Gonzalez Another Step Closer To Going Out A Champ

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – Tony Gonzalez remembers talking to Michael Strahan after the former New York Giants defensive lineman won a Super Bowl title in his final game.

That’s the way Gonzalez wants to do it.

He’s two wins away from going out a champion.

The top-seeded Falcons (14-3) host the San Francisco 49ers (12-4-1) on Sunday in the NFC title game. Not surprisingly, given all his accomplishments and mentoring of younger players, there’s a definite sense in the Atlanta locker room of wanting to give Gonzalez the ultimate going-away gift.

It took him 16 years to finally win a playoff game, last weekend’s thrilling 30-28 victory over Seattle. Gonzalez remains 95 percent sure this will be his final season, and it sounds like a Super Bowl championship would clinch his retirement decision.