Jump to content

Tony Gonzalez

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tony Gonzalez
refer to caption
Gonzalez in 2023
No. 88
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1976-02-27) February 27, 1976 (age 48)
Torrance, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:247 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High school:Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, California)
College:California (1994–1996)
NFL draft:1997 / round: 1 / pick: 13
Career history
Career highlights and awards
NFL records
  • Most career receiving yards by a tight end: 15,127[1]
  • Most career receptions by a tight end: 1,325[2]
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:1,325
Receiving yards:15,127
Receiving touchdowns:111
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Anthony David Gonzalez (born February 27, 1976) is an American former professional football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. Regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, he is the NFL's all-time leader in receiving yards and receptions by a tight end, along with ranking third in overall receptions. Gonzalez spent his first 12 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, who selected him in the first round of the 1997 NFL draft. During his last five seasons, he was a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Since retiring in 2013, Gonzalez has served as a football analyst for NFL on Prime Video and was previously at CBS Sports and Fox Sports.

Gonzalez finished his career with 14 Pro Bowl selections, the most for a tight end and second-most in league history, in addition to receiving six first-team All-Pros. Known for his durability and rarely fumbling, Gonzalez appeared in 270 of 272 regular season games and lost only two fumbles on 1,327 touches. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Early life

[edit]

Gonzalez was born in Torrance, California.[3] He was raised by his mother, who worked two jobs to support the family. His paternal grandfather, whose surname was "Gonçalves," had moved from Cape Verde to Argentina; he was of part Portuguese ancestry.[4][5] His paternal grandmother was Jamaican, with part Scottish ancestry; and his mother's family is African-American, with mixed European roots.[6][7][8] Gonzalez attended Huntington Beach High School[9] in Huntington Beach, California, where he lettered in football and basketball.

As a senior, he caught 62 passes for 945 yards and 13 touchdowns and was a first-team All America selection at both tight end and linebacker. Playing basketball, he was named Orange County and Sunset League MVP as he averaged 26 points per game.[10]

After his senior year, Gonzalez was named the Orange County High School Athlete of the Year, beating out athletes such as golfer Tiger Woods.[11]

College career

[edit]

Gonzalez chose to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in communications and played both football and basketball.[12] As a member of the California Golden Bears football team, he played tight end under future NFL coach Steve Mariucci.[12][13] Gonzalez was also an All-Pac-10 and All-America selection.[14]

Gonzalez also continued his basketball career at Cal. In his junior year, he played in 28 games, averaging 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as California made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA basketball tournament.[12]

Eventually, Gonzalez had to choose a career between basketball or football. On the difficulty of the transition between the two, Tony said "you get done playing football and then you transition to basketball[, which] had already been going for a month", but ultimately "the decision was pretty much made for me..."[15]

Gonzalez decided to forgo his final year of eligibility to declare for the NFL draft.[16]

College football statistics

[edit]
California Golden Bears
Season Rec Yds Avg TD
1994 8 62 7.8 1
1995 37 541 14.6 2
1996 44 699 15.9 5
Career 89 1,302 14.6 8

College basketball statistics

[edit]
Season FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% PPG RPG
1994–95 71 111 .640 42 68 .618 7.1 3.88
1995–96 48 103 .466 51 75 .680 5.3 4.64
1996–97 70 156 .449 51 87 .586 6.8 4.46
Career 189 370 .510 144 230 .626 6.4 4.34

Professional career

[edit]

Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Gonzalez at a Chiefs mini camp practice in 2008

Gonzalez was ranked as one of the top tight ends in the 1997 NFL draft and was considered a top 15 selection. The Chiefs traded up from the 18th to the 13th selection with the Tennessee Oilers to draft Gonzalez.[17][18]

Gonzalez began his career in the 1997 season. He finished his rookie season with 33 receptions, two touchdowns, and a blocked punt on special teams, helping the Chiefs to finish with the best record in the American Football Conference (AFC).[19][20] He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team for the 1997 season.[21] In the 1998 season, Gonzalez saw dramatic improvements with 59 receptions for 621 yards, and he also caught two touchdown passes for the second (consecutive) year.[22]

