History of Julio Jones in Timeline
Julio Jones, born Quintorris Lopez Jones Jr., is a highly esteemed American football wide receiver currently without a team (free agent). His college football career was with the Alabama Crimson Tide, after which he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. His exceptional skills and performance have earned him recognition as one of the greatest receivers of the 2010s.
February 8, 1989: Birth of Julio Jones
Julio Jones was born on February 8, 1989.
1998: Falcons' First 1,000-Yard Receiving Tandem Since 1998
Julio Jones and Roddy White achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first receiving duo for the Falcons to each surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season since Tony Martin and Terance Mathis did it in 1998.
2002: Marvin Harrison's Prolific Season
In 2002, Marvin Harrison, wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, delivered an exceptional season, hauling in an impressive 143 receptions, a number that stood as a testament to his remarkable catching ability.
2005: All-County Selection in Track and Field
Julio Jones's athletic talents were recognized in 2005 when he received the All-County selection for his performance in track and field.
2006: State Champion in Long Jump and Triple Jump
Julio Jones showcased his athletic prowess by winning the state championship in both the long jump (24-2 or 7.40m) and triple jump (47-5 or 14.52m) in 2006.
2007: State Champion in Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump
Continuing his dominance in track and field, Julio Jones repeated as state champion in the long jump and triple jump in 2007 and added a state title in the high jump (6-6 or 1.98m) during the indoor season.
February 6, 2008: Commitment to Alabama Crimson Tide
On February 6, 2008, Julio Jones made his highly anticipated college decision, committing to play football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He announced his choice live on ESPNU.
2008: Personal Best in 100-Meter Dash
In 2008, Julio Jones demonstrated his speed on the track, clocking a personal-best time of 11.13 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the Class 6A Section 1 Meet, where he finished second.
2008: Breakout Freshman Season at Alabama
Julio Jones made an immediate impact as a freshman at Alabama in 2008, becoming the first true freshman wide receiver to start a season opener for the Crimson Tide. He excelled throughout the season, recording impressive performances against top-ranked opponents and finishing as Alabama's leading receiver with 58 receptions for 924 yards and four touchdowns.
2009: Clutch Performances and SEC Championship
After a relatively slow start to his sophomore season, Julio Jones elevated his game in crucial moments during the 2009 season. He made game-changing plays in victories against LSU and Auburn, helping Alabama secure an undefeated regular season and the SEC Championship.
2010: BCS National Championship Victory
Julio Jones contributed to Alabama's national championship run in the 2010 season. He had a solid performance in the BCS National Championship game against Texas, which Alabama won 37-21.
2010: Record-Breaking Performance Against Tennessee
Julio Jones had a standout game against the Tennessee Volunteers on October 23, 2010. He set a career-high with 221 receiving yards on 12 receptions, contributing to Alabama's 41-10 victory.
2010: First-Team All-SEC Selection
Julio Jones's outstanding junior season in 2010 earned him the well-deserved recognition of being named a first-team All-SEC selection.
January 7, 2011: Julio Jones Declares for 2011 NFL Draft
On January 7, 2011, Julio Jones decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2011 NFL Draft, joining his teammates Mark Ingram, Greg McElroy, and Marcell Dareus.
July 28, 2011: Julio Jones Signs with Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones officially joined the Atlanta Falcons on July 28, 2011, signing a four-year contract worth $16.2 million, fully guaranteed.
2011: Atlanta Falcons Draft Julio Jones
In 2011, the Atlanta Falcons selected Julio Jones as the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft, making a significant trade with the Cleveland Browns to secure his position.
2011: Final Collegiate Game and Capital One Bowl Victory
In his final game for Alabama, Julio Jones helped the Crimson Tide secure a dominant 49-7 victory over Michigan State in the 2011 Capital One Bowl.
2011: Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons
In 2011, Julio Jones was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the NFL draft.
2012: Calvin Johnson's Historic Receiving Season
In 2012, Calvin Johnson, nicknamed "Megatron," while playing for the Detroit Lions, achieved a remarkable feat by recording 1,964 receiving yards, establishing a record-breaking performance for a single season at that time.
