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Tony Gonzalez has informed the Atlanta Falcons that he will return to play in the 2013 season, the tight end told FoxSports' Jay Glazer on Tuesday.
Gonzalez had appeared headed for retirement based on comments he made after Atlanta's NFC Championship Game loss, but has reversed course and told Fox Sports of his plans after getting clearance to return from his doctors.
"After discussing it with my family and really, truly struggling with this decision I informed the Falcons I would like to return for one more shot," Gonzalez told Glazer.
Earlier Tuesday, USA Today Sports reported that Gonzalez had given agent Tom Condon the OK to negotiate a contract with the Falcons.
Drafted 13th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1997, Gonzalez is second on the career receptions list with 1,242 and seventh on the career receiving yards list with 14,268 yards.
The 36-year-old Gonzalez is the most decorated tight end in NFL history, ranking first at the position and sixth overall with 103 touchdown catches.
Gonzalez had eight catches for 72 yards in the Falcons. NFC Championship Game loss, including a 10-yard touchdown reception with 25 seconds remaining in the first half. The Falcons didn't score again as Gonzalez was denied his first trip to the Super Bowl.
"Considering how this season ended, I wanted to give it another run with Matt [Ryan], [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," he told Glazer.
From a Fantasy perspective, it's obviously great news. In addition to Gonzalez being a high-end producer at his position, his presence makes the entire passing attack more dangerous.