Career Timeline of Julio Jones: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Julio Jones made an impact.

Julio Jones is an American professional football wide receiver renowned for his achievements in the 2010s. He played college football at the University of Alabama, winning a national championship in 2009. Jones was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft and is considered among the best wide receivers of his era.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Falcons Receiving Tandem

In 1998, Tony Martin and Terance Mathis achieved a 1,000-yard receiving tandem for the Falcons, a feat that Jones and Roddy White later replicated in 2012.

February 6, 2008: Commitment to Alabama Crimson Tide

On February 6, 2008, Julio Jones committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide on National Signing Day.

2008: Freshman Season at Alabama

In 2008, Julio Jones started as a true freshman wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide and led all receivers with 58 receptions for 924 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.

2009: Increased Production in Sophomore Season

During the second half of the 2009 season, Julio Jones's production increased, contributing to key victories and an undefeated regular season for Alabama.

2010: Junior Season at Alabama

During the 2010 season, Julio Jones recorded 221 receiving yards against Tennessee and had his first collegiate game with two receiving touchdowns against Georgia State.

January 7, 2011: Declares for NFL Draft

On January 7, 2011, Julio Jones decided to forgo his senior season and declared eligibility for the 2011 NFL draft.

July 28, 2011: Signs with Atlanta Falcons

On July 28, 2011, Julio Jones signed a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons worth $16.2 million.

2011: Capital One Bowl Victory

In 2011, Julio Jones played his final collegiate game in the Capital One Bowl against Michigan State, contributing to a 49–7 victory.

2011: NFL Draft

In 2011, Julio Jones was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round (sixth overall) of the NFL draft.

2011: Drafted by Atlanta Falcons

In 2011, The Atlanta Falcons selected Julio Jones with the sixth overall pick of the NFL Draft.

2012: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2012, Julio Jones recorded 1,198 receiving yards and ten touchdowns and was named to his first Pro Bowl.

2012: Falcons Trade for Jones

In 2012, the Falcons traded five draft picks to the Cleveland Browns to move up and draft Julio Jones in the 2011 NFL Draft.

2012: Successful 2012 Regular Season

In the 2012 regular season, Jones recorded 79 receptions for 1,198 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, marking his first season exceeding 1,000 receiving yards and setting a career high in single-season touchdown receptions.

April 29, 2014: Fifth-Year Option Exercised

On April 29, 2014, the Falcons exercised the fifth-year option on Julio Jones's rookie contract, extending his tenure with the team through the 2015 season.

2014: Consecutive Pro Bowl Selection

From 2014, Julio Jones was invited to six consecutive Pro Bowls.

August 29, 2015: Signed 5-Year Contract Extension

On August 29, 2015, Julio Jones signed a 5-year, $71.5 million contract extension with the Falcons, which included $47 million guaranteed.

2016: All-Pro Selection and Super Bowl Appearance

In 2016, Julio Jones garnered another All-Pro selection and helped to lead the Falcons to Super Bowl LI.

2016: Record-Breaking Performance and Super Bowl LI Appearance

In the 2016 season, Jones had a record-breaking performance against the Panthers, and made it to Super Bowl LI, where despite an "iconic catch", the Falcons lost to the Patriots in overtime.

2018: League Leader in Receiving Yards

In 2018, Julio Jones led the league again in receiving yards.

September 7, 2019: Contract Extension

On September 7, 2019, Julio Jones signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension with $64 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league at the time.

2019: End of Consecutive Pro Bowl Selection

Julio Jones's six consecutive Pro Bowl streak ended in 2019.

June 6, 2021: Trade to the Titans

On June 6, 2021, Julio Jones was traded by the Falcons to the Titans along with a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft for a second-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft and a fourth-round selection in the 2023 draft.