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According to ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure, as Future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez exited practice Friday afternoon, he told the person chatting on the phone with him that he just finished his final NFL practice. Then Gonzalez assured the caller he wouldn’t renege on that statement.

So yes, Gonzalez’s illustrious 17-year career will come to a close tomorrow.

And there is sure to be plenty of hype surrounding his final Georgia Dome appearance. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Gonzalez tear up a bit based on the magnitude of the moment and the likely reception he’ll receive throughout Sunday’s game.

Gonzalez has 40 people coming to town for the festivities.

"It’s going to be a little emotional,’’ Gonzalez said. As McClure suggested, the Gonzo deserves a hero’s sendoff.

Will it be a productive one?

He had five catches for 77 yards before the Panthers clamped down, holding him to one second-half catch for four yards in Week 9.

The Panthers' stout front seven should be able to lock up Steven Jackson and come after Matt Ryan. But Carolina's main weakness is in the secondary, and Ryan is still doing damage with the trio of Gonzalez, Roddy White and Harry Douglas.

ESPN.com's David Newton is looking for middle linebacker Luke Kuechly to again be heavily involved. That doesn't ensure they'll be able to shut down an emotionally-charged Gonzalez, however; especially if the Falcons are determined to send him out on a high note.