The 1999 season saw Gonzalez again improving when he caught 76 passes for 849 yards and a career-high 11 touchdown receptions, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. In addition, he was named as a First Team All-Pro.[23][24][25] In Week 14 of the 2000 season, he had 11 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the New England Patriots.[26] In the 2000 season, he had 93 receptions for 1,203 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.[27] He was named to the Pro Bowl and as a First Team All-Pro for the 2000 season.[28][29] In the 2001 season, he had 73 receptions for 917 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns while earning his third career First Team All-Pro honor and Pro Bowl nomination. On November 4, against the San Diego Chargers, he threw his first professional pass, which went for 40 yards.[30][31][32][33]

During the 2002 offseason, Gonzalez briefly resumed his basketball career, playing for the Miami Heat in the NBA Summer League.[34] He appeared in two games, with his best outing being an 11 rebound performance in a 72–71 win against the Indiana Pacers.[35][36] Despite never considering bringing Gonzalez to training camp due to his ongoing football career, then coach Pat Riley later stated that "If he ever would have pursued it, I think he would have been a 10-year pro".[37]

In Week 4 of the 2002 season, Gonzalez had seven receptions for 140 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Miami Dolphins.[38] In the 2002 season, he had 63 receptions for 773 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns to go along with yet another Pro Bowl nod. Among the highlights from that season was a 48–30 victory over the Miami Dolphins, where he had seven receptions for 140 receiving yards and a career-high three touchdowns.[39][40][41] From 2003 to 2006, Gonzalez was the most productive tight end in the NFL. In the 2003 season, he had 71 receptions for 916 receiving yards and ten receiving touchdowns. For the fourth time in his career, he was named as a First Team All-Pro.[42] He was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl for the 2003 season.[43][44] His best season statistically came in 2004, when he caught an NFL-record (for a tight end) 102 passes for 1,258 yards and seven touchdowns. In Week 17, he had a career-high 14 receptions for 144 yards against the San Diego Chargers.[45] He earned a spot in the Pro Bowl for his historic season.[46][47] Gonzalez's single-season record of 102 receptions by a tight end stood for 8 years, until it was broken by Jason Witten during the 2012 season.[48] In the 2005 season, he had 78 receptions for 905 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in another Pro Bowl season.[49][50]

Starting late in 2006, Gonzalez began to close in on numerous team and league receiving records. He finished with 73 receptions for 900 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns and earned his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl nomination.[51][52] In 2006, Gonzalez broke wide receiver Otis Taylor's Chiefs team receiving yards and touchdowns mark, and also passed running back Priest Holmes for the team yards from scrimmage record.

In 2007, Gonzalez continued his productivity in spite of the generally poor play of the Chiefs' offense. Though the Chiefs finished at or near the bottom in most major offensive categories, Gonzalez led the Chiefs and all NFL tight ends in receptions (99) and receiving yards (1,172) while being named to his ninth straight Pro Bowl.[53][54]

Gonzalez at Pro Bowl 2005

On October 14, 2007, Gonzalez broke the career touchdown reception record for tight ends previously held by Shannon Sharpe,[55] as well as passing Ozzie Newsome for second in career receiving yards for a tight end. On December 23, 2007, Gonzalez recorded his third season with 1,000 receiving yards, tying him with Kellen Winslow, Todd Christensen, and Shannon Sharpe for most ever by a tight end, and on December 30, 2007, Gonzalez passed Shannon Sharpe for most receptions all time by a tight end.[56]

In week 4 of the 2008 season, Gonzalez became NFL all-time leader in receiving yards for a tight end with 10,064, surpassing Shannon Sharpe.[57] He recorded 96 receptions for 1,058 yards and was also elected to his tenth career Pro Bowl. For the fifth time in his career, he earned First Team All-Pro honors.[58][59][60] Running up to the NFL trade deadline, the Packers and the Eagles were in last minute talks with the Chiefs to trade a third-round draft pick for him. But Chiefs' GM Carl Peterson said he wanted a second-round draft pick instead and the deal fell through.[61]

During the 2009 offseason, Gonzalez again approached Chiefs management about a possible trade. Unlike the previous Chiefs management, new Chiefs' GM Scott Pioli told Gonzalez he would see what he could do.[62]

