Tony Gonzalez is officially a retired man and now speaking out about his legacy in the NFL and time with the Atlanta Falcons. The tight end returned for one more season in 2013 with the hopes of winning a Super Bowl title after the Falcons made it all the way to the NFC title game. However, the season was a disappointment and Gonzalez most of it was due to the offense.
Quarterback Matt Ryan finally got the playoff monkey off his back last year, beating the Seattle Seahawks for his first postseason win of his career. However, he followed that up with a terrible 2013 season. After signing a large contract extension in the offseason, many are now questing Ryan's ranking amongst other NFL quarterbacks. Gonzalez believes he is a great player, but not yet elite.
"Matt's an excellent quarterback. But he's not elite. He's this close. He'll get there, but he has some learning to do," Gonzalez said, via NFL Live on ESPN.
It is hard to tell if Gonzalez's statements are accurate. The Falcons were plagued with injuries in 2013. Their offensive line lost several starters throughout the year. Both Julio Jones and Roddy White suffered injuries. Stephen Jackson sat out for several games. Ryan really had almost no help throughout the year outside of Gonzalez.
The tight end used the interview to state that he was absolutely not returning to field in 2014, unless one thing happens. Gonzalez said he would return to the Falcons if the team was 9-2 entering the month of November. He technically did sign a two-year deal last offseason, so it would not be out of the question.
Gonzalez also touched on one more topic, those trade rumors that circulated throughout the year. At the time of the NFL trade deadline, the Falcons were 2-5 and showing no signs of improving. The tight end admitted that he was open to being moved to a team that was in contention for a playoff run. He downplayed the idea that he requested a move, but was certainly open to the idea.
"You trade me to a team that needs me, that wants to make a serious run in the playoffs and the Super Bowl," Gonzalez said. "You get something in return for a guy who you know won't be here next year. And the season isn't going anywhere anyway. That's rational."
So for now, the Falcons are moving on without their trusty tight end. If the team is capable of bouncing back, does he return midway through the year?
