Julio Jones, the seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, has officially announced his retirement after 13 successful NFL seasons. Jones started his career with the Atlanta Falcons in 2011, later playing for the Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and finishing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. Over his career, he posted remarkable statistics, including leading the league in receiving yards twice and becoming the fastest player to reach 12,000 receiving yards during the 2019 season. On April 4, 2025, Jones shared his decision to retire through an emotional video on the social media platform ‘Squad,’ expressing gratitude to the city of Atlanta and his former teammates. He particularly thanked quarterback Matt Ryan, saying, “Thank you, man. I appreciate y’all. It’s nothing but love.”
In response to Jones’s retirement, Ohio State’s standout freshman receiver, Jeremiah Smith, took to social media to express his admiration. Smith posted a goat emoji, symbolizing Jones as the greatest of all time.
https://twitter.com/Jermiah_Smith1/status/1908303260919955751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1908303260919955751%7Ctwgr%5E9a2ef23242df24765ab51d37e53c6f9a60c03baf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fcollege%2Fohio-state-buckeyes%2Fcollege-football-news-ohio-state-jeremiah-smith-shows-feelings-about-julio-jones
Smith has been making a name for himself in college football. During the 2024 season, he recorded 71 receptions for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns. Jones’s decision to retire comes from a desire to end his career on his own terms. He highlighted his strong connection to Atlanta, choosing to make his announcement on “404 day,” a tribute to the city’s area code. Reflecting on his journey, Jones expressed deep gratitude for the support he received, emphasizing the meaningful relationships he built throughout his career.
https://twitter.com/gavin_marts/status/1908255930535354409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1908255930535354409%7Ctwgr%5E9a2ef23242df24765ab51d37e53c6f9a60c03baf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fcollege%2Fohio-state-buckeyes%2Fcollege-football-news-ohio-state-jeremiah-smith-shows-feelings-about-julio-jones
As Jones exits the game, his legacy shines as an inspiration for rising stars like Smith, who aim to mirror his professionalism and influence on the field.
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