Atlanta Falcons

[edit]
Tony Gonzalez (right) with Chris Redman, Roddy White and Antoine Harris

Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 NFL draft on April 23, 2009.[63] In his first regular season game with Atlanta against the Miami Dolphins, Gonzalez caught a touchdown pass from Matt Ryan and became the 21st player, and the first tight end, in NFL history with 11,000 receiving yards.[64] He finished the game leading the Falcons in receiving with five receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown, his 20-yard touchdown reception marking only the third time he scored in the opening game of the season.[65] Although Gonzalez recorded 83 receptions for 867 yards and 6 touchdowns, his total statistics went down from the previous years in Kansas City, and Gonzalez was not invited to the Pro Bowl for the first time in 10 years.[66] He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the years 2000–2009.[67]

In the 2010 regular season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gonzalez made his 1,000th career reception, making him the seventh player in NFL history to do so and the first tight end.[68] Gonzalez had his best performance as a Falcon two weeks later against the defending Super Bowl champions New Orleans Saints, as caught eight catches for 110 yards and a touchdown to help lead Atlanta to an overtime victory.[69] His play in 2010, helped him return to the Pro Bowl that year.[70] The Falcons also finished 13–3 that season to earn the first-seed in the playoffs. In Gonzalez's first playoff game in five years, the Falcons were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl champions Green Bay Packers.[71]

Tony Gonzalez at Falcons training camp, 2013

During the NFL lockout in 2011, Gonzalez contemplated retiring rather than sitting out an entire season and waiting to play in 2012.[72] After the lockout was eventually lifted by the league, Gonzalez was adamant he had at least three seasons left in him and was excited at the prospects of returning to the Falcons who were widely considered to be Super Bowl contenders.[73] On the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011, he was ranked 46th by his fellow players.[74]

In the 2011 season, Gonzalez finished with 80 receptions for 875 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.[75] He was named to the Pro Bowl and was ranked 53rd among his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.[76][77]

With Gonzalez's contract set to expire following the conclusion of the 2011 season, he signed a 1-year $7 million contract extension with the Falcons on January 1, 2012, indicating his intent to return for at least one season.[78] In the 2012 season opener, Gonzalez played in Arrowhead Stadium against the Chiefs for the first time in his career, which ended with a Falcons' victory.[79] Gonzalez caught his 100th career touchdown on November 11, 2012, in a week 10 game against the New Orleans Saints, becoming the only tight end in NFL history to catch 100 touchdown passes. Overall, he finished the 2012 season with 93 receptions for 930 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns to earn another First Team All-Pro honor and Pro Bowl nomination.[80][81][82] On January 13, 2013, Gonzalez won the only playoff game of his career when the Falcons defeated the Seattle Seahawks 30–28.[83] His fellow players ranked him 47th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.[84]

Throughout the 2012 season, he insisted on retiring. However, on March 12, 2013, on his Twitter page, he said, "I'm happy to say that after speaking with my family, I'm coming back." Then, later that day, he posted,"The lure of being on such a great team and organization, along with unbelievable fan support was too good to pass up."

On March 15, 2013, Gonzalez agreed to re-sign with the Falcons to a two-year, $14 million contract, despite his claim that he would be retiring after the 2013 season.[85] With the retirement of Randy Moss, 37-year-old Gonzalez spent his last season as the NFL's active leader in receiving yards.[86] On September 29, against the New England Patriots, he had 12 receptions for a career-high 149 receiving yards and two touchdowns.[87] Gonzalez played his final NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on December 29.[88] He finished his final season with 83 receptions for 859 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.[89] He would later be named a second alternate for the Pro Bowl that season, and was added to the roster when San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis declined the invitation. It was his 14th and final Pro Bowl appearance, which at the time tied him with Bruce Matthews and Merlin Olsen for the most selections for the game.[90]

Legacy

[edit]

