Chiefs tight end Gonzalez wants more than records

Hammock Parties · 10-07-2007, 01:01 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/306486.html

The ball Tony Gonzalez caught last week that tied the NFL record for career touchdowns by a tight end sits atop his locker. It will go to his mother, Judy.

The ball that will give him the record will go to his older brother Chris.

“He’s the one who got me started in football,” said Gonzalez, whose 62 career touchdown catches is tied with Shannon Sharpe for the most by a tight end.

“I hated football at the beginning. I honestly don’t think I would have played if it wasn’t for him.”

If Gonzalez, an eight-time Pro Bowler, breaks the mark in today’s game against Jacksonville, it will give him immense satisfaction — but he’ll be far from content.

“You’re talking about the history of the NFL, so, of course, you have to take satisfaction in it,” said Gonzalez, also the Chiefs’ all-time touchdown receptions leader. “So, wow, it’s something I never, ever, ever thought at the beginning of my career that I’d be able to accomplish.

“But to me, it’s another chapter that’s turning. I’ve got a lot more in me, and a lot more to go, hopefully.”

When his career began, Gonzalez studied the game’s best tight ends.

“Keith Jackson, Brent Jones were the first guys in the league I was watching,” Gonzalez said. “Shannon Sharpe, Ben Coates … I continue to watch guys. I watch Antonio Gates, when I go to the Pro Bowl and see what he’s doing. My old-school favorites … John Mackey, Mike Ditka, Kellen Winslow … I’ve I learned a lot.”

Gonzalez, 31, is not only tied with Sharpe for the most career touchdowns, but he needs 74 receptions and 1,113 yards to overtake him for the all-time lead for tight ends in those categories. That most likely would punch his ticket to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“All that stuff will take care of itself,” Gonzalez said. “I’d be lying if I said I never thought about Hall of Fame implications. But as far as I’m concerned, if I keep going out there and stay healthy, that will take care of itself.”

The only thing missing on Gonzalez’s resume is postseason success. The Chiefs are 0-3 in the playoffs during his career.

“I know what he wants to do,” Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said. “He wants to play in the big game. That he hasn’t won a playoff game is remarkable. He’s achieved a lot of individual stats, but Tony’s not that type of guy. He wants to get that one stat it takes the whole team to do. That’s playing in the (Super Bowl).”

If Gonzalez doesn’t reach the Super Bowl, he will still go down in history as a player who helped redefine the tight-end position.

“If there is any legacy I would like to leave, it’s being a complete tight end,” Gonzalez said. “It’s not just about catching balls. Nowadays, a lot of these young tight ends are catching a lot of passes. But that’s not the position. That’s where Shannon and I disagree. They don’t pay you just to catch balls. If you’re a tight end, you’d better be a blocker, too.”

10-07-2007, 01:01 AM	Topic Starter
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4310478	Chiefs tight end Gonzalez wants more than records http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/306486.html The ball Tony Gonzalez caught last week that tied the NFL record for career touchdowns by a tight end sits atop his locker. It will go to his mother, Judy. The ball that will give him the record will go to his older brother Chris. “He’s the one who got me started in football,” said Gonzalez, whose 62 career touchdown catches is tied with Shannon Sharpe for the most by a tight end. “I hated football at the beginning. I honestly don’t think I would have played if it wasn’t for him.” If Gonzalez, an eight-time Pro Bowler, breaks the mark in today’s game against Jacksonville, it will give him immense satisfaction — but he’ll be far from content. “You’re talking about the history of the NFL, so, of course, you have to take satisfaction in it,” said Gonzalez, also the Chiefs’ all-time touchdown receptions leader. “So, wow, it’s something I never, ever, ever thought at the beginning of my career that I’d be able to accomplish. “But to me, it’s another chapter that’s turning. I’ve got a lot more in me, and a lot more to go, hopefully.” When his career began, Gonzalez studied the game’s best tight ends. “Keith Jackson, Brent Jones were the first guys in the league I was watching,” Gonzalez said. “Shannon Sharpe, Ben Coates … I continue to watch guys. I watch Antonio Gates, when I go to the Pro Bowl and see what he’s doing. My old-school favorites … John Mackey, Mike Ditka, Kellen Winslow … I’ve I learned a lot.” Gonzalez, 31, is not only tied with Sharpe for the most career touchdowns, but he needs 74 receptions and 1,113 yards to overtake him for the all-time lead for tight ends in those categories. That most likely would punch his ticket to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “All that stuff will take care of itself,” Gonzalez said. “I’d be lying if I said I never thought about Hall of Fame implications. But as far as I’m concerned, if I keep going out there and stay healthy, that will take care of itself.” The only thing missing on Gonzalez’s resume is postseason success. The Chiefs are 0-3 in the playoffs during his career. “I know what he wants to do,” Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said. “He wants to play in the big game. That he hasn’t won a playoff game is remarkable. He’s achieved a lot of individual stats, but Tony’s not that type of guy. He wants to get that one stat it takes the whole team to do. That’s playing in the (Super Bowl).” If Gonzalez doesn’t reach the Super Bowl, he will still go down in history as a player who helped redefine the tight-end position. “If there is any legacy I would like to leave, it’s being a complete tight end,” Gonzalez said. “It’s not just about catching balls. Nowadays, a lot of these young tight ends are catching a lot of passes. But that’s not the position. That’s where Shannon and I disagree. They don’t pay you just to catch balls. If you’re a tight end, you’d better be a blocker, too.”
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