American · Foley, Alabama · Born 8 February 1989Atlanta Falcons wide receiver known for elite size-speed combination, twice leading the NFL in receiving yards.
Atlanta gave up five draft picks, including two first-rounders, to trade up from 27th to sixth and draft Julio Jones in 2011. It remains one of the most expensive trades ever made for a non-quarterback. Born in Foley, Alabama, in 1989, he attended the University of Alabama before that price tag followed him to Atlanta. His 11-season career produced 13,330 receiving yards — averaging 96.9 yards per game across his career — and seven Pro Bowl appearances. He led the league in receiving yards three times. In the 2016 season he accumulated 1,409 receiving yards while missing two games — one of the finest wide receiver seasons in recent NFL history. He was the centrepiece of Matt Ryan's offence that reached Super Bowl LI — a game the Falcons infamously lost from 28-3 up. At 6ft 3in with elite speed and exceptional route-running, he combined size and athleticism in a manner that defensive coordinators struggled to counter. He averaged over 7 yards per target across his career — among the highest in NFL history for a player with that volume of targets. Persistent hamstring injuries derailed his final seasons. He was considered the premier wide receiver in the NFL for a five-year period from approximately 2014 to 2019.
Falcons WR, NFC champion 2016
How They Played
Precise route runner with excellent hands, ability to create separation, and strong performance in traffic
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest wide receivers of the 2010s era with exceptional consistency and professionalism
Career Honours
- 7x Pro Bowl
- 2x First-team All-Pro
- NFL receiving yards leader 2015 & 2018
- NFC champion 2016
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 2011–2020 | 113 |
| Tennessee Titans | 2021–2022 | 19 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2023–2023 | 12 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 2023–2023 | 12 |
American Athletes