Chiefs Gonzalez plans return to Chiefs unless he hears the R word (rebuild) - Page 5

royr17 · 01-01-2009, 11:51 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/961410.html

Gonzalez plans return to Chiefs unless he hears the R word (rebuild)

By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Tony Gonzalez will soon make his annual postseason trip to Hawaii to play in the Pro Bowl. Upon his return, he should have a better idea about which direction the Chiefs are headed.

By then, the Chiefs will likely have a new general manager and a decision on whether coach Herm Edwards will be retained.

At that point, Gonzalez will decide whether he will again ask for a trade.

“As far as I know, I’ll be a Chief next year,” Gonzalez said. “Depending on what Clark (Hunt) wants to do, if he wants to blow this whole thing up and bring in a new coaching staff and bring in a new coordinator with that and bring in a new quarterback in the draft, that all weighs into whether or not I want to be a Chief next year.

“As far as I’m concerned, as a veteran on this team going into my 13th year next year, the last thing I want to hear is ‘rebuild.’ I’m not into it. If they come in here and they want to blow it all up, I’ll be frustrated and I’ll be a little (ticked) off.

“There are some really good coaches on this staff. I want Herm back, I want (offensive coordinator Chan Gailey) back. I want my position coach, Jon Embree, back. These guys are going to take us in the direction we want to go.”

Gonzalez indicated he would play only one more season, at least if he stays with the Chiefs. In that case, it might benefit the Chiefs to at least listen to trade offers for Gonzalez, though those offers might not be overwhelming given that Gonzalez is nearing the end of his career.

“In reality, it’s just like this year,” he said. “If they don’t want to let me go, they don’t have to let me go and I’d have to deal with it. I’d still come back and play hard. But there’s only one year left in that. If they want to get something for me, that’s when I would say, ‘Why don’t you get something for me?’

“I’m just being honest. I’m just talking candidly here. No matter what happens, I’ll try to make it work for the best. Whatever team I’m on — hopefully it’s this team — we can build something special.”

Even at 32 and while playing for a 2-14 team, Gonzalez had one of his best seasons. That seemed improbable early in the year when the Chiefs continually shuffled their quarterbacks.

His season turned around when Tyler Thigpen took over for good at quarterback. That’s one reason Gonzalez would prefer to see the Chiefs stay with Thigpen, at least if they continue in the spread offensive formation.

“I think Tyler is the guy, especially for this offense,” Gonzalez said. “If they want to keep this offense in place, why would you need to go out there and get another quarterback? He’s perfect for this offense. If you want to go out there and get a dropback quarterback, then maybe you might want to get another quarterback.

“Tyler’s proven himself. He’s come out of nowhere and shown he can be an elite quarterback in this league. People need to keep in mind that it was his first year starting. He came into this season just hoping to be the third-string quarterback and now he’s pressed into the starting spotlight. I think he handled it well.

“If he gets a whole offseason and gets the (practices) and the whole camp and gets his confidence going that he’s going to be the guy, then I think he can be a pretty good quarterback in this league for a long time.”

Gonzalez and outgoing president/general manager Carl Peterson said their goodbyes after the Chiefs returned from Cincinnati Sunday night when they bumped into each other while having dinner at the Capital Grille on the Plaza.

Gonzalez was upset with Peterson for a time after the Chiefs failed to trade Gonzalez in October.

“Our relationship has healed,” Gonzalez said. “We were frustrated but I’m not going to hold a grudge forever. Whatever he does, I’m sure he’ll be successful. Twenty years as a general manager of an NFL team, that’s unheard of, especially nowadays. He should be proud of that. He had some real good football teams.”

|Zach| · 01-02-2009, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I'm not doing that I'm just curious how his stance makes any sense at all, does he think the Chiefs are gonna be good with Herm Edwards and Tyler Thigpen?

Honestly I can't rationally understand his point of view.

Sports are not rational. You have always come from this standpoint that the sporting universe is so straight forward and the outcomes are so empirical.

I don't really agree with Tony but then again it is sports.

I don't think the idea of the Giants becoming SB champions going into the playoffs last year was a rational pick and I don't think the Pats missing the playoffs with 11 wins is rational.

I have seen many stranger things happen than the idea that a lot of the good young players on this team can be made into something decent...even by Herm Edwards.

Rigodan · 01-02-2009, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I'm not doing that I'm just curious how his stance makes any sense at all, does he think the Chiefs are gonna be good with Herm Edwards and Tyler Thigpen?

Honestly I can't rationally understand his point of view.

