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Former Falcons great Julio Jones officially retires from the NFL

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass for a second-quarter touchdown in front of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 28, 2012, in Philadelphia. (Rob Carr/Getty Images/TNS)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass for a second-quarter touchdown in front of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 28, 2012, in Philadelphia. (Rob Carr/Getty Images/TNS) Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass for a second-quarter touchdown in front of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 28, 2012, in Philadelphia. (Rob Carr/Getty Images/TNS)

By D. Orlando Ledbetter / The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS) 2 min read

FLOWERY BRANCH — Julio Jones, perhaps the greatest wide receiver in Atlanta Falcons history, has elected to retire from the NFL.

Jones, a seven-time Pro Bowler who helped the Falcons nearly win Super Bowl 51, played 13 seasons in the league after the team traded up to select him with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Jones announced his retirement in a video on social media. He last played in the NFL for the Eagles in 2023.

“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. I’m doing this on 404 day,” he added, referring to the date April 4 and one of Atlanta’s area codes.