Gonzalez is frequently considered the greatest tight end of all time.[91][92][93] During his career, he broke numerous NFL records for tight ends. Only two of his major records have been broken, most career touchdowns and most 1,000 yard seasons by a tight end. Additionally, he also owns several Chiefs team records and at the time of his retirement, he finished in the top 10 in many receiving categories for any position. He finished 5th in yards,[94] 2nd in receptions,[95] and 6th in touchdowns.[96] He ended his career with an active consecutive games with a reception streak of 265 which ran from a game played on November 26, 2000, to his final game on December 29, 2013. He only failed to record a reception in 5 of his 270 games he played, the majority of which occurred his rookie season. In addition to consistently recording catches, Gonzalez also was extremely durable during his career playing 270 of a possible 272 games in his career. On January 26, 2018, the Chiefs announced they would induct Gonzalez into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. He was inducted during halftime of a game during the 2018 season.[97] In his first year of eligibility in 2019, Gonzalez was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade team as well as the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.[98][99]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
1997 KC 16 0 33 368 11.2 30 2 0 0
1998 KC 16 16 59 621 10.5 32 2 3 1
1999 KC 15 15 76 849 11.2 73 11 2 1
2000 KC 16 16 93 1,203 12.9 39 9 0 0
2001 KC 16 16 73 917 12.6 36 6 0 0
2002 KC 16 16 63 773 12.3 42 7 0 0
2003 KC 16 16 71 916 12.9 67 10 0 0
2004 KC 16 16 102 1,258 12.3 32 7 0 0
2005 KC 16 16 78 905 11.6 39 2 0 0
2006 KC 15 15 73 900 12.3 57 5 1 0
2007 KC 16 16 99 1,172 11.8 31 5 0 0
2008 KC 16 16 96 1,058 11.0 35 10 0 0
2009 ATL 16 16 83 867 10.4 27 6 0 0
2010 ATL 16 16 70 656 9.4 34 6 0 0
2011 ATL 16 16 80 875 10.9 30 7 0 0
2012 ATL 16 16 93 930 10.0 25 8 0 0
2013 ATL 16 16 83 859 10.3 25 8 0 0
Career 270 254 1,325 15,127 11.4 73 111 6 2

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
1997 KC 1 0 3 26 8.7 12 1 0 0
2003 KC 1 1 4 55 13.8 22 0 0 0
2006 KC 1 1 4 25 6.3 9 1 0 0
2010 ATL 1 1 1 7 7.0 7 0 0 0
2011 ATL 1 1 4 44 11.0 16 0 0 0
2012 ATL 2 2 14 129 9.2 19 2 0 0
Career 7 6 30 286 9.5 22 4 0 0

NFL records

[edit]
  • Career receiving yards for a tight end (15,127)[1]
  • Most career receptions for a tight end (1,325)[2]
  • Pro Bowl All-Time leader in Receptions (49)[100]

Chiefs franchise records

[edit]
  • Most career receiving touchdowns (76)[101]

Post-NFL career

[edit]

Following his retirement, Gonzalez became an analyst on CBS's NFL pregame show NFL Today.[102] He worked for CBS until the end of the 2016 season.

On May 10, 2017, Gonzalez was added to Fox’s pregame show.[103] Gonzalez left Fox on July 16, 2021, to focus on more TV and film projects.[104]

On April 28, 2022, it was announced during the 2022 NFL draft that Gonzalez will return to broadcasting after a one-year hiatus, and join Amazon as a studio analyst for Thursday Night Football for the 2022 season.[105]

Film and television

[edit]

Gonzalez has done some acting, primarily cameo roles as himself. In 2006, he had a minor role in the TV film A.I. Assault, his first non-cameo acting job. He has also appeared in three episodes of NCIS as Special Agent Tony Francis. In the 2017 film XXX: Return of Xander Cage, he played Paul Donovan, his first feature film role as an actor.[106]

In March 2015, Gonzalez hosted You Can't Lick Your Elbow on the National Geographic Channel, which ran for six episodes.[107]

In 2015, Gonzalez and his older brother Chris, were profiled in the documentary, Play It Forward. The film premiered at the Opening Gala during the Tribeca Film Festival.[108]

Gonzalez competed against linebacker Ray Lewis in an episode of Spike's Lip Sync Battle, which aired on February 2, 2017. He performed Digital Underground's "The Humpty Dance" and Devo's "Whip It", but did not win.[109]

Filmography

[edit]
Documentaries/game shows
Year Title
2005 MTV Cribs[110]
2006 Celebrity Cooking Showdown[111]
2007 Hard Knocks: Training Camp
with the Kansas City Chiefs
[112]
2008 Oprah Winfrey's The Big Give[113]
2015 You Can't Lick Your Elbow[114]
2017 Beat Shazam[115]
2017 Lip Sync Battle[116]
Acting
Year Title Role
2002 Arliss[117]
2004 Married to the Kellys[118] Himself
2006 A.I. Assault[119] Derek Williams
2010 One Tree Hill[120] Himself
2013 NFL Rush Zone[121] Himself
2014,
2016
NCIS[122] Special Agent Tony Francis
2017 XXX: Return of Xander Cage[123] Paul Donovan
2022 MVP[124] Tony
2022 Fantasy Football[125] Coach Lance Evans
2022 Long Slow Exhale[126] Desmond

