Chiefs tight end Gonzalez wants more than records - Page 3

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.”

Reerun_KC · 10-07-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lj4mvp

Rod Smith isn't a first ballot HOFer, and Randy Moss questionable? Don't f**king kid yourself.

Smith isn't in the same galaxy as Moss, rings or not.

"Comparison?"

Word you're lookin' for is "analogy", sparky.

Easy there! It seems like I was listening to Sirius NFL the other day and they were talking about Moss being questionable for the HOF.... I think if Moss stays with a real coach like Belicheck then he has a very good chance of getting to the HOF... The guy is a freak of nature at the WR position.

I never said Smith was Moss or Moss was Smith...

Also for what Smith put up as and UFA, is pretty special.. Moss should put up better numbers for he is more talented than Smith no Question.

Smith should make it to the HOF... Okay so maybe not first ballot. But he should be there.

Reerun_KC · 10-07-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

This, IMO, is a travesty.

Agree....

**the Talking Can** · 10-07-2007, 10:33 AM

Imagine Tony's numbers if he spent a career with John Elway instead of Bono, Grbac, Huard....

milkman · 10-07-2007, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

Imagine Tony's numbers if he spent a career with John Elway instead of Bono, Grbac, Huard....

Then again, imagine Tony's numbers if he wasn't the only receiving threat throughout most of his career in KC.

Craqhead · 10-07-2007, 10:37 AM

Tony G the best damn TE too eva play the game >> . << (thats a period) And he will be for years too come. But like all things eventually there will be someone too come along and take that title from him.

milkman · 10-07-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craqhead

Tony G the best damn TE too eva play the game

Sorry, but no, he's not.

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-07-2007, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

Imagine Tony's numbers if he spent a career with John Elway instead of Bono, Grbac, Huard....

Hey, wait a minute. Huard is the greatest ever. Just ask Goat and Hoot...

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-07-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Sorry, but no, he's not.

Who is, then? I don't measure a great player by championships. Thoes are won by teams.

Deberg_1990 · 10-07-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craqhead

Tony G the best damn TE too eva play the game

Hes definately top 3-5. But hes not the best of all time.

milkman · 10-07-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

Who is, then? I don't measure a great player by championships. Thoes are won by teams.

Winslow

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-07-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Winslow

Winslow played in five Pro Bowls, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002. In his nine NFL seasons, Winslow caught 541 passes for 6,741 yards and 45 touchdowns. Kellen was a consensus All-Pro in 1980, 1981, and 1982. He is also a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. His jersey has not, as yet, been retired by the San Diego Chargers and his #80 is currently worn by wide receiver Malcolm Floyd. Winslow is currently working as a college football announcer with Fox Sports Net. One of the all-time greats, no doubt. I disagree he is the GREATEST of all time.

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-07-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Hes definately top 3-5. But hes not the best of all time.

Who do you think is the greatest?

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-07-2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Winslow

He also had Fouts throwing to him.

10-07-2007, 01:01 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4630478	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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10-07-2007, 10:33 AM	#33
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	Imagine Tony's numbers if he spent a career with John Elway instead of Bono, Grbac, Huard.... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
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10-07-2007, 10:37 AM	#35
Craqhead Huh Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: KC, Mo Casino cash: $10004900	Tony G the best damn TE too eva play the game >> . << (thats a period) And he will be for years too come. But like all things eventually there will be someone too come along and take that title from him.
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