 404 Day.

"I'm making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta. Thank you, man. I appreciate you guys. It's nothing but love."

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 16: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Jones played for the Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles before walking away from the NFL. He'll finish his career with 13,703 receiving yards and 66 touchdowns.

We wouldn't be surprised to see the Falcons retire No. 11 at some point in the future. That's how important Jones was to their success in the 2010s.

Congratulations to Jones on an incredible playing career.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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