Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (photo: Emily Stone/FOX 5 Atlanta)
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -
Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has decided not to retire-- yet. Gonzalez tweeted Tuesday afternoon that after discussions with his family, he's decided to return to the Falcons for one more year.
Just after 1:15 pm, Gonzalez tweeted, "I'm happy to say that after speaking with my family, I'm coming back. 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!"
Not long after that, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan tweeted, "Welcome back @TonyGonzalez88!!" Then, just after 2 p.m., the Falcons tweeted, "It's official! @TonyGonzalez88 has informed the Falcons that he will return for the 2013 season."
Gonzalez's wife, October, also confirmed the news on twitter, saying, "It's true! after much thought @TonyGonzalez88 decided to come back for one more year! It's because of you! & the amazing #Falcons org."
Falcons head coach Mike Smith said in a press conference on Tuesday that he was thrilled to hear of Tony's decision.
"In the off-season, you try to build your football team through a number of ways, and in my mind we just signed one of the biggest free agent acquisitions in terms of the guys that are available," Smith said.
Smith said that nothing has been discussed beyond the 2013 season with Gonzalez.
Terms of Gonzalez' contract have not been ironed out yet.
In a story on FOXSports.com Tuesday afternoon, Jay Glazer reported that the Falcons and Gonzalez were the verge of a new contract that would bring him back to the team for one more year. Gonzalez had said the NFC Championship loss to the San Francisco 49ers was his last game, but recent speculation said otherwise. Glazer reports Gonzalez wants to give it another chance after last season.
"It was the first time I had won a playoff game and hopefully coming back once more we can take it one step further," the 13-time Pro Bowl selection told FOX Sports.
In a story posted on the Falcons' website, Smith said, "We are very pleased that Tony has decided to come back for another season. 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."
Gonzalez is the all-time leading receiver among tight ends, and he's second only to Jerry Rice in all-time receptions. Last season, he had 93 catches and eight touchdowns, with two more TDs in the postseason.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:45 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:45:14 GMT
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Monday, May 13 2013 7:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:19:20 GMT
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:01 AM EDT2013-05-13 14:01:16 GMT
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan.
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan and Coach Mike Smith!
It could have been the perfect matchup to cap an unforgettable game. LeBron James driving to the rim to face Roy Hibbert, one play to decide Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
It could have been the perfect matchup to cap an unforgettable game. LeBron James driving to the rim to face Roy Hibbert, one play to decide Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Tiger Woods says the "fried chicken" comment from Sergio Garcia was hurtful and inappropriate. Two weeks after they verbally sparred at The Players Championship, Woods say it's time to move on.
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Sergio Garcia apologized to Tiger Woods for saying he would serve fried chicken if they were to have dinner at the U.S. Open, an ugly addition to nearly two weeks of verbal...
A.J. Murray and Mott Hyde hit back-to-back homers in the top of the ninth inning to help reigning champion Georgia Tech beat Florida State 4-3 on Wednesday in pool play at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
A.J. Murray and Mott Hyde hit back-to-back homers in the top of the ninth inning to help reigning champion Georgia Tech beat Florida State 4-3 on Wednesday in pool play at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
Evan Gattis kept up an amazing rookie season with his first grand slam, B.J. Upton and Ramiro Pena also homered, and the Atlanta Braves finished off a sweep of the woeful Minnesota Twins 8-3 Wednesday.
Evan Gattis kept up an amazing rookie season with his first grand slam, B.J. Upton and Ramiro Pena also homered, and the Atlanta Braves finished off a sweep of the woeful Minnesota Twins 8-3 Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:59 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:59:07 GMT
Evan Gattis just keeps coming through for the Atlanta Braves.
Evan Gattis just keeps coming through for the Atlanta Braves. The rookie hit a two-out, pinch-hit homer in the ninth to send the game to extra innings and Freddie Freeman won it in the 10th, sending the Braves to their fifth straight win.
Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (photo: Emily Stone/FOX 5 Atlanta)