2012: Julio Jones' Breakout Season
In 2012, Julio Jones had a breakout year with 79 receptions, 1,198 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns, marking his first season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and setting a new personal best for touchdowns in a single season.
2012: First Pro Bowl Selection
Julio Jones had a successful season in 2012, recording 1,198 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, leading to his first Pro Bowl selection.
2012: Falcons Trade Draft Picks for Julio Jones
To acquire Julio Jones in the 2011 NFL draft, the Falcons traded away their 27th, 59th, and 124th picks from that year, as well as their first and fourth-round picks for the 2012 draft.
October 7, 2013: Julio Jones Suffers Season-Ending Injury
On October 7, 2013, during a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets, Julio Jones suffered a foot fracture. This unfortunate injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
2013: Injury-Plagued Season
Julio Jones's 2013 season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to only five games.
2013: Julio Jones Earns Pro Bowl Selection
Following his impressive performance in 2012, Julio Jones was chosen to participate in the 2013 Pro Bowl, signifying his first Pro Bowl nomination.
April 29, 2014: Falcons Pick Up Jones' Fifth-Year Option
On April 29, 2014, the Atlanta Falcons showed their commitment to Julio Jones by exercising the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, securing his services through the 2015 NFL season.
2014: Start of Consecutive Pro Bowl Selections
Beginning in 2014, Julio Jones began a streak of six consecutive Pro Bowl selections, showcasing his consistent excellence.
2014: Led Falcons in Receiving Yards, Second Pro Bowl
In 2014, Julio Jones led the Atlanta Falcons in receiving yards and earned his second Pro Bowl selection.
August 29, 2015: Falcons Sign Jones to Lucrative Extension
On August 29, 2015, Julio Jones secured a significant contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons. The five-year deal was worth $71.5 million, including a substantial $47 million in guaranteed money, demonstrating the team's strong belief in his abilities.
2015: Jones Ranked 13th on NFL Top 100
In 2015, Julio Jones received recognition from his peers, being voted as the 13th best player in the NFL Top 100 Players list. This ranking highlighted his exceptional skills and impact on the field.
2016: Jones Shines in Record-Breaking Performance
Throughout the 2016 NFL season, Julio Jones delivered standout performances, including a remarkable Week 4 game against the Carolina Panthers. In that game, he set a Falcons franchise record with an astounding 300 receiving yards, marking the most receiving yards ever recorded against the Panthers in a single game.
2016: Jones Earns Top 10 Recognition Again
In 2016, Julio Jones' exceptional skills and on-field contributions were once again acknowledged by his peers, as he was ranked as the 8th best player in the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2016: All-Pro Selection and Super Bowl Appearance
Julio Jones had another strong season in 2016, earning an All-Pro selection and helping the Falcons reach Super Bowl LI.
December 19, 2017: Jones Selected for Fifth Pro Bowl
Julio Jones' exceptional performance throughout the 2017 NFL season earned him a well-deserved selection to his fifth Pro Bowl, a testament to his consistent excellence as one of the league's premier wide receivers.
2017: Jones Ranked Third on NFL Top 100
Julio Jones' consistent excellence and dominance as a wide receiver were recognized in 2017 when he secured the third position in the NFL Top 100 Players rankings, earning him the distinction of being the highest-ranked wide receiver that year.
November 11, 2018: Fastest Player to Reach 10,000 Receiving Yards
On November 11, 2018, Julio Jones achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards.
December 18, 2018: Julio Jones Selected for his Sixth Pro Bowl
On December 18, 2018, Julio Jones was named to his sixth Pro Bowl, which he declined due to injury.
2018: Jones Earns Top 100 Recognition
In 2018, Julio Jones continued to garner respect from his peers, securing the fourth position in the NFL Top 100 Players rankings. This recognition solidified his standing as one of the league's most dominant and impactful players.
2018: Led the League in Receiving Yards
Julio Jones had a dominant 2018 season, leading the league in receiving yards.
