Chiefs Chiefs Asked Shields And Gonzalez For Permission To Use Numbers - Page 2

Mr. Laz · 05-04-2010, 09:06 PM

Chiefs Asked Shields And Gonzalez For Permission To Use Numbers

by Joel Thorman on May 4, 2010 3:13 PM PDT in 2010 Campaign

Over the weekend the Chiefs had a bunch of rookies and tryout players in camp. Since they all needed a jersey -- and a jersey number -- the Chiefs issued them numbers. Two of those numbers -- #68 and #88 -- held a special place in the heart of Kansas City.

Of course they are they numbers of Will Shields and Tony Gonzalez.

Well, as Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star noticed over the weekend, the Chiefs issues #68 and #88 to two players at the rookie minicamp. One was an undrafted free agent signed to the team (DL Garrett Brown) and the other to a tryout player.

As it turns out, the Chiefs placed a call to both Will Shields and Tony Gonzalez seeking permission to use the number, according to Teicher. Both players gave them their blessing. Shields said it was done in a "class-act way."

''A number is only a number," Shields told Teicher. "It served me well when I played but now it's someone else's turn. There's got to be someone wearing it before me and there's got to be someone wearing it afterward.''

I'm glad this is the way it turned out. I suspected the Chiefs would want to get their side of the story out there since it considerably changes the focus of the story.

**Iowanian** · 05-04-2010, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Retiring numbers in general is stupid. I wish the Chiefs didn't do it at all.

I'm with stupid.

Sure-Oz · 05-04-2010, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

How is it not? Pioli didn't have to ask. But he did, out of respect.

That's a classy move, IMO.

I agree that it was too.

FAX · 05-05-2010, 01:26 AM

I'm very glad to hear this.

Both Pioli and Haley have oft mentioned little anecdotes from the Chiefs past. If memory serves, Clark mentioned that when he visited Pioli, he noticed that Pioli had a framed photo of Dawson calling plays in the old choir huddle (which I'd love for them to bring back, by the way) in his office. Both those guys seem to respect the tradition of the organization ... which they should. And unlike Hermoine who, apparently, either didn't give a damn or didn't know anything about the franchise's history, they seem to be fairly knowledgeable about the club.

Anyway, it's good to know that they handled this the right way. I don't mind them using the numbers under these circumstances ... we have a ton of new, temporary guys in camp. As long as it's cool with TG and Shields, it should be cool with everyone. Besides, these numbers will be retired eventually and that's the main thing.

FAX

Saccopoo · 05-05-2010, 01:38 AM

You retire the jersey, not the number. With a final roster of 53 and the NFL dictating positional number groups, there is no way that you can retire numbers in this day and age.

That the current FO contacted the players in question to clear it with them is a very cool thing.

KCrockaholic · 05-05-2010, 01:40 AM

I feel like TG's number really should be retired, considering at this point and time he is the greatest TE to ever play in the NFL.

But with that said, I think KC retired way too many numbers early in their franchise history that maybe shouldn't have.

Lenny obviously deserved to have his number retired. Nothing wrong with that.

Nor anything wrong with Stenerud's #3 retired either since not many players wear numbers 1-19.

But guys like Stone Johnson, or Mack Lee Hill probably didn't NEED to have their numbers retired. 33 and 36 should have lived on if #68 and #88 is going to live on in KC uni's.

Just my opinion though.

Jethopper · 05-05-2010, 03:08 AM

And I thought it was impossible for me to like Shields anymore. He's quickly earning DT like respect.

Mojo Jojo · 05-05-2010, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcrockaholic4life

I feel like TG's number really should be retired, considering at this point and time he is the greatest TE to ever play in the NFL.

But with that said, I think KC retired way too many numbers early in their franchise history that maybe shouldn't have.

Lenny obviously deserved to have his number retired. Nothing wrong with that.

Nor anything wrong with Stenerud's #3 retired either since not many players wear numbers 1-19.

But guys like Stone Johnson, or Mack Lee Hill probably didn't NEED to have their numbers retired. 33 and 36 should have lived on if #68 and #88 is going to live on in KC uni's.

Just my opinion though.

They just happen to have died playing for the team. I think that deserves retirement.

mikey23545 · 05-05-2010, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

I'm very glad to hear this.

Both Pioli and Haley have oft mentioned little anecdotes from the Chiefs past. If memory serves, Clark mentioned that when he visited Pioli, he noticed that Pioli had a framed photo of Dawson calling plays in the old choir huddle (which I'd love for them to bring back, by the way) in his office. Both those guys seem to respect the tradition of the organization .
FAX

This X 1000, even though it's a little off the OP...

**BigMeatballDave** · 05-05-2010, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Retiring numbers in general is stupid. I wish the Chiefs didn't do it at all.

Permanent retirement would dumb. I have no problem retiring numbers when the players enter the HOF, but then reinstating it in 10 yrs.

**BigRedChief** · 05-05-2010, 05:38 AM

Tony deserves to have his number retired. He was the best TE to ever play the game. He played hard on every play. He practices hard. One of the last ones to leave the practice field even in his last few years. Tony G gave us everything he had on the football field.

