Q/A with Gonzalez 8/2

ChiefFan31 · 08-02-2006, 06:54 PM

Mostly wanted to post this to point out a couple of things. First, interesting to read his comments about Roaf, and secondly to point out just how BS the rookie salary amounts are anymore.

Q&A withTE TONY GONZALEZ
Aug 02, 2006, 7:37:22 PM

TRAINING CAMP

Q: Do you worry about getting contract done this season?

GONZALEZ: “I’d be lying to you telling you I didn’t think about it, but I’m not worried about it like a negative thing, not by any means. My cap number is really high and it would kind of hurt the team for me to play under that cap number this year.”

Q: You once said one of the ways to get to a Super Bowl was to sign CB Ty Law.

GONZALEZ: “Well, we got him. I think that shows the dedication that this organization has towards going to a Super Bowl. This year, I know I said it last year and I really did think it last year, for me this really is the year. It’s now or never.”

Q: You’ve been saying that for the last three years. Is it every year the window is closing?

GONZALEZ: “I’m optimistic anyway, but at the same time you’ve got to think G Will Shields, he said this is going to be his last year. We’re all getting a little bit older on the offensive side of the ball. At the same time, T Willie Roaf had a lot to do with that. Whatever he’s thinking or wherever he’s at, maybe he comes back, I’m keeping my fingers crossed hopefully he comes back and we can make that run.”

Q: If Roaf doesn’t come back do you see your role changing?

GONZALEZ: “No I don’t think so. I think we went through that last year and we brought it T Kyle Turley. I’m sure you guys can tell, he’s playing outstanding so as soon as he gets really into the groove of things and gets back into it, it’s only been a week and he’s playing pretty good football. I anticipate him going out there and doing a great job if Willie’s not here.”

Q: Did it surprise you that Roaf retired?

GONZALEZ: “It definitely surprised me and I’m a little disappointed, I’d be lying if said that I wasn’t because he’s a big part of this team, he’s huge. We’re talking about our All-Pro left tackle not being there. It’s something that we’re going to have to go out there and just make it work. It’s something we’ll have to overcome.”

Q: Have you talked to Willie?

GONZALEZ: “I called him one time and he didn’t return my phone call.”

Q: I understand he’s not returning many phone calls?

GONZALEZ: “I called him, he’s down in Newport Beach, and I’m down in Huntington Beach right down there. I haven’t heard from him, but if he’s listening, come on back because we’re having a good time and we’ve got a good football team.”

Q: How are you feeling?

GONZALEZ: “I feel good. I feel real good.”

Q: Does your role change without Willie?

GONZALEZ: “Like I said before, Kyle is going to come in here and he’s going to do a good job. As far as my role goes, it’s pretty much the same as it’s always been. They throw me the ball and they throw me the ball a lot. The only thing that I wanted more this year was more calls in the Red Zone, just calling my number and I think that they are going to do that. Coach Solari and I have been together since I’ve been here so he knows what I can do and he knows what I like. He’s actually asked me what I like to do and he’s calling those plays, so I can’t complain at this point right now and we’ll see how it goes in the season. As far as I’m concerned, in the Red Zone I’m going to get those calls this year.”

Q: What are your thoughts on the new way of doing things in training camp so far?

“I love it. Obviously you guys know I’m not a big fan of two-a-days, I think they have no place in football, but that’s just my opinion. The way Coach Edwards does it, especially with the veteran guys, he gives guys days off. We know what we’re doing. After 12-years in the NFL, don’t tell me I need to come out here twice a day and run a seven route. I know what I’m doing when it comes to that type of stuff and we know this offense. It’s not a new offense, we’ve been doing it for the last five years. The way Coach Edwards runs things, this is like a dream come true. You can ask any guy on this team, it’s something else. We feel fresh and we’re going to go out there and bust our behinds to get better.”

Q: Do you think this contract will be more difficult than normal?

GONZALEZ: “Yeah, it gets more difficult because you’ve got a guy like (49ers) TE Vernon Davis, obviously his contract is something I’ve noticed. I understand how it works. (Titans) QB Vince Young is making more money than Trent Green and he hasn’t even played a down. That’s just how it goes and its how the system is set up. I’m not looking for anything to break the bank. I’m just looking to go out there and I want to be a Chief. That’s first and foremost, I’ve been here my whole career and I want to finish it here. I have no doubt in my mind we’ll get this thing done. I don’t know if it’s sooner or later, but eventually we’ll get this thing done.”

Q: Do you see a difference in RB Larry Johnson?

