It has been speculated for the last few years, that Tony Gonzalez, tight-end of the Kansas City Chief's, might leave the squad. Here's the latest news on his status.
Tony Gonzalez has played football with the Kansas City Chief's since 1997. He is now 36 years old, and might be leaving the Chief's. He has not been happy with their stagnation during the 2006-2008 years. He has spoke of looking elsewhere.
The chairmen, Clark Hunt (Lamar Hunt's son), hopes Gonzalez stays in the squad, and finish his career. Hunt is not interested in trading Gonzalez, yet Gonzalez has been wanting to play in a Super Bowl and the Kansas City Chief's have not made it to that point since 1967. Hunt says he has no interest in trading the pro-bowl player. An unidentified source says Gonzalez is interested, but not demanding a trade.
"If the right deal can be made, Tony very much wants the Chiefs to trade him," the person said. "Tony is not demanding a trade. Tony cherishes the time he's spent with the Chiefs and he loves the way he's always been treated by the fans there. But he knows of some other teams that would be interested in him and if the right deal can be made, he wants it to be made."
Gonzalez NFL record is one of very good stats. Several NFL records are included: ten Pro-Bowl selection;102 single season receptions;76 career touchdowns by a tight end; 916 career receptions and 10,940 reception yards by a tight end. In 1997, he was considered one of the top 15 draft picks. In 1997, the Chiefs had the 18th draft pick, and wanted Gonzalez, but were certain they'd not be able to pick him for their squad. The Chiefs traded up with the Houston Oilers to get the number 13 selection and draft Gonzalez.
Gonzalez helped the Chiefs get the best record in the AFC in 1997. In 1998 and 1999, Gonzalez continued to improve. He earned his first Pro bowl selection in 1999. His greatest season was in 2004, when he reached an NFL record (for a tight end) 102 passes for 1,258 yards and seven touchdowns.
In late 2006, Gonzalez began to be close to record breaking stats. He broke wide receiver Otis Taylor's Chiefs team receiving yards and touchdowns mark, and also passed running back Priest Holmes for the team yards from scrimmage record. On October 24, 2007, Gonzalez broke Shannon Sharpe's career touchdown reception record by a tight end.
He has been credited to saving a fellow football player's life. While dining at Capone's restaurant on July 3, 2008, he noticed Ken Hunter to be choking on a piece of meat. He administered the Heimlich Maneuver, and saved Hunter's life. Also, in 2008, he campaigned with Barack Obama.
"This is the first time in my life that I've ever been political about anything," admitted Kansas City Chief tight end Tony Gonzalez, who had campaigned for Obama. "It's the first time that I said I have a voice and that I should go out and stand up for what I believe in. Seeing someone like Barack and meeting him and reading his book, I thought he was the best person to lead our country."
Gonzalez has had a very full career with Kansas City, except for one aspect. The fact that he has not been able to play in a Super Bowl. With the Chief's new coaching staff, maybe Gonzalez will decide to stay with squad. But until we see progress or change with the Chiefs, we won't be able to assess the possibility of a Super Bowl year.