I think after all he's done with this franchise he's entitled to his opinion. I disagree with it too but in the end it doesn't matter. It won't have any impact of the direction this franchise goes in the off-season and it won't change the fact that if he's back he'll be a class act and play his ass off. It's not really worth getting mad at him for. I don't agree with what he's saying but i'm not going to think anything less of him as a chief for something as inconsequential as this. He's Tony ****ing Gonzalez man, we were lucky to have him as long as we have.

beavis · 01-02-2009, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

i said this the other day and I believe it, I think this is all saving face posturing type stuff. Peterson is out, the GM that hitched his wagon to Tony as his franchise player...Tony Gonzalez isn't stupid he knows a new GM likely won't attach himself to a 33 year old TE or a spread QB for that matter.

He's trying to make it look like if a new GM decides to move on from him that it was Tonys call and not the teams.

I think this is EXACTLY what he's doing. The second they can Herm, he'll start screaming for a trade.

Thig Lyfe · 01-02-2009, 04:04 AM

I'm with him on Thigpen. I'm with him on Chan.

Not so much on Herm.

**the Talking Can** · 01-02-2009, 05:28 AM

bye tony

should have traded you the first time you demanded it, hopefully we will now...

**the Talking Can** · 01-02-2009, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

Gonzo is a true fan.

quality

**BigMeatballDave** · 01-02-2009, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArrowheadHawk

Count me on the list of people who want to see tony stay. If that means not drafting a QB then so be it.

Now, this is just dumb. I love Tony, but how many championships has he brought us?

**BigMeatballDave** · 01-02-2009, 05:52 AM

If I have to choose between loosing TG or getting a new coaching staff.....bye Tony.

**Bwana** · 01-02-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArrowheadHawk

Count me on the list of people who want to see tony stay. If that means not drafting a QB then so be it.

Are you the love child of Carl Peterson with his blood flowing through your body? I would have to rank that as one of the top ten dumbest posts in Planet history if you are serious. Gee, lets let one temperamental player dictate our future for the next ten years by not drafting a QBOTF if we have the chance.

As far as Tony goes, he has been one of the greatest players in the history of this team, but every once in awhile, he comes up with a little gem like this and tries to lay out "his demands." I love what he has done for this team and respect his valiant effort through the years as much as the next guy. All that being said, he does not own the team and to follow his wisdom in this case, would knock the team even further back into the stone age than it already is. To cut through the BS, if Tony isn't happy with the choice of bringing in a new QB if that happens, he can pack his bags and GTFO.

Stryker · 01-02-2009, 07:23 AM

Keep the same staff? FUG THAT!

Thanks for the memories Tony! SEE YA!

Dr. Johnny Fever · 01-02-2009, 07:23 AM

Come on Tony. Believe it or not as great as you are it's not all about you. How dare the organization want to blow things up after a 2-14 season and hire new coaches and maybe get another QB. We should just stick with what failed miserably so you can stay in your comfort zone for one more year. I'd think at this point in his career he'd be demanding a turn around of momunmental proportions rather than sticking with the status quo. I'd think he'd want a shot at a ring rather than continuing to wallow in suckage.

If this is really you want Tony then goodbye. You were great. Maybe the greatest Chiefs player ever. Too bad you now seem to be putting yourself ahead of the improvement of the team.

stevieray · 01-02-2009, 07:25 AM

loyalty doesn't exist in the NFL anymore..it's one of the qualities that bit Lamar in the ass in the end.

not from players, or fans.

it is what it is.

Dr. Johnny Fever · 01-02-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieray

loyalty doesn't exist in the NFL anymore..it's one of the qualities that bit Lamar in the ass in the end.

not from players, or fans.

it is what it is.

But it seems he wants to be loyal to coaches that haven't gotten us anywhere.

SenselessChiefsFan · 01-02-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

Whats he supposed to say? Oh, my team sucks. We will be lucky to win a few games? Professionals dont do that. He's careful with what words he uses imo.

Most players are more naturally optimistic. Playing the game on any level, but especially at the NFL level takes a comittment beyond just getting a paycheck.

BigChiefFan · 01-02-2009, 09:05 AM

Tony's being a self-centered prick. His act is wearing thin. Great player, but enough of his bullshit. You signed the ****ing contract now ****ing honor it, you douche.