GONZALEZ: “Yeah, he’s become more of a leader. He’s more vocal in the locker room. The way he’s playing on the field, he’s picked up right where he left off, actually I think he’s gotten better. I think if he keeps up what he’s doing in camp, and it’s early in camp, but I think you learn from the best. Learning from a guy like RB Priest Holmes, the work ethic and FB Tony Richardson. He’s come out here with his own identity now and it’s looking pretty well for him.”

**the Talking Can** · 08-02-2006, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Q: What are your thoughts on the new way of doing things in training camp so far?

“I love it. Obviously you guys know I’m not a big fan of two-a-days, I think they have no place in football, but that’s just my opinion. The way Coach Edwards does it, especially with the veteran guys, he gives guys days off. We know what we’re doing. After 12-years in the NFL, don’t tell me I need to come out here twice a day and run a seven route. I know what I’m doing when it comes to that type of stuff and we know this offense. It’s not a new offense, we’ve been doing it for the last five years. The way Coach Edwards runs things, this is like a dream come true. You can ask any guy on this team, it’s something else. We feel fresh and we’re going to go out there and bust our behinds to get better.”

wow...quite an endorsement....and implicit rebuke of DV's way...

**OnTheWarpath15** · 08-02-2006, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefFan31

(Titans) QB Vince Young is making more money than Trent Green and he hasn’t even played a down. Or knows how to read a defense.

Fixed that for TG.......

**noa** · 08-02-2006, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefFan31

Q: You’ve been saying that for the last three years. Is it every year the window is closing?

What a d!ck question. TonyG was completely justified in thinking that last year might be a final shot at the Super Bowl. Fortunately, it wasn't, cause we got Shields to come back (and maybe Roaf will change his mind) plus we got Ty Law, but none of that was guaranteed, so of course it was something reasonable to say. He wants to motivate his teamates by giving them a sense of urgency, and by phrasing the question this way, the interviewer makes it seem like that is a trivial goal.

el borracho · 08-02-2006, 07:11 PM

Tony is one of my favorites Chiefs and it is very cool to hear him say that he wants to (and will) retire a Chief. Also, I think it is great to hear that Solari is asking his best players what plays they want to run.

**noa** · 08-02-2006, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el borracho

Tony is one of my favorites Chiefs and it is very cool to hear him say that he wants to (and will) retire a Chief. Also, I think it is great to hear that Solari is asking his best players what plays they want to run.

Yeah, hopefully that will result in more TD's for TonyG this year. He should never have only two TD's in a year, so hopefully Solari will make sure it never happens again.

JimNasium · 08-02-2006, 07:59 PM

I'm starting to feel much more comfortable with Turley at LT. Getting Willie back and moving Kyle to RT would simply be gravy. I may have to move back to my 10-6 pre-season prediction.

**DaFace** · 08-02-2006, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

wow...quite an endorsement....and implicit rebuke of DV's way...

I was impressed by that too. Hopefully we won't have the same slump we've had in the beginning of the past few seasons since everyone will be a little more fresh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimNasium

I'm starting to feel much more comfortable with Turley at LT. Getting Willie back and moving Kyle to LT would simply be gravy. I may have to move back to my 10-6 pre-season prediction.

I assume you mean move Turley to RT?

JimNasium · 08-02-2006, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

I was impressed by that too. Hopefully we won't have the same slump we've had in the beginning of the past few seasons since everyone will be a little more fresh.

I assume you mean move Turley to RT?

Yes. I'm a dumbass.