Personal life

[edit]
Tony and October Gonzalez at the 2014 Alma Awards

In early 2007, Gonzalez suffered a bout of facial paralysis known as Bell's palsy. He subsequently experimented with a vegan diet after reading The China Study, by Cornell professor and nutrition researcher T. Colin Campbell, but he and his nutritionist, Mitzi Dulan, ultimately decided that eating meat occasionally would be best for his performance.[127] Gonzalez only eats organic fruits and vegetables, free-range chicken, grass-fed beef (no more than 18 ounces a month), and fish.[128]

Gonzalez had a commitment ceremony in July 2007 with his girlfriend, October, though the couple considers themselves married despite not being legally married.[129] They have three children together, two daughters and a son. He has another son from a previous relationship with entertainment reporter Lauren Sánchez.[130] He lives in Huntington Beach, California.[9]

On July 3, 2008, while dining with his family at Capone's Restaurant in Huntington Beach, California, Gonzalez noticed fellow diner Ken Hunter choking on a piece of meat at a nearby table, unable to breathe. Gonzalez successfully administered the Heimlich Maneuver, saving Hunter's life.[131]

Gonzalez campaigned for then-Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, saying "this is the first time in my life that I've ever been political about anything."[132]

He was the grand marshal of the 2014 Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade.[9]

On a season 9 episode of PBS's Finding Your Roots, Gonzalez learned that his great-great-great-grandfather, George, was sold away from his wife Polly and children to a nearby slave owner. In 1866, a year after the end of the Civil War, George and Polly were found listed on a cohabitation record, meaning they had gotten married, as soon as it became legal for them to do so. Gonzalez also learned he is a very distant relative of William Shakespeare[133] and comedian Whoopi Goldberg.[134]

Other endeavors

[edit]

Along with playing in the NFL, Gonzalez has been involved in a number of business ventures. While playing for the Chiefs, he co-founded Extreme Clean 88,[135] a commercial cleaning service in Kansas City. While in Kansas City, Gonzalez also contributed to Shadow Buddies,[136] a charity that works with hospitalized children. Gonzalez, is also an Ambassador for the non-profit, Scholars' Hope Foundation in Huntington Beach. It is an after-school academic enrichment program that helps students be the best version of themselves and to encourage them into higher education.[137]

In 2009, Gonzalez co-authored the book The All-Pro Diet. The book, co-written with Mitzi Dulan, the former nutritionist for the Chiefs, details his diet and workout routine and provides practical suggestions for others to follow the same path.[138]

Later in 2009, Gonzalez co-founded All-Pro Science,[139] a sports nutrition company that manufactured a complete line of protein shakes, vitamins and other supplements. The products in the APS line follow a similar philosophy to the one set forth in Gonzalez's book, focusing on a balance of foods from all-natural sources. However, the company's website is inactive and its products are unavailable.

From 2013 to 2017,[140] Gonzalez worked with FitStar,[141] a company that makes mobile fitness apps, helping people get in shape with customized workouts delivered via the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. He appears in the FitStar Personal Trainer,[142] leading users through personalized Sessions.[143]

