Tony Gonzalez Says 2012 Will Be His Final Season

After signing a one-year, $6.9 million contract in January with the Atlanta Falcons, sure-fire Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez has stated via a fan chat on ESPN's Facebook page Thursday that the 2012 NFL season will be his last.

In a video posted to his wall, the tight end speaks about a conversation he recently had with his wife when he was asked how long he intends to play:

"One year. I said that last year though, and the year before. But I really do believe this is it. First of all, this is the first time my wife came to me and said, ‘You’re only going to play one more year, right?"

Gonzalez already has Hall of Fame numbers and will likely put his career into a nearly unreachable status for future tight ends if he is able to have solid numbers this coming season.  

No. 88 is already a 12-time Pro Bowler, a two-time Tight End of the Year and has over 1,100 receptions, which is high even among wide receivers in the NFL.  Gonzalez also holds a spot on the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s.  

Gonzalez came to the Falcons because he wanted to win a Super Bowl, but even with several successful regular seasons in Atlanta, the Falcons have been unable to find their rhythm in the playoffs with Gonzalez on board.  

If this is Gonzalez's last season, then hopefully it will be a great one.  And if not, then I'm sure he'll be welcomed back with open arms by the Falcons next season.