For the Falcons, that was and always will be Jones. For a long-suffering team that blew a 28-3 Super Bowl lead in front of the entire world in less than two quarters, you might wonder who in the world could make even that generational disaster somewhat palatable. Jones did. He really did.

Julio Jones, a seven-time Pro Bowler who is the Falcons' all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, has retired. He last played for the Eagles in 2023.

Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and Atlanta Falcons legend Julio Jones announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons. The Falcons traded up to acquire Jones in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft out of Alabama and he went on to become one of the league's best players for roughly a decade.