The NFL offseason is in full swing and the Atlanta Falcons have been very active as they try to upgrade their roster to compete with the top of the NFC.
Of course, the Falcons had a disappointing season last year as they finished with an 8-9 record, which placed them second in the NFC South standings behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While the Falcons' front office and coaching staff are planning for what to do in the upcoming 2025 draft, it was former Atlanta receiver Julio Jones who made the news on Friday as he officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
Jones went on the social media app Squad to announce his retirement where he thanked his family, coaches and multiple former Falcons players including quarterback Matt Ryan, as well as the city of Atlanta.
Julio Jones, one of the best WRs of all-time, announced his retirement on the social media app, "Squad". Here is the video: pic.twitter.com/VuGbs4EpR9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 4, 2025
Following Jones' retirement announcement, the Falcons made a three-word statement on social media.
"Julio Jet Jones," Atlanta posted on X.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 4, 2025
The Falcons also congratulated Jones on his retirement before posting a tribute video for the former star receiver.
Thank you for taking us to new heights, Jet pic.twitter.com/e3GldfZhQ3
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 4, 2025
Of course, Jones was selected sixth overall by Atlanta in the 2011 NFL Draft and he spent 10 seasons with the team, becoming arguably the greatest wide receiver in franchise history.
During his time with the Falcons, Jones was a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro and helped lead the franchise to their second Super Bowl appearance during the 2016 season.
Jones was then traded by the Falcons to the Tennessee Titans in 2021 where he spent one season before spending a single season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles before going unsigned after the 2023 season.
The star wide receiver finished his career with 13,703 receiving yards and 66 receiving touchdowns while being one of the best wide receivers of his generation and one of the best Falcons of all time.
