The Facts: The Falcons are still holding out hope that Gonzalez will hold off on retirement and return for a 17th season. “I’m hoping for the 5 percent,” HC Mike Smith said, referring to Gonzalez’s season-long assertion that he’s 95 percent certain he will retire.
Diehards Line:Gonzalez, 36, sounded as if he has played his final NFL game in the wake of Sunday’s NFC Championship loss, but clearly the Falcons would like that to change. Gonzalez is eligible to be an unrestricted free agent, but said that if he does return to play, it would be for the Falcons. Gonzalez ranks second all-time in the NFL in receptions (1,242), seventh in receiving yards (14,268) and 18th in touchdowns (103). Those totals are records for his position.