Generally, 404 occurs during an error in finding a web page. But one NFL legend chose this no. to hang up his cleats from the football world. We are talking about the future Hall of Fame wide receiver and Atlanta Falcons icon, Julio Jones.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, this Alabama athlete announced his retirement after 13 seasons in the league. Hanging up the hat, Julio Jones teased his announcement on an Instagram post with a caption: “I’m making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta. Thank you, man. I appreciate y’all. It’s nothing but love. I’m doing this on 404 day.”

Now, Philadelphia Eagles player, Julio Jones, could have picked any other day to retire from the league. Then why 404, as highlighted by him? Well, to the people who are unaware, it’s not just a random day; it’s Atlanta’s heartbeat – an unofficial holiday in Atlanta. This clearly shows his love for the team and city, despite his final year spent in Philly.

Back in 2011, the Falcons weren’t just looking to draft, they were looking for a transformation. They already had Roddy White. A Pro Bowler. A star. But after getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Packers – despite being the No. 1 seed – Atlanta knew it needed more in terms of speed, power, and fire! So they went all in.

The Falcons sent five draft picks to Cleveland just to move up and grab one player with the sixth pick – Julio Jones. At Alabama, Jones had already proven his exceptional abilities. But in Atlanta? He became a legend. One by one, he started breaking records – most receiving yards in franchise history (12,896), seven 1,000-yard seasons, a Super Bowl run.

Ah yes, that unforgettable toe-drag catch in the big game — it still gives chills. From 2011 to 2020, Julio Jones gave Atlanta everything. Grit, grace, greatness. Even when he left – first to the Titans, then to the Bucs and Eagles – his heart, his legacy, stayed in red and black. And that’s why the fans, not only from Atlanta, are sending love to the legend.

Are fans just not over with Julio Jones’s failed Super Bowl era?

During his 13 seasons, the wide receiver played with four teams – Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, and the Falcons. Now that he’s hanging up his cleats, the floodgates have opened. Fans from every corner of the football world are pouring their hearts out on social media, paying tribute to a titan of the game.

One post stood out in particular: “Wish things could have gone better here in Tampa… and worse (esp. versus Tampa) in Atlanta (I joke, I joke… so much respect for him as a WR threat)… the end of a great player’s career.” In just a few lines, that Tampa Bay fan captured the bittersweet essence of Julio Jones’s final chapter. A stint marred by injuries, what-ifs, and the aching sense that one of football’s finest wasn’t able to finish the way he started: on fire, unstoppable, legendary.

But even in those quieter days, the respect never faded. The admiration only grew. Because legends aren’t built on stats alone — they’re forged in the hearts of those who watched them soar. Another fan summed it up perfectly: “Salute to one of the smoothest, toughest WRs 🔥🔥🔥.” And really, what greater honor is there for a wide receiver than to be remembered not just for the catches or the yards… but for the fire, the finesse, the fight?

Julio Jones didn’t just play football. He made it art. And now, as the curtain falls, the standing ovation echoes far beyond the field.

Undoubtedly, Julio Jones and Matt Ryan formed one of the most electrifying duos the NFL has ever seen. A connection so potent, so seamless, it often felt unfair — a true cheat code for the Atlanta Falcons. Yet, the team somehow didn’t fully capitalize on their brilliance during their most crucial moments, including their two Super Bowl runs.

One fan captured the heartbreak perfectly: “Julio with Matt Ryan was a cheat code… shame they wasted it.” The numbers speak volumes. In 134 games alongside Ryan, Julio hauled in 838 receptions for 12,744 yards and 61 touchdowns — a testament to their devastating chemistry.

But no stat can erase the pain of that moment — when Ryan dropped back to pass in the 2017 Super Bowl, and fate took a cruel turn. That image still lingers in the minds of Falcons fans, a wound that hasn’t quite healed.

Still, despite the missed championship glory, fans across generations feel lucky to have witnessed greatness in real time. One commented: “Great career, had a blast watching this dude compete! Enjoy retirement 🔥.” Another added: “One of the best receivers of my generation. He deserved a better fate in the Super Bowl.” As the NFL world bids farewell to a giant of the game, one thing is certain — Julio Jones will be deeply missed.

He wasn’t just a star; he was a symbol of dominance, grit, and grace on the gridiron. Now, all eyes turn to what comes next. Will he step into coaching, broadcasting, or simply enjoy the well-earned peace of retirement? Whatever he chooses, Julio Jones has already secured his legacy.