Gonzalez leaning strongly toward retirement

By George Henry

Associated Press

Published: Friday, July 27 2012 4:40 p.m. MDT

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez makes a catch during football training camp in Flowery Branch, Ga., Friday, July 27, 2012. AP Photo/John Bazemore)

The Associated Press

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Summary

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said Friday that he's 95 percent sure the upcoming season will be his last in the NFL.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said Friday that he's 95 percent sure the upcoming season will be his last in the NFL.

Gonzalez said he wasn't ready to completely rule out a return in 2013 because he's learned "to never say never."

Last November, Gonzalez passed Terrell Owens, Tim Brown, Cris Carter and Marvin Harrison to become the NFL's No. 2-career leading receiver with 1,149 catches.

Gonzalez said he believes he could play at a high level for perhaps another three years after earning his 12th trip to the Pro Bowl last season. At 36, however, he doesn't want to hang around too long.

The Falcons, who acquired Gonzalez in a March 2009 trade with Kansas City, signed him to a one-year, $6.9 million contract extension.

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