ATLANTA -- Julio Jones became the fastest receiver in NFL history to reach 12,000 career receiving yards during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Jones surpassed Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, widely considered the best receiver in league history, as the player to reach 12,000 yards in the fewest number of games. Jones achieved the feat in his 125th career game, a whopping 17 fewer games than Rice did. During the Falcons' 29-22 victory against the San Francisco 49ers, Rice's former team, Jones surpassed the Hall of Famer for the second-most receiving yards in NFL history through a player's first nine seasons.
Earlier this season, Jones surpassed Roddy White as the all-time leading receiver in franchise history. He entered Sunday's game with 11,881 career receiving yards, which were the 26th-most among all receivers in league history. Against the Jaguars, Jones jumped Michael Irvin, moving to the 25th spot on the all-time receiving list.
Get an inside look at Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars with top photos from the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 16
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 walks through the tunnel before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 walks in the tunnel before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the roof and halo board at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 stretches before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of the cleats worn by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 waves before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jack Crawford #95 prepares for the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Kenjon Barner #38 leads a huddle before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn celebrates from the sideline during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 and running back Kenjon Barner #38 celebrate a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates after a turnover during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates after a turnover during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 celebrates after scoring his second touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn celebrates from the sideline during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons react after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a catch during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Keith Smith #40 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons react after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates with running back Keith Smith #40 before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 catches the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 reacts after a turnover during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 reacts after a turnover during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II #15 during the first half of the game against at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 gestures during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 gestures after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II #15 during the first half of the game against at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 reacts after a play during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receivers Russell Gage #83 and Christian Blake #13 gesture for a first down during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hands the ball of to running back Devonta Freeman #24 during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II #15 during the first half of the game against at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 during the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 tackles Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II #15 during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 gestures during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 catches the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 celebrates with quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 yells after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 drops back to pass during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 spikes the ball after an Atlanta Falcons touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 interacts with fans after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 signs autographs after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 22, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
