A wide receiver who last played for the Philadelphia Eagles is retiring at 36. The Eagles had a stacked wide receiver room in 2023 that included A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Julio Jones.
Jones joined the Eagles to chase a ring, but Philadelphia’s postseason ended in the Wild Card round with a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He suffered a concussion in the first half of that game and didn’t return to football in 2024.
Former Philadelphia Eagles WR Julio Jones retired
Per a video posted to X by FalconsSzn, Jones took to the social media app “Squad” to announce his retirement from the league.
“Today, I’m announcing my retirement, Jones said. “Started when I was eight years old, just a kid from Foley, Alabama. This was an amazing ride. I’d like to thank my family through this whole process. They were my support system. Without them, none of this could have been possible. I’d like to thank my teammates.”
Julio Jones had lots of people to thank
Jones thanked coach Nick Saban for his time at Alabama, where Jones won the 2009 BCS National Championship and earned 2010 All-American honors.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Jones with the No. 6 pick in the 2011 draft. He played in Atlanta through 2020. He spent 2021 with the Tennessee Titans, 2022 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and 2023 with the Eagles.
Jones appeared in 166 games and started in 153. He recorded 914 receptions for 13,703 yards, and 66 touchdowns.
Jones thanked Matt Ryan for taking extra time to work with him as a rookie.
“Matt Ryan, thank you,” Jones said. “It was a lockout in 2011. You went as far as taking me to your home, showing me the playbook, going to fields, going over plays. Thank you. I appreciate you, man.”
Jones had a special thank you for the city of Atlanta.
“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 (404 is the area code for Atlanta). To the other ball clubs out there… Tennessee, thank you for the opportunity. Tampa, thank you for the opportunity. Eagles, thank you for the opportunity.”