Tony Gonzalez spent all 2012 saying he was 95 percent positive he was retiring. However, he opted to return for one more shot at a Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons. That one-last attempt failed and now Gonzalez is not backing down from his commitment to call it a career after one more game. No matter how many teammates request his return, Gonzalez promises he is done.
"I could keep playing," Gonzalez said, via the Sacramento Bee. "I know I could. But it's over."
The statement has plenty of teammates including quarterback Matt Ryan wanting the future Hall of Fame tight end back for one more season.
"He's unbelievable. He really is," Ryan said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "His consistency for 17 years in this league is incredibly impressive. There's no shortcut to it. There's no mystery to it. Tony works as hard as anybody I've ever been around, and he's blessed with a lot of talent as well.
At 38, Gonzalez has been the model of durability. He averages 10 yards per catch. He is on pace for another season of close to 1,000-yards receiving. He continues to break records with every catch and touchdown he scores. However, he is confident that this is the end of the road.
"But it's the end of the road for me. I put everything out there and I'm completely satisfied. I don't have any regrets and I look forward to what's next," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez certainly has milestones to revel in. His 111 touchdown catches are the mot by any active player and rank him sixth behind the likes of Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Cris Carter and Marvin Harrison. While his numbers make him a lock for the Hall of Fame, Gonzalez stresses that has never been his focus throughout his career.
"That's never been my focus -- numbers, milestones, records," Gonzalez said. "My focus has been to be consistent and stick to a routine. The numbers and accomplishments of my career are just a byproduct."
In his place, rookie Levine Toilolo well step in to replace the hole left by Gonzalez. The fourth-round draft pick in 2013 has shown signs of great potential this season and Gonzalez believes he can really be poised for greatness if he works hard enough.
While Falcons' fans would love to see No. 88 step back out onto the field for one more season, Gonzalez is set to be done. Week 17 will be his final game as the Falcons face the Carolina Panthers at home.
