Gonzalez, others in 1997 NFL draft

Atlanta Falcons

Gonzalez, others in 1997 NFL draft

If Tony Gonzalez has played his last game, he will be without a doubt the most celebrated player in the NFL draft class of 1997.

Gonzalez (shown here scoring the Falcons' final TD in the NFC Championship game vs. San Francisco) holds NFL records for receptions, TD receptions and total reception yards by a tight end.

The top pick in the 1997 draft was Orlando Pace, an offensive tackle from Ohio State who played 13 seasons in the NFL.

The Falcons used their first-round pick that season on Nebraska CB Michael Booker (center, shown here with fello draftees Byron Hanspard and Nathan Davis). Booker lasted five seasons in NFL and started for the Falcons in the Super Bowl following the 1998 season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Florida State RB Warrick Dunn with the 12th pick in the draft - one pick before the Chiefs drafted Tony Gonzalez at No. 13. Dunn played six seasons for the Falcons and finished his career with 10,967 yards.

San Francisco drafted the big Virginia Tech quarterback as the eventual replacement for Hall of Famer Steve Young, but he never developed and finished his NFL career with only one TD and four interceptions.

The speedy receiver from Colorado played parts of three seasons before being found guilty of a conspiracy to commit murder charge that landed him in prison for 18 years.

1/7

If Tony Gonzalez has played his last game, he will be without a doubt the most celebrated player in the NFL draft class of 1997.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Tri-Cities, Alexander

Photos: Alexander defeats defending champ Tri-Cities in semifinals

river ridge, creekview

Photos: Creekview defeats River Ridge to advance to state championship game

GHSA Class 5A Boy’s State Basketball semi finals

Photos: 3-pointer helps Woodward end Gainesville’s perfect season

Greening of Forsyth Park Fountain

PHOTOS: Greening of the Fountain

More Galleries

Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks

PHOTOS: Falcons fall again Sunday, this time to Seahawks

Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers

PHOTOS: Panthers defeat Falcons in overtime

APTOPIX Falcons Colts Football

PHOTOS: Falcons work overtime in Germany before losing

Atlanta Falcons vs Miami Dolphins

PHOTOS: Falcons fall at home to Dolphins