08-02-2006, 06:54 PM
ChiefFan31 Keeping a close eye Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $10004900	Q/A with Gonzalez 8/2 Mostly wanted to post this to point out a couple of things. First, interesting to read his comments about Roaf, and secondly to point out just how BS the rookie salary amounts are anymore. Q&A withTE TONY GONZALEZ Aug 02, 2006, 7:37:22 PM TRAINING CAMP Q: Do you worry about getting contract done this season? GONZALEZ: “I’d be lying to you telling you I didn’t think about it, but I’m not worried about it like a negative thing, not by any means. My cap number is really high and it would kind of hurt the team for me to play under that cap number this year.” Q: You once said one of the ways to get to a Super Bowl was to sign CB Ty Law. GONZALEZ: “Well, we got him. I think that shows the dedication that this organization has towards going to a Super Bowl. This year, I know I said it last year and I really did think it last year, for me this really is the year. It’s now or never.” Q: You’ve been saying that for the last three years. Is it every year the window is closing? GONZALEZ: “I’m optimistic anyway, but at the same time you’ve got to think G Will Shields, he said this is going to be his last year. We’re all getting a little bit older on the offensive side of the ball. At the same time, T Willie Roaf had a lot to do with that. Whatever he’s thinking or wherever he’s at, maybe he comes back, I’m keeping my fingers crossed hopefully he comes back and we can make that run.” Q: If Roaf doesn’t come back do you see your role changing? GONZALEZ: “No I don’t think so. I think we went through that last year and we brought it T Kyle Turley. I’m sure you guys can tell, he’s playing outstanding so as soon as he gets really into the groove of things and gets back into it, it’s only been a week and he’s playing pretty good football. I anticipate him going out there and doing a great job if Willie’s not here.” Q: Did it surprise you that Roaf retired? GONZALEZ: “It definitely surprised me and I’m a little disappointed, I’d be lying if said that I wasn’t because he’s a big part of this team, he’s huge. We’re talking about our All-Pro left tackle not being there. It’s something that we’re going to have to go out there and just make it work. It’s something we’ll have to overcome.” Q: Have you talked to Willie? GONZALEZ: “I called him one time and he didn’t return my phone call.” Q: I understand he’s not returning many phone calls? GONZALEZ: “I called him, he’s down in Newport Beach, and I’m down in Huntington Beach right down there. I haven’t heard from him, but if he’s listening, come on back because we’re having a good time and we’ve got a good football team.” Q: How are you feeling? GONZALEZ: “I feel good. I feel real good.” Q: Does your role change without Willie? GONZALEZ: “Like I said before, Kyle is going to come in here and he’s going to do a good job. As far as my role goes, it’s pretty much the same as it’s always been. They throw me the ball and they throw me the ball a lot. The only thing that I wanted more this year was more calls in the Red Zone, just calling my number and I think that they are going to do that. Coach Solari and I have been together since I’ve been here so he knows what I can do and he knows what I like. He’s actually asked me what I like to do and he’s calling those plays, so I can’t complain at this point right now and we’ll see how it goes in the season. As far as I’m concerned, in the Red Zone I’m going to get those calls this year.” Q: What are your thoughts on the new way of doing things in training camp so far? “I love it. Obviously you guys know I’m not a big fan of two-a-days, I think they have no place in football, but that’s just my opinion. The way Coach Edwards does it, especially with the veteran guys, he gives guys days off. We know what we’re doing. After 12-years in the NFL, don’t tell me I need to come out here twice a day and run a seven route. I know what I’m doing when it comes to that type of stuff and we know this offense. It’s not a new offense, we’ve been doing it for the last five years. The way Coach Edwards runs things, this is like a dream come true. You can ask any guy on this team, it’s something else. We feel fresh and we’re going to go out there and bust our behinds to get better.” Q: Do you think this contract will be more difficult than normal? GONZALEZ: “Yeah, it gets more difficult because you’ve got a guy like (49ers) TE Vernon Davis, obviously his contract is something I’ve noticed. I understand how it works. (Titans) QB Vince Young is making more money than Trent Green and he hasn’t even played a down. That’s just how it goes and its how the system is set up. I’m not looking for anything to break the bank. I’m just looking to go out there and I want to be a Chief. That’s first and foremost, I’ve been here my whole career and I want to finish it here. I have no doubt in my mind we’ll get this thing done. I don’t know if it’s sooner or later, but eventually we’ll get this thing done.” Q: Do you see a difference in RB Larry Johnson? GONZALEZ: “Yeah, he’s become more of a leader. He’s more vocal in the locker room. The way he’s playing on the field, he’s picked up right where he left off, actually I think he’s gotten better. I think if he keeps up what he’s doing in camp, and it’s early in camp, but I think you learn from the best. Learning from a guy like RB Priest Holmes, the work ethic and FB Tony Richardson. He’s come out here with his own identity now and it’s looking pretty well for him.”
Posts: 1,596

08-02-2006, 07:11 PM	#5
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6269148	Tony is one of my favorites Chiefs and it is very cool to hear him say that he wants to (and will) retire a Chief. Also, I think it is great to hear that Solari is asking his best players what plays they want to run.
Posts: 11,837

08-02-2006, 07:59 PM	#7
JimNasium Voodoo Chile Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: At the crossroad Casino cash: $2793902	I'm starting to feel much more comfortable with Turley at LT. Getting Willie back and moving Kyle to RT would simply be gravy. I may have to move back to my 10-6 pre-season prediction. Last edited by JimNasium; 08-02-2006 at 08:34 PM..
Posts: 6,890