In December 2022, Tony Gonzalez joined the Advisory Council of GoodLeap, a sustainable home improvement fintech company, to support its mission of financing renewable energy solutions and promoting environmental sustainability.[144]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Career receiving yards by a tight end, NFL history". StatMuse. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Most career receptions for a tight end, NFL history". StatMuse. Archived from the original on September 16, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  3. ^ "Tony Gonzalez Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  4. ^ Teicher, Adam (November 18, 2019). "'Why are you playing football?' How Tony Gonzalez changed perceptions". ESPN. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022. Gonzalez has no Mexican blood. His Latino roots come from a great grandfather who was Portuguese and a grandfather from Argentina.
  5. ^ Montville, Leigh (December 27, 1999). "Chief Weapon Kansas City's Athletic Tight End, Tony Gonzalez, Used Some of His Basketball Skills to Develop Into One of the NFL's Premier Players at His Position". Sports Illustrated Vault. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  6. ^ Mays, Robert (December 20, 2013). "Career Arc: Tony Gonzalez". Grantland. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  7. ^ Stated on Finding Your Roots, February 7, 2023
  8. ^ Geiser, Bradley (November 15, 2020). "Is NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez Mexican?". Sportscasting.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022. This was a curious question, as Gonzalez has no Mexican heritage. Aside from Scottish and African-American ancestry, his grandfathers came from Portugal and Argentina.
  9. ^ a b c Winslow, Jonathan (July 3, 2014). "Parade grand marshal at long last". Huntington Beach Wave. The Orange County Register. p. 2.
  10. ^ "Tony Gonzalez Retires after 17-Remarkable Years". Kansas City Chiefs. December 30, 2013. Archived from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  11. ^ Albano, Dan (June 12, 2012). "O.C. athlete of the year: Who did we miss?". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c "Tony Gonzalez, #88, Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs". Kansas City Chiefs. Archived from the original on July 31, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  13. ^ "Tony Gonzalez College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  14. ^ "Consensus All-America Teams (1990–1999)". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  15. ^ "Tony Gonzalez Retires after 17-Remarkable Years". Kansas City Chiefs. December 30, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  16. ^ Sell, Dave (January 7, 2024). "25 JUNIORS DECLARE FOR THE NFL DRAFT". Washington Post. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  17. ^ Tucker, Doug (April 19, 1997). "Chiefs grab Gonzalez with first pick". CJOnline.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  18. ^ "1997 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  19. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 1997 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  20. ^ "1997 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  21. ^ "1997 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  22. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 1998 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  23. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 1999 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  24. ^ "1999 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  25. ^ "1999 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  26. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots - December 4th, 2000". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  27. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2000 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  28. ^ "2000 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  29. ^ "2000 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  30. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – November 4th, 2001". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  31. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2001 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  32. ^ "2001 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  33. ^ "2001 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  34. ^ Fialkov, Harvey (July 4, 2002). "Double the fun". South Florida Sun Sentinel. p. 58. Retrieved July 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  35. ^ Branom, Mike (July 14, 2002). "Going Gonzo for basketball". Wisconsin State Journal. p. D8. Retrieved July 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  36. ^ Easton Jr., Ed (July 5, 2022). "Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez showcased his basketball skills 20 years ago at NBA Summer League". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  37. ^ McClure, Vaughn (December 18, 2013). "Pat Riley says Gonzalez had an NBA future". ESPN. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  38. ^ "Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs - September 29th, 2002". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  39. ^ "Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs – September 29th, 2002". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  40. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2002 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  41. ^ "2002 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  42. ^ "2003 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 2, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  43. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2003 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  44. ^ "2003 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  45. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – January 2nd, 2005". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 3, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  46. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2004 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  47. ^ "2004 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  48. ^ Archer, Todd (December 23, 2012). "Jason Witten of Dallas Cowboys sets NFL mark for TE catches". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  49. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2005 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  50. ^ "2005 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  51. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2006 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  52. ^ "2006 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 22, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  53. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2007 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  54. ^ "2007 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  55. ^ Weiberg, Steve (October 14, 2007). "Gonzalez grabs TD record as Chiefs get back to .500". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on October 20, 2008. Retrieved August 21, 2008.
