Tony Gonzalez understands the logic behind all the trade talk.
The Atlanta Falcons tight end realizes plenty of folks want to see him walk away from the NFL wearing his first Super Bowl ring. That would explain the 37-year-old's willingness to address trade rumors, even if the topic has become a recurring distraction for the 2-5 Falcons.
"I totally understand it," Gonzalez told ESPN.com late Monday night. "Everybody out there needs to understand that I'm not naive to it. I see it, too. This is the last [nine] weeks of my career. And right now, things are looking ... you never know.
"But, like I said, I love my guys on this team too much to go ask for a trade. It would be something that would come from them where they said, 'Hey, it makes sense because we could get something good for you and send you to a team that's a contender.' So I understand the thought process behind that."
The Falcons are in a tough spot, even though many see them as having no chance to make the playoffs, let alone win a Super Bowl. But trading Gonzo at this point in the season is a sign of giving up and ownership may not want players and fans to see it that way. Fantasy owners would probably like to see him moved to a team with more weapons to keep him from being doubled teamed by defenses. The trading deadline is today at 4 p.m.
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