01-01-2009, 11:51 PM
royr17 MVP Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Lovin my kids Casino cash: $-1681324	Gonzalez plans return to Chiefs unless he hears the R word (rebuild) http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/961410.html Gonzalez plans return to Chiefs unless he hears the R word (rebuild) By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Tony Gonzalez will soon make his annual postseason trip to Hawaii to play in the Pro Bowl. Upon his return, he should have a better idea about which direction the Chiefs are headed. By then, the Chiefs will likely have a new general manager and a decision on whether coach Herm Edwards will be retained. At that point, Gonzalez will decide whether he will again ask for a trade. “As far as I know, I’ll be a Chief next year,” Gonzalez said. “Depending on what Clark (Hunt) wants to do, if he wants to blow this whole thing up and bring in a new coaching staff and bring in a new coordinator with that and bring in a new quarterback in the draft, that all weighs into whether or not I want to be a Chief next year. “As far as I’m concerned, as a veteran on this team going into my 13th year next year, the last thing I want to hear is ‘rebuild.’ I’m not into it. If they come in here and they want to blow it all up, I’ll be frustrated and I’ll be a little (ticked) off. “There are some really good coaches on this staff. I want Herm back, I want (offensive coordinator Chan Gailey) back. I want my position coach, Jon Embree, back. These guys are going to take us in the direction we want to go.” Gonzalez indicated he would play only one more season, at least if he stays with the Chiefs. In that case, it might benefit the Chiefs to at least listen to trade offers for Gonzalez, though those offers might not be overwhelming given that Gonzalez is nearing the end of his career. “In reality, it’s just like this year,” he said. “If they don’t want to let me go, they don’t have to let me go and I’d have to deal with it. I’d still come back and play hard. But there’s only one year left in that. If they want to get something for me, that’s when I would say, ‘Why don’t you get something for me?’ “I’m just being honest. I’m just talking candidly here. No matter what happens, I’ll try to make it work for the best. Whatever team I’m on — hopefully it’s this team — we can build something special.” Even at 32 and while playing for a 2-14 team, Gonzalez had one of his best seasons. That seemed improbable early in the year when the Chiefs continually shuffled their quarterbacks. His season turned around when Tyler Thigpen took over for good at quarterback. That’s one reason Gonzalez would prefer to see the Chiefs stay with Thigpen, at least if they continue in the spread offensive formation. “I think Tyler is the guy, especially for this offense,” Gonzalez said. “If they want to keep this offense in place, why would you need to go out there and get another quarterback? He’s perfect for this offense. If you want to go out there and get a dropback quarterback, then maybe you might want to get another quarterback. “Tyler’s proven himself. He’s come out of nowhere and shown he can be an elite quarterback in this league. People need to keep in mind that it was his first year starting. He came into this season just hoping to be the third-string quarterback and now he’s pressed into the starting spotlight. I think he handled it well. “If he gets a whole offseason and gets the (practices) and the whole camp and gets his confidence going that he’s going to be the guy, then I think he can be a pretty good quarterback in this league for a long time.” Gonzalez and outgoing president/general manager Carl Peterson said their goodbyes after the Chiefs returned from Cincinnati Sunday night when they bumped into each other while having dinner at the Capital Grille on the Plaza. Gonzalez was upset with Peterson for a time after the Chiefs failed to trade Gonzalez in October. “Our relationship has healed,” Gonzalez said. “We were frustrated but I’m not going to hold a grudge forever. Whatever he does, I’m sure he’ll be successful. Twenty years as a general manager of an NFL team, that’s unheard of, especially nowadays. He should be proud of that. He had some real good football teams.”
Posts: 6,244

01-02-2009, 04:04 AM	#64
Thig Lyfe Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Thigpen's America Casino cash: $10004900	I'm with him on Thigpen. I'm with him on Chan. Not so much on Herm.
Posts: 25,680

01-02-2009, 05:28 AM	#65
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9112208	bye tony should have traded you the first time you demanded it, hopefully we will now... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

01-02-2009, 05:52 AM	#68
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	If I have to choose between loosing TG or getting a new coaching staff.....bye Tony.
Posts: 59,997

01-02-2009, 07:23 AM	#70
Stryker Super Bowl LVIII Champions! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Casino cash: $-505364	Keep the same staff? FUG THAT! Thanks for the memories Tony! SEE YA! __________________ Super Bowl LVIII Champions!
Posts: 6,536

01-02-2009, 07:23 AM	#71
Dr. Johnny Fever stax of wax Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	Come on Tony. Believe it or not as great as you are it's not all about you. How dare the organization want to blow things up after a 2-14 season and hire new coaches and maybe get another QB. We should just stick with what failed miserably so you can stay in your comfort zone for one more year. I'd think at this point in his career he'd be demanding a turn around of momunmental proportions rather than sticking with the status quo. I'd think he'd want a shot at a ring rather than continuing to wallow in suckage. If this is really you want Tony then goodbye. You were great. Maybe the greatest Chiefs player ever. Too bad you now seem to be putting yourself ahead of the improvement of the team.
Posts: 34,865

01-02-2009, 07:25 AM	#72
stevieray Most things I worry about… Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Under Pressure Casino cash: $-1384727	loyalty doesn't exist in the NFL anymore..it's one of the qualities that bit Lamar in the ass in the end. not from players, or fans. it is what it is.
Posts: 74,138

01-02-2009, 09:05 AM	#75
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	Tony's being a self-centered prick. His act is wearing thin. Great player, but enough of his bullshit. You signed the **ing contract now **ing honor it, you douche. __________________ A 35 year drought can make you thirsty.
Posts: 15,777