  56. ^ "Gonzalez breaks tight ends record for most catches". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 30, 2007. Archived from the original on January 3, 2008. Retrieved August 21, 2008.
  57. ^ "NFL report: Tony Gonzalez breaks Shannon Sharpe's record for receiving yards by a tight end". Twin Cities. October 5, 2008. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  58. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2008 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  59. ^ "2008 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  60. ^ "2008 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  61. ^ Dixon, John (October 30, 2018). "A crazy story about how Tony Gonzalez was almost traded in 2008". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  62. ^ Conner, Matt (November 5, 2021). "3 most disappointing trades in KC Chiefs history". Arrowhead Addict. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  63. ^ "Chiefs trade Tony Gonzalez to Falcons". USA Today. April 22, 2009. Archived from the original on April 25, 2009. Retrieved April 23, 2009.
  64. ^ "Quick Take: Dolphins-Falcons". NFL.com. September 13, 2009. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  65. ^ "Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons – September 13th, 2009". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 24, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  66. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2009 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  67. ^ "Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Teams – 2000s". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 2, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  68. ^ Kirk, Jason (September 12, 2010). "Falcons Vs. Steelers: Tony Gonzalez Catches 1,000th Career Reception, Twice". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  69. ^ "Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – September 26th, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  70. ^ "2010 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  71. ^ "Divisional Round – Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons – January 15th, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  72. ^ Brown, Clifton (March 31, 2011). "Lockout has Tony Gonzalez pondering future". Sporting News. Archived from the original on June 21, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  73. ^ Vivlamore, Chris (August 4, 2011). "Falcons' Gonzalez has unfinished business". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  74. ^ "2011 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 2, 2019. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  75. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2011 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  76. ^ "2011 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  77. ^ "2012 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  78. ^ Yasinskas, Pat (January 1, 2012). "Falcons sign TE Gonzalez to one-year extension". ESPN.com. Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  79. ^ "Tony Gonzalez returns to KC as Atlanta Falcons visit Chiefs". NFL.com. September 5, 2012. Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  80. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2012 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  81. ^ "2012 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  82. ^ "2012 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  83. ^ "Atlanta Falcons withstand Seattle Seahawks' furious rally to advance". NFL.com. Associated Press. January 13, 2013. Archived from the original on January 5, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  84. ^ "2013 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  85. ^ "Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons agree to $14M contract". NFL.com. March 15, 2013. Archived from the original on March 18, 2013. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  86. ^ Gonzalez had technically been the active leader in the 2011 season as well, during Moss' temporary retirement that season.
  87. ^ "New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons – September 29th, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  88. ^ Roth, Tobias (December 28, 2013). "Tony Gonzalez Will Play His Final NFL Game On Sunday". WebProNews. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
  89. ^ "Tony Gonzalez 2013 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  90. ^ McClure, Vaughn (January 22, 2014). "1 more game: TE Gonzalez added to Pro Bowl". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  91. ^ "Top 10 NFL Tight Ends of All Time". SI.com. December 8, 2015. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  92. ^ Scott, J. P. (March 1, 2021). "25 Greatest Tight Ends in NFL History". AthlonSports.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  93. ^ Brandt, Gil (June 27, 2017). "Gil Brandt's 14 greatest NFL tight ends of all time". NFL.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  94. ^ "NFL Career Receiving Yards Leaders Through 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  95. ^ "NFL Career Receptions Leaders Through 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 29, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  96. ^ "NFL Career Receiving Touchdowns Leaders Through 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  97. ^ "Tony Gonzalez to be inducted into Chiefs Hall of Fame". NFL.com. January 26, 2018. Archived from the original on January 27, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  98. ^ "Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Teams - 2000s". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  99. ^ "NFL 100 All Time Team". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 2, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  100. ^ "Pro Bowl Records". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 20, 2014. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  101. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs Career Receiving Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  102. ^ Brinson, Will (February 18, 2014). "Tony Gonzalez joins 'The NFL Today' as CBS Sports analyst in 2014". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2017. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  103. ^ "Tony Gonzalez is joining Fox's NFL pregame show". FOX Sports. Associated Press. May 10, 2017. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  104. ^ Smith, Michael David (July 16, 2021). "Report: Tony Gonzalez leaving FOX studio to pursue acting roles". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  105. ^ "Thursday Night Football Kicks Off September 15 on Prime Video With Powerhouse AFC West Matchup, as Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs Host Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers". press.amazonstudios.com. April 28, 2022. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  106. ^ "Tony Gonzalez: Falcons' Matt Ryan is an 'elite quarterback now'". NFL.com. January 20, 2017. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  107. ^ "You Can't Lick Your Elbow". National Geographic Channel. Archived from the original on March 10, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  108. ^ Eng, Matthew (June 11, 2015). "2015 Tribeca ESPN Sports Film Festival Documentary". Tribeca Film. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