September 7, 2019: Julio Jones Signs Record-Breaking Contract Extension
On September 7, 2019, Julio Jones signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL at that time.
September 15, 2019: Falcons' All-Time Receiving Yards Leader
Julio Jones etched his name in the Atlanta Falcons' record books on September 15, 2019, when he became the franchise's all-time leader in receiving yards.
2019: Julio Jones Achieves Career Milestones and Earns Accolades
During the 2019 season, Julio Jones achieved several milestones, including becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards. He also led the league in receiving yards and was named to the second-team All-Pro team.
2019: End of Consecutive Pro Bowl Selections
Julio Jones's streak of six straight Pro Bowl selections ended in 2019.
2019: Michael Thomas Sets Reception Record
Michael Thomas, playing for the New Orleans Saints, set a new NFL record for most receptions in a single season with an impressive 149 catches in 2019.
October 5, 2020: Falcons' All-Time Receptions Leader
Adding to his list of accomplishments with the Atlanta Falcons, Julio Jones became the franchise's all-time leader in receptions on October 5, 2020.
2020: Julio Jones Continues Dominance with Notable Achievements
Throughout 2020, Julio Jones continued to showcase his skills, becoming the fastest player to reach 11,000 and 12,000 career receiving yards. He earned his seventh Pro Bowl nomination and was named a second-team All-Pro.
2020: Julio Jones Battles Injuries but Maintains High Performance
Despite battling injuries throughout the 2020 season, Julio Jones still managed to rank high in receiving yards. He also became the Falcons' all-time career receptions leader, surpassing Roddy White.
May 22, 2021: Julio Jones Sparks Trade Rumors
On May 22, 2021, a photo of Jones wearing a Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt surfaced on social media, sparking rumors of a potential trade.
May 24, 2021: Julio Jones Publicly Expresses Desire to Leave Falcons
On May 24, 2021, during a live interview on "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," Julio Jones stated his desire to leave the Atlanta Falcons, confirming the trade rumors.
June 6, 2021: Julio Jones Traded to the Tennessee Titans
After much speculation, on June 6, 2021, the Atlanta Falcons traded Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for draft picks.
September 18, 2021: Julio Jones Fined for On-Field Altercation
Julio Jones was fined $10,815 for his involvement in a scuffle with defensive back Byron Murphy during the Titans' season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 18, 2021.
November 13, 2021: Julio Jones Placed on Injured Reserve
On November 13, 2021, Julio Jones was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, sidelining him for a significant portion of the season.
2021: Traded to the Tennessee Titans
Following a 2020 season marked by injuries and reported dissatisfaction with the Falcons' new management, Julio Jones was traded to the Tennessee Titans in 2021.
2021: Cooper Kupp Sets Receiving Yards Record
In 2021, Cooper Kupp, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, etched his name in the NFL record books by amassing an impressive 1,947 receiving yards, setting a new benchmark for a single season.
March 16, 2022: Julio Jones Released by the Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans released Julio Jones on March 16, 2022, after just one season with the team.
July 27, 2022: Signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On July 27, 2022, Julio Jones signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2022: Third All-Time in 100-Yard Receiving Games
As of 2022, Julio Jones held the impressive distinction of being tied for third all-time in career games with 100 or more receiving yards, having achieved this feat in 59 games.
January 16, 2023: Buccaneers' Playoff Loss and Jones' Free Agency
On January 16, 2023, Jones and the Buccaneers were eliminated from the playoffs in the Wild Card Round by the Cowboys. Following the season, he became a free agent.
October 17, 2023: Joins the Philadelphia Eagles
On October 17, 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Julio Jones to their practice squad.
2023: Released by the Buccaneers and Eagles
After being released by the Tennessee Titans in 2022, Julio Jones signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was released by both teams before the conclusion of the 2023 season.
2023: Julio Jones' Future in the NFL Remains Uncertain
As of 2023, Julio Jones' future in the NFL remains uncertain following his release from the Titans and an injury-riddled season.