Former Falcons star Julio Jones spent $20,000 training for a new career, and it’s not football

Former Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones may not be done competing just yet, but his next chapter could come in a very different arena. According to a report circulating on social media, Jones has been training to become a professional bowler, investing more than $20,000 into preparation for an upcoming event.

A surprising pivot for Julio Jones after NFL

Jones, widely regarded as one of the most dominant wide receivers of his era, built a career on elite athleticism, precise route running and physical dominance on the field. Now, he’s reportedly channeling that same competitive drive into bowling.

Jones isn’t just training to bowl for fun though. He’s gearing up for the SQUAD Inaugural Bowling Tournament, a community-focused event taking place in Atlanta on Sunday, March 29.

According to Jones’ own social posts, the tournament will feature 30 teams, with each team representing a local small business. Entrepreneurs, entertainers and community figures will all participate and there will be a $10,000 winner‑take‑all prize for the top team. The goal is to bring people together and showcase local Atlanta talent and business pride.

Jones called it “bigger than bowling”, emphasizing the event’s community and cultural angle in addition to the competition itself.

While bowling requires a completely different skill set from football, the sport does utilize some of the basic principles like precision, consistency and mental focus. Jones officially announced his retirement from the NFL in April 2025 after a 13‑season career that began when he was selected sixth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft and included seven Pro Bowl selections and multiple All‑Pro honors.

During his time in the NFL, Jones established himself as one of the league’s premier receivers, particularly during his tenure in Atlanta. While a transition from football to bowling might seem unexpected, it’s not unheard of for elite athletes to explore new competitive outlets after their primary careers wind down.

The reported $20,000 investment suggests Jones is taking the pursuit seriously rather than treating it as a casual hobby. Details about Jones’ timeline or specific events remain limited, but the idea of a former NFL superstar entering the world of professional bowling is already drawing attention online.

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