Instant reaction to the Julio Jones injury news revolved around Tony Gonzalez. The tight end returned to the Atlanta Falcons for one more year and a chance to win a Super Bowl. Prior to the start of the 2013 season, the Falcons were heavily favored to make a trip to the big game. With plenty of offensive pieces, Gonzalez opted out of retirement for one more year. However, injuries have ended those dreams and many were predicting a Gonzalez trade in the coming week.
The Gonzalez trade rumors were certainly not a result of a bad season. They were in fact a result of the opposite. Besides Jones, Gonzalez has been the biggest offensive weapon for quarterback Matt Ryan since injuries have depleted the team. He has 339 yards and three touchdowns on the year. Many believed the Falcons should trade him to a contender and give Gonzalez the chance at another postseason trip since the Falcons likely will not be there.
However, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that Gonzalez wants no part in any kind of trade and intends on his career ending with Atlanta. Gonzalez has remained steadfast that 2013 will in fact be his final year of football despite the strong season. While a Super Bowl is not happening, he is man of commitment.
"You can't keep chasing it," Gonzalez said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "You can't. I've chased it long enough. I've tried and I think I've chased it about three or four years longer than I thought I would. This is it. I'm going to enjoy it no matter what happens and go play my heart out every week. Hopefully, we'll turn this thing around. I don't want to be in that position where I'm even thinking about coming back because we are not having a successful season. This is something that I still think we have a very good football team and we can turn this thing around hopefully."
The Falcons season is on life-support. Jones is likely out for the remainder of the season. He will be the fifth Falcons starter to be placed on injured reserve this season, whether it be season-ending or designated to return. With all of the issues, the Falcons are not planning on trading for a big named player, instead searching free agency for options at depth.
Despite the 1-4 start, Gonzalez remains confident the Falcons can put together a decent year. Sitting 4.5 games behind the Saints make the postseason impossible, but Gonzalez is not throwing in the towel just yet.
"And I expect my teammates to believe that we can turn this thing around after this bye week, and get a couple of guys back and get healthy. It's still in our hands. Yeah, it puts us behind the eight ball, but at the same time, if we go out there and just take it one game at a time, I'm confident that we can turn it around. I really am."