  109. ^ Hensley, Jamison (February 4, 2017). "Ray Lewis beats Tony Gonzalez in 'Lip Sync Battle' with familiar song". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  110. ^ "Big Boi, Torrie Wilson, Tony Gonzales - MTV Cribs (Season 18, Episode 101)". Apple TV. August 24, 2021. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  111. ^ Spirer, Laren (March 30, 2006). "Celebrities: They're Just Like Us. Except They Cook". Gothamist. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  112. ^ Roesch, Nicolas (August 8, 2017). "Remembering the 2007 Chiefs featured on 'Hard Knocks'". Chiefs Wire. Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  113. ^ "Chiefs' TE Gonzalez helps Oprah give big". NFL.com. March 5, 2008. Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  114. ^ "You Can't Lick Your Elbow". Apple TV. March 2, 2015. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  115. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (June 8, 2017). "Jamie Foxx Gets 'Set Up' by NFL Star on 'Beat Shazam' (Exclusive Video)". The Wrap. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  116. ^ Stutz, Colin (February 1, 2017). "NFL Star Tony Gonzalez Grooves to the 'Humpty Dance' on 'Lip Sync Battle': Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  117. ^ "Comings and Goings - Arli$ (Season 5, Episode 4)". Apple TV. May 27, 2000. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  118. ^ Rothstein, Michael (April 11, 2022). "Tony Gonzalez's third act -- From HOF tight end to analyst to aspiring actor". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  119. ^ "Tony Gonzalez gets tossed out of plane in next 'xXx' film". theScore.com. November 2, 2016. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  120. ^ "Gonzalez Re-Enacts Famous Movie Scene on Fallon". www.atlantafalcons.com. February 3, 2012. Archived from the original on August 2, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  121. ^ "McFadden To Appear in NFL Rush Zone". Las Vegas Raiders. July 11, 2013. Archived from the original on October 24, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  122. ^ Nielsen, Ben (August 7, 2014). "Kansas City Chiefs Legend Tony Gonzalez To Guest Star In NCIS Episode". Arrowhead Addict. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  123. ^ "NFL Great Tony Gonzalez Talks Falcons And 'XXX: Return of Xander Cage'". www.cbsnews.com. January 17, 2017. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  124. ^ "NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez featured in new movie, 'MVP'". news.yahoo.com. September 12, 2022. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  125. ^ Cropper, Anton (November 25, 2022), Fantasy Football (Action, Comedy, Family), Awesomeness Films, Genius Productions (II), NFL Films, archived from the original on December 17, 2022, retrieved December 17, 2022
  126. ^ Rubin, Sam; Siy, Kobe (April 12, 2022). "Tony Gonzalez discusses acting in 'Long Slow Exhale'". KTLA. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  127. ^ "New Information about NFL's Tony Gonzalez". Christian Vegetarian Association website. Archived from the original on February 7, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  128. ^ Gonzalez, Tony (2009). The All-Pro Diet: Lose Fat, Build Muscle, and Live Like a Champion. Rodale Books. p. 256. ISBN 978-1-60529-951-8.
  129. ^ Tierney, Mike (November 26, 2011). "Redefining a Position, With 15 Years of Catches". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  130. ^ Dean, Rick (June 9, 2008). "Newborn gives KC star new outlook". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Archived from the original on August 13, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
  131. ^ "Chiefs' Gonzalez saves man from choking to death". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 8, 2008. Archived from the original on August 14, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  132. ^ Tiger Woods, Magic Johnson Among Stars at Inauguration Archived February 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine SI.com, January 21, 2009
  133. ^ "Tony Gonzalez' Ancestors' Incredible Reunion After Slavery". Finding Your Roots. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  134. ^ Blanchet, Brenton; Quinn, Dave (January 29, 2024). "The View Co-Hosts Have a Group Text Thread but Whoopi Goldberg Keeps Removing Herself: 'I'm Busy'". People.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  135. ^ "Xtreme Clean 88 - Cleaning services for hood exhausts, windows, carpets, power washing, gutters". Xtreme Clean 88. Archived from the original on August 15, 2010.
  136. ^ "Shadowbuddies.org". Shadow Buddies. Archived from the original on December 9, 2011. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  137. ^ "Scholars' Hope Foundation". Scholars' Hope. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  138. ^ "Level Up: Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez Talks About His New Podcast, Wide Open". Miami Living. July 2, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  139. ^ "Atlanta Falcons Tight End Tony Gonzalez Joins Forces with All Pro Science, Inc". PRWeb. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  140. ^ "Meet Fitstar's New Trainers! – FitStar – Inspiring people to live healthier lives". FitStar – Inspiring people to live healthier lives. January 5, 2017. Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
  141. ^ "Discover Fitstar – Inspiring people to live healthier lives". FitStar – Inspiring people to live healthier lives. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  142. ^ "Fitstar Personal Trainer on the App Store". App Store. Archived from the original on July 27, 2014.
  143. ^ O'Brien, Terrence (June 6, 2013). "FitStar launches first app with NFL star Tony Gonzalez, creates customized exercise videos on the fly". Engadget. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  144. ^ Boudreau, Catherine (December 28, 2022). "These Hollywood celebs and an NFL Hall of Famer want you to electrify your home to help solve the climate crisis". Business Insider. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
[edit]