Tony Gonzalez is devastated and he has every right to be. The future Hall of Fame tight end opted out of retirement to try for one more shot at a Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons. During the preseason, that goal looked very reachable. However as the team falls to 2-5, it is no longer attainable. Despite all of the struggles, Gonzalez swears he is loyal to the Falcons.
"This is devastating," Gonzalez said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "This puts us way behind the eight ball as far as the playoffs are concerned. I think our more immediate concern is winning a game against a good team. It was good that we got the win [against Tampa Bay] last week, but the Buccaneers haven't even won a game this year."
With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Tuesday, many believe the Falcons should orchestrate a deal with a team like the Kansas City Chiefs who give Gonzalez a solid chance at winning a Super Bowl. A tight who holds many records in the league deserves a ring, but the veteran says he is committed to Atlanta and intends on finishing his career with the Falcons.
"I'm still happy as I can be to be a Falcon," Gonzalez said. "I know there were trade rumors out there. I didn't ask for a trade. That wasn't me. I signed up, and this is the team that ... I came back to play with these guys on the team. And I'm enjoying myself, win, lose or draw. Obviously I'd rather win. It makes it a lot more fun. But there is no way I would think about jumping ship because I love playing for this team, I love playing for this city."
Gonzalez understands that if the Falcons believe a trade is the best move for the franchise then he will accept it and move on, but he is not demanding one nor is he wanting to leave. The Atlanta offense has been stunned by injuries as players like Julio Jones and Mike Johnson were lost to season-ending injuries. Steven Jackson has been in and out with injuries and more offensive lineman continue to rotate in and out. Gonzalez is hopeful the team can turn things around even though they are likely out of playoff contention completely.
"This is devastating," Gonzalez said. "This puts us way behind the eight ball as far as the playoffs are concerned. I think our more immediate concern is winning a game against a good team. It was good that we got the win (against Tampa Bay) last week, but the Buccaneers haven't even won a game this year."
Head coach Mike Smith is urging the team to dig deep and start stepping up. Roddy White is expected back next week after sitting out two consecutive games with an injury. That should at least ease the pain for Gonzalez who is going to be double-teamed right into retirement. Does the tight end remain with the Falcons? In just over 24 hours the team will know for sure.