Tony Gonzalez, perhaps the NFL’s all-time best tight end, rescinded his retirement plans for a year, deciding Tuesday to return to the Atlanta Falcons for a final season, his 17th.
“After discussing it with my family and really, truly struggling with this decision, I informed the Falcons I would like to return for one more shot,” Gonzalez told Fox Sports.
Gonzalez used Twitter to announce to his followers his intent to wear the Falcons’ red and black for a final season.
“I’m happy to say that after speaking with my family, I’m coming back,” he wrote. “The lure of being on such a great team and organization, along with unbelievable fan support was too good to pass up. We have a great shot to get to the Super Bowl, RISE UP ATLANTA!”
USA Today Sports reported that Gonzalez had given agent Tom Condon the go-ahead to negotiate a new contract with the Falcons.
General manager Thomas Dimitrov never gave in to the notion that Gonzalez, 36, would call it a career, saying on various radio stations that he viewed Gonzalez’s commitment at “50-50.” Getting official word that he would make one last Super Bowl push with the team was sobering news for management.
“He is a great teammate and is a leader of our football team on the field and in the community,” Dimitrov said. “Tony leads by example and his professionalism has paid dividends across our entire organization, and we are very happy to have him as a member of our team.”
Coach Mike Smith added in a statement: “He has been a key component to our success during his four years, and it is great to have the opportunity to coach him for a fifth season. Tony is one of the hardest working players I have ever been around and it will be good to have his leadership and work ethic back in our locker room.”
He is returning for one reason: A chance to win it all.
“Considering how this season ended, I wanted to give it another run with Matt [Ryan], Smitty [coach Mike Smith] and the guys we have in there. It was the first time I had won a playoff game, and hopefully coming back once more we can take it one step further,” he told Fox Sports.
Drafted 13th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1997, Gonzalez is second on the career receptions list with 1,242 and seventh on the career receiving yards list with 14,268 yards.
Gonzalez is the most decorated tight end in NFL history, ranking first at the position and sixth overall with 103 touchdown catches.
Gonzalez had eight catches for 72 yards in the Falcons NFC Championship Game loss, including a 10-yard touchdown reception with 25 seconds remaining in the first half. The Falcons didn’t score again as Gonzalez was denied his first trip to the Super Bowl.
