One of the best receivers of its generation has decided to hang up its crampons. Julio Jones, a seven-time bowler pro and two all-pro first team, announced his retirement Friday after a 13-year NFL career which included 10 very successful seasons with the Falcons of Atlanta.
“It was an incredible race,” said Jones, announcing his retirement on social networks.
The sixth choice in the general classification of the draft of the 2011 NFL, Jones was appointed to its first Pro Bowl in 2012 and was a Bowler Pro each year from 2014 to 2019. In 2015, Jones equaled Antonio Brown for the head of the NFL with 136 receptions and also recorded a record of 1,871 reception yards. A year later, Jones helped lead Falcons to the second appearance of the Franchise Super Bowl. He caught nine passes for 180 yards and two affected in the victory of the NFC of Atlanta championship over Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay packers.
Jones led the NFL in the reception yards for the second time in 2018. He posted his seventh and last reception season of 1,000 yards in 2019 before injuries started to slow it down. Jones only played nine games in 2020 – his last season in Atlanta – and in just 19 games in his last three seasons, which have been spent in Tennessee, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia, respectively. Jones did not play in the NFL last season.
National champion in Alabama, Jones ended his career in the NFL with 914 receptions for 13,703 yards and 66 affected. In addition to his pro Bowl and all-Pro head nods, Jones was also appointed to the NFL All-2010 team.
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Although the receptors have found it difficult in recent years, Jones is a shoo-in for the enthronement of the temple of renown of professional football at some point. He will be eligible for induction for the first time in 2029.