Former Spartans, Packers, Raiders receiver James Jones announces his retirement from the NFL

After 9 years in the NFL, James Jones has announced his retirement. He did so as a member of the Packers, who made him a 3rd round draft pick out of San Jose State in 2007 and where he spent 8 of his 9 NFL seasons.

The Bay Area (San Jose) native spent that other season in Oakland with the Raiders. That season in Oakland in 2014, he caught 73 passes for 666 yards and 6 touchdowns.

He was Derek Carr’s favorite receiver for his rookie season, which was a rough one in Oakland. The Raiders started the season 0-10 before getting their first win against the Chiefs in week 11. Jones caught the game-winning touchdown pass from 9-yards out with 1:42 remaining to complete the come-from-behind victory — the first of Derek Carr’s career.

The 30-year-old receiver had signed with the Raiders on a two-year deal, but was released after that single season and was re-signed to the Packers for the 2015 season. That would be his final season.

He was signed by the Chargers in August of 2016 but was among the roster cuts heading into the season and was out of football last year.

Upon announcing his retirement, several former Raiders teammates sent him congratulations.

And, of course, his quarterback and fellow Northern California native, Aaron Rodgers.