Falcons great Tony Gonzalez decides not to retire after all

Tony Gonzalez has enjoyed a great NFL career, with his 1,242 receptions ranking No. 1 all time for tight ends and second-best in league history.

And he’s not finished yet.

After playing last season 95% sure it would be his last, Gonzalez announced Tuesday that he would return to the Atlanta Falcons for one more season -- and one more chance to play in his first Super Bowl.

“I’m happy to say that after speaking with my family, I’m coming back,” Gonzalez said in a series of tweets Tuesday. “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!”

Gonzalez told Fox Sports that he had already informed his family he was retiring but decided the Falcons were so close to that elusive Super Bowl that he couldn’t pass up one more chance.

“I was done, I thought I had my mind made up,” said Gonzalez, whose Falcons lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 28-24, in the NFC championship game. “This whole year I knew it would be my last, but the way our final game ended and talking to all the guys in the locker room, in the end it was too difficult of a way for me to step away from the game. It’s not often in a career you’re around a group like we have down in Atlanta.”

Gonzalez, who had offers to work for three TV networks, added: “I am coming back for one reason and one reason only, the chance to win a Super Bowl.”

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