Gonzalez ends up shy of 1,000 receptions

By Carter Gaddis

For the AJC

TAMPA – Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is not used to disappointment, especially when it comes to personal goals.

So, it was a little tough to take Sunday when the clock ran out on Atlanta’s 20-10 victory against the Buccaneers and Gonzalez’s career total for receptions was stuck on 999.

One more hot read, one more quick-hitter across the middle – one fewer ineligible downfield penalty – and Gonzalez could put his 13th NFL season to bed the proud owner of a nice, round 1,000 career catches.

“It’s disappointing to come so close to it,” Gonzalez said, “because tomorrow is never promised.”

Gonzalez came in needing four. He caught three. Officially, that is.

He actually had a fourth catch nullified when right tackle Tyson Clabo was caught illegally downfield on Atlanta’s first play from scrimmage.

Gonzalez was targeted seven times, so it wasn’t as if quarterback Matt Ryan froze him out.

“I would have loved to have seen him get it today,” Ryan said. “I'm hoping that he gets it that first game next year. We can put that to rest. He deserves it. He's a great player. He's been a huge part of our team this year.”

On one ball thrown Gonzalez’s way, Bucs safety Sabby Piscitelli stepped in front of a Ryan pass for an interception. Another time, Piscitelli was called for pass interference in the end zone as Gonzalez stretched for a potential touchdown.

The final attempt to get Gonzalez to 1,000 came on the Falcons’ last play from scrimmage. Ryan rolled right on third-and-7, but was pressured by Bucs defensive end Tim Crowder and threw the ball at Gonzalez’s feet.

For the record, the future Hall of Famer was open.

Also for the record, Gonzalez did not come out and say for sure he expected to play beyond this season.

“Hopefully, next year, if I’m back here, I’m sure that we’ll get it,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez finished his first season in Atlanta with 83 catches for 867 yards and six touchdowns. His 999 receptions are the most in NFL history by a tight end and seventh-most by all receivers.

Falling one catch short of the milestone was as big a disappointment for his teammates as it was for Gonzalez.

“We would like to have gotten him his [1,000th catch],” said tight end Justin Peelle. “It’s just the way things worked out. But he probably has influenced me in my career more than anybody I ever played with. ... The way the man prepares, the way he goes about his business, when my kids get older, I’ll be able to tell them I played with a Hall of Famer. And that’s a great honor for me.”