Former Buccaneers WR announces retirement

Although he didn't play for the Buccaneers for long, Julio Jones will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant wide receivers in NFC South history.

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

One of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history has decided to hang up his cleats for good.

Julio Jones, who dominated defenses for a decade as a star receiver for the Atlanta Falcons before brief stints with the Titans, Buccaneers, and Eagles, has announced his retirement from the NFL.

Jones started his retirement announcement by saying, "Today I'm announcing my retirement. It started when I was 8 years old. Just a kid from Foley, Alabama. It was an amazing ride."

In case you missed it earlier, 7x Pro Bowl Wide Receiver and Future Hall of Famer, @juliojones_11 annouced his retirement earlier today on a social media app called “Squad”. Here’s the video from his account. Thank you Jet ✈️! @AtlantaFalcons #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/ezy8QKe6rA
— FalconsSzn (@gavin_marts) April 4, 2025

Jones was the sixth overall selection of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the fact that he hasn't been a major contributor on an NFL team for several years now, Jones deserves to be remembered as one of the most dominant receiving threats ever.

The 6'3", 220 pound Jones was a 5-time All-Pro (twice first team) and 7-time Pro-Bowler who averaged an incredible 87.9 receiving yards per game, which is the second highest mark of all time. Jones recorded 59 100-yard receiving games in his 13-year career, which is the third most in league history.

Jones didn't have a major impact in his sole season playing in Tampa Bay, but he proved to be a strong veteran presence on the team and a true professional despite the lack of targets he received at that point of his career.

Although he didn't play for the Buccaneers for long, Julio Jones will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant wide receivers in NFC South history.

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