Tony Gonzalez’s career is officially over, or is it?

Last year we saw greats like Ronde Barber, Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher retire from the game. This year the league will lose one of the greatest tight ends of all time in Tony Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was thought to be finished after last years defeat by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game but teammates and the front office of the Falcons talked him into coming back. It was pretty much an unfinished business approach, but I’m sure this isn’t how Tony would have wanted to go out.

Either way the man came back and continued to be the great tight end that we all know he is. This game will not be the same without him but the memories will continue to live on just like any other legend who walked away from the sport.

Tony had himself an amazing career and will be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee when he’s eligible. Gonzalez finished the year with 79 receptions, 803 receiving yards and eight touchdowns to add to his career stats.

He’ll close the door on his 16 year career with 1,325 receptions, 15,127 receiving yards and 111 touchdowns.

Thank you Tony Gonzalez!