“I’m the best wide receiver in the game. Tell Julio to look up the stats. I got more touchdowns than Julio Jones had in the past five years, and I took a year off.” Since crowning himself as the best wide-out in football 5 years ago. Antonio Brown tips his hat to his once-nemesis upon the 7-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro’s retirement. Julio Jones, who last played for the Eagles in 2023, chose to walk away from the gridiron, calling time on his 13 seasons in the NFL. Retiring as a Falcon legend and future Hall of Famer, Jones even got Brown to pay his respects as he leaves a lasting legacy for generations of wide receivers.

On an MLFootball post that asked “WHO IS A BETTER WIDE RECEIVER IN #NFL HISTORY… ANTONIO BROWN OR JULIO JONES?” by tallying their overall career statistics. Brown retweeted that post on X, claiming, “Julio 🌈” Yep, it’s the same Antonio who once kind of disrespected Jones’ achievements now singing his praises on social media. Already a member of the Hall of Fame’s All-2010s Team, Jones is a shoo-in for the 2028 Hall of Fame Class once he earns his eligibility (five years after the last game played in the NFL). 

Jones was at the peak of his powers from 2012 to 2019, where he produced seven 1000-yard seasons. He went on to form a frightening QB-WR duo with Matt Ryan, collecting 65 TDs from him. Jones even led the league in receiving yards twice during that run while leading the Falcons to Super Bowl LI. Of course, it was that infamous 28-3 lead that the Falcons gave up, with the Pats winning 34-28 in overtime. Jones, who had an exceptional postseason record that year with 19 receptions and 334 receiving yards, failed to step up when it mattered the most.

He only caught 4 catches for 87 yards without a TD. Four years later, after his Falcons tenure was over, Jones was a shadow of his pre-2020 phase. He only lasted a year in Tennessee and then signed with the Bucs in 2022. His time in Tampa Bay also didn’t live up to his name. As Jones was again on the move after spending a single season. Philadelphia was his last stop before officially hanging up his cleats with an emotional announcement.

Julio Jones bids farewell to a memorable 13-year NFL journey

After deciding not to play in 2024, Jones did the inevitable and drew curtains on a sensational NFL career. He shared an emotional video on social media, expressing, “I’m making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta. Thank you, man, I appreciate y’ll. It’s nothing but love. I’m doing this on 404 day.” 404 day? Well, it’s an official holiday celebrated on April 4th in Atlanta, honoring the area’s iconic code and the culture it represents. Seeing one of their greatest receivers retire from gridiron duties, the Falcons’ official X handle also sent their regards, “Julio Jet Jones. Congratulations on your retirement.”

The Falcons would probably never see someone of Julio’s caliber again in Atlanta. Setting franchise records in his 10-year stay, he caught 848 catches for 12,896 yards and 60 TDs. Only legendary Roddy White caught more TDs than Jones, 63, who spent his whole career as a Falcon. The moment the news of his retirement came to light. Eagles star receiver AJ Brown, with whom Jones shared the locker in his last season, expressed his gratitude.

“The best WR to play the game in my book. Taught me how to play the position before we even met. Not every day you get to play with the person that inspired you to play the game. Grateful!” Brown wrote on X. Jones may have logged just 11 games in Philadelphia, but his impact was long-lasting. As Brown went on to claim Super Bowl LIX the next year, catching 67 passes for 1,079 yards in just 13 games. Jones might not be there to compete on the gridiron anymore. However, his values, traits, and teachings will continue to be passed on to generations of receivers who have looked up to him like AJ Brown.