Tony Gonzalez has insisted that the Atlanta Falcons can still make the playoffs this season.
The tight end delayed his retirement from playing in the NFL in a bid to secure a Super Bowl win, but the NFC South side have won just two games so far this season.
The 37-year-old told the team's website: "As far as I'm concerned, we still have a chance. We're mathematically not out of it so it's time to hit the road and hit it running and hopefully we can get one out there against Carolina.
"I'm savoring every moment that I can out there and I want to play as well as I can because it's coming down to the end. It's not sad, but it makes me emotional to think that it's all coming to an end.
"I'm really going to try to enjoy myself these last nine weeks and take it for what it's worth and enjoy the guys in this locker room, enjoy these games and hopefully we can do something that's never been done before. Hopefully we can turn this thing around."
Gonzalez has recorded 395 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season.