Tony Gonzalez notified the Atlanta Falcons that he will play his seventeenth season in 2013 after foregoing retirement. Speculation ran rapid that Gonzalez would walk away from the game after his comments following Atlanta's loss to San Franciso during the NFC Championship game, however, the future hall of famer told Fox Sports of his plans after getting cleared 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 said. The tight end would later post a message on Twitter confirming his plans to return.

"I'm happy to say that after speaking with my family, I'm coming back," Gonzalez wrote. "The lure of being on such a great team and organization, along with unbelievable fan support was too good to pass up. We have a great shot to get to the Super Bowl, RISE UP ATLANTA!"

The 36-year-old Gonzalez ranks first overall in catches made by a tight end with 103 career receptions. Gonzalez continued his impressive legacy last season with 1,242 yards receiving yards, adding to his career total of 14,258 and placing him at seventh all time.