Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported March 12, 2013, that Tony Gonzalez has officially informed the Atlanta Falcons that he will be returning to the team for the 2013 season.
Shortly after the news was released, Gonzalez took to twitter.
We have a great shot to get to the Super Bowl, RISE UP ATLANTA!
He continued to show his enthusiasm and share the process he went through in making his decision in an exclusive interview with Fox Sports.
"After discussing it with my family and really, truly struggling with this decision, I informed the Falcons that I would like to return for one more shot," Gonzalez told FOX Sports after meeting with doctors in order to get medical clearance. "Considering how this season ended, I wanted to give it another run with Matt (Ryan), Smitty (head coach Mike Smith) and the guys we have in there. It was the first time I had won a playoff game and hopefully coming back once more we can take it one step further."
"I was done, I thought I had my mind made up," said Gonzalez. "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."
"The Falcons were great about that fact and how important my commitments are as a dad," said Gonzalez. "Smitty has always been great with working with us when it comes to family. There are things I promised Nikko that the team is going work with me on so I can keep my promise to my son. That was a huge thing for me and they couldn't have been more understanding. They really are a family organization. Not sure what the dates are yet but at least I know I can be there for things I promised my son I would be there for."
"I have to say also I was pretty overwhelmed by the fans and how much they reached out to me. It was really something. They sent me all these videos, posts on twitter, Facebook, things like that -- a bunch of different messages hoping I would return. Really makes you put things in perspective.
"I am coming back for one reason and one reason only, the chance to win a Super Bowl."
Gonzalez is currently the all-time leading receiver among tight ends and is second only to Jerry Rice in total receptions.
In 2012, the 13-time Pro Bowler posted 93-receptions and eight touchdowns, including 14 receptions and two touchdowns in the postseason.
It's a great day for the Falcons and the city of Atlanta as they'll get to be home to the greatest tight end in NFL history for one more season.
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