PhillyChiefFan · 05-05-2010, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Tony deserves to have his number retired. He was the best TE to ever play the game. He played hard on every play. He practices hard. One of the last ones to leave the practice field even in his last few years. Tony G gave us everything he had on the football field.

Agreed.

BTW, I was really surprised to see Dallas give Bryant #88

**BigMeatballDave** · 05-05-2010, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Tony deserves to have his number retired. He was the best TE to ever play the game. He played hard on every play. He practices hard. One of the last ones to leave the practice field even in his last few years. Tony G gave us everything he had on the football field.

If he plays 2 more seasons, he'll have over 1100 receptions. I dont think any TE will ever touch that.

LaChapelle · 05-05-2010, 05:50 AM

I think they should retire the pink #27 jersey

milkman · 05-05-2010, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcrockaholic4life

I feel like TG's number really should be retired, considering at this point and time he is the greatest TE to ever play in the NFL.

But with that said, I think KC retired way too many numbers early in their franchise history that maybe shouldn't have.

Lenny obviously deserved to have his number retired. Nothing wrong with that.

Nor anything wrong with Stenerud's #3 retired either since not many players wear numbers 1-19.

But guys like Stone Johnson, or Mack Lee Hill probably didn't NEED to have their numbers retired. 33 and 36 should have lived on if #68 and #88 is going to live on in KC uni's.

Just my opinion though.

Tony's numbers are the best, but Kellen Winslow is still the greatest TE ever.

FAX · 05-05-2010, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Tony's numbers are the best, but Kellen Winslow is still the greatest TE ever.

Well, he was until Gonzo redefined the position.

FAX

05-04-2010, 09:06 PM
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Chiefs Asked Shields And Gonzalez For Permission To Use Numbers Chiefs Asked Shields And Gonzalez For Permission To Use Numbers by Joel Thorman on May 4, 2010 3:13 PM PDT in 2010 Campaign Over the weekend the Chiefs had a bunch of rookies and tryout players in camp. Since they all needed a jersey -- and a jersey number -- the Chiefs issued them numbers. Two of those numbers -- #68 and #88 -- held a special place in the heart of Kansas City. Of course they are they numbers of Will Shields and Tony Gonzalez. Well, as Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star noticed over the weekend, the Chiefs issues #68 and #88 to two players at the rookie minicamp. One was an undrafted free agent signed to the team (DL Garrett Brown) and the other to a tryout player. As it turns out, the Chiefs placed a call to both Will Shields and Tony Gonzalez seeking permission to use the number, according to Teicher. Both players gave them their blessing. Shields said it was done in a "class-act way." ''A number is only a number," Shields told Teicher. "It served me well when I played but now it's someone else's turn. There's got to be someone wearing it before me and there's got to be someone wearing it afterward.'' I'm glad this is the way it turned out. I suspected the Chiefs would want to get their side of the story out there since it considerably changes the focus of the story.
Posts: 95,626

05-05-2010, 01:26 AM	#18
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	I'm very glad to hear this. Both Pioli and Haley have oft mentioned little anecdotes from the Chiefs past. If memory serves, Clark mentioned that when he visited Pioli, he noticed that Pioli had a framed photo of Dawson calling plays in the old choir huddle (which I'd love for them to bring back, by the way) in his office. Both those guys seem to respect the tradition of the organization ... which they should. And unlike Hermoine who, apparently, either didn't give a damn or didn't know anything about the franchise's history, they seem to be fairly knowledgeable about the club. Anyway, it's good to know that they handled this the right way. I don't mind them using the numbers under these circumstances ... we have a ton of new, temporary guys in camp. As long as it's cool with TG and Shields, it should be cool with everyone. Besides, these numbers will be retired eventually and that's the main thing. FAX
Posts: 44,492

05-05-2010, 01:38 AM	#19
Saccopoo Kindness in words... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Zion Casino cash: $10025483	You retire the jersey, not the number. With a final roster of 53 and the NFL dictating positional number groups, there is no way that you can retire numbers in this day and age. That the current FO contacted the players in question to clear it with them is a very cool thing.
Posts: 15,450

05-05-2010, 01:40 AM	#20
KCrockaholic Sarcasm Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $3252900	I feel like TG's number really should be retired, considering at this point and time he is the greatest TE to ever play in the NFL. But with that said, I think KC retired way too many numbers early in their franchise history that maybe shouldn't have. Lenny obviously deserved to have his number retired. Nothing wrong with that. Nor anything wrong with Stenerud's #3 retired either since not many players wear numbers 1-19. But guys like Stone Johnson, or Mack Lee Hill probably didn't NEED to have their numbers retired. 33 and 36 should have lived on if #68 and #88 is going to live on in KC uni's. Just my opinion though.
Posts: 21,182

05-05-2010, 03:08 AM	#21
Jethopper A Great Pick Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $9686008	And I thought it was impossible for me to like Shields anymore. He's quickly earning DT like respect.
Posts: 1,761

05-05-2010, 05:38 AM	#25
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-891038 VARSITY	Tony deserves to have his number retired. He was the best TE to ever play the game. He played hard on every play. He practices hard. One of the last ones to leave the practice field even in his last few years. Tony G gave us everything he had on the football field. __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
Posts: 81,383

05-05-2010, 05:50 AM	#28
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	I think they should retire the pink #27 jersey
Posts: 8,588