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.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
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!
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:11 PM EDT2013-05-26 03:11:15 GMT
Tiffany Hayes scored 21 points and Sancho Lyttle added 18 points and 10 rebounds to help the Atlanta Dream beat the Tulsa Shock 98-81 in the opener for both teams on Saturday night.
Tiffany Hayes scored 21 points and Sancho Lyttle added 18 points and 10 rebounds to help the Atlanta Dream beat the Tulsa Shock 98-81 in the opener for both teams on Saturday night.
Saturday, May 25 2013 8:20 PM EDT2013-05-26 00:20:23 GMT
Dan Uggla hit an RBI single in the 10th inning soon after a suspended game resumed, and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 7-5 Saturday for their seventh straight win.
Dan Uggla hit an RBI single in the 10th inning soon after a suspended game resumed, and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 7-5 Saturday for their seventh straight win.
Saturday, May 25 2013 3:37 PM EDT2013-05-25 19:37:12 GMT
Evan Gattis had a two-run, pinch-hit single in the top of the eighth, then the Mets rallied to tie it in a downpour in the bottom half before the game was suspended by rain with the score 5-5 Friday.
Evan Gattis had a two-run, pinch-hit single in the top of the eighth, then the Mets rallied to tie it in a downpour in the bottom half before the game was suspended by rain with the score 5-5 Friday night.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:45 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:45:30 GMT
Cody Chaffins' "Old School" blog is a place where he'll share some of his favorite treasures from the FOX 5 Sports archive.
Cody Chaffins' "Old School" blog is a place where he'll share some of his favorite treasures from the FOX 5 Sports archive. Every week, he will blow the dust off of 3/4'' and Beta tapes to uncover video that hasn't seen the light of day in decades. If you don't believe us, check out his first post!
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.
Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (photo: Emily Stone/FOX 5 Atlanta)
