'A Part of Me Is Dying'

'A Part of Me Is Dying'

Gonzalez was the 13th overall pick in the 1997 draft. (Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated)

He spent his first 12 seasons in Kansas City. (Robert Beck/Sports Illustrated)

He's a 13-time Pro Bowler and a six-time All-Pro. (David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated)

He's caught 1,321 passes for 15,071 yards. (David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated)

And 111 touchdowns. (David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated)

In 2004, he led the NFL with 102 receptions. (Todd Rosenberg/Sports Illustrated)

He's averaging 11.4 yards per reception in his 17-year career. (Al Tielemans/Sports Illustrated)

Gonzalez has fumbled just once in the past 14 seasons. (Tom Dahlin/Sports Illustrated)

He has the most 2-point conversions (four) among active players. (John Biever/Sports Illustrated)

The basketball skills he honed at Cal allow him to post-up linebackers. (Eli Reichman/Sports Illustrated)

He has started the most games (252) among active players. (Al Tielemans/Sports Illustrated)

He's missed just two games to injury in his career. (Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated)

Gonzalez credits his longevity to an uncompromising work ethic. (Clay Patrick McBride/Sports Illustrated)

The football lifer is a sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer. (Clay Patrick McBride/Sports Illustrated)

He joined the Falcons in 2009. (Bob Rosato/Sports Illustrated)

Since then he's earned three Pro Bowl nods. (Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated)

He's appeared in only seven playoff games, winning just one. (Bob Rosato/Sports Illustrated)

In 2012, the 49ers won the NFC title to deny Gonzalez the Super Bowl. (David Bergman/Sports Illustrated)

Even in his late 30s, Gonzalez hasn't lost his hops. (Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated)

The goal-post slam dunk has been a career trademark. (Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated)

Since joining Atlanta, he's caught 405 passes for 4,131 yards and 35 TDs. (Pouya Dianat/Sports Illustrated)

The Falcons are 4-11, but Gonzalez has no regrets about coming back this season. (Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated)

Could the soon-to-be 38-year-old still keep playing? (Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated)