Jones reaches 12,000-yard milestone in record pace

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones talks about reaching career milestone. (Video by D. Orlando Ledbetter/AJC)

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones entered the game with 11,881 yards.

In the third quarter against the Jaguars on Sunday, he went over the 12,000-career receiving yards mark. He became the fastest player in NFL history to reach that plateau — doing so in 125 games.

The previous mark was set by Jerry Rice, who surpassed the mark in 142 games.

Jones finished with 10 catches for 166 yards — his 55th career 100-yard game.

“Matt Ryan has been with me since Day One,” Jones said after the game. “I appreciate him. I appreciate the offensive line. It’s a big accomplishment.”

With 790 career catches for 12,047 yards and 57 touchdowns, Jones moved ahead of Michael Irvin (11,904), and is now 26th in NFL history in receiving yards.