Tony Gonzalez Wants to Play with Falcons for 'three or four years'
by Joel Thorman on Apr 23, 2009 2:42 PM CDT
in 2009 Offseason
70 comments
Tony Gonzalez is all smiles after signing a 7 year deal with the Chiefs in 2002.
Tony Gonzalez spoke with Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com following the news that the Pro Bowl tight end had been traded by the Chiefs. He cited the Falcons young talent as motivating factors for the trade.
"It's somewhat bittersweet," Gonzalez told FOXSports.com exclusively. "I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I'm looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years.
"With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and now myself, we have the chance to be in the top 5 in the league in offense every year. How could I not be excited to join that team?
Gonzalez said neither side was angry about the situation and he's leaving Kansas City on a good note.
"(Chiefs GM) Scott (Pioli) and (head coach) Todd (Haley) told me a little bit ago and there were nothing but positives," Gonzalez continued. "I think this is something that will help them because they are rebuilding. There was no bitterness at all from either side."
Gonzalez couldn't get a trade last October from the Chiefs former GM Carl Peterson. But Scott Pioli granted him that wish. If it had been known last October that Gonzalez wanted to play for "three or four years", maybe the Chiefs could have gotten a higher offer in trade offers. Reports at the time said Gonzalez wouldn't commit to more than two years.
0 recs |
70 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
dont get me wrong
that stings a little bit. i’d love to see us make the playoffs soon and make him wonder ‘what if?’
by The DBowe Show on Apr 23, 2009 2:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sooooo....you were talking about playing in KC for 2 years and NOW you're talking about playing for 3-4 years?
Gotcha…you opened your mouth again TG. I supported you for years and now you’re talking BS.
Chiefs = 2 years (maybe)
Falcons = 3 to 4 years.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Apr 23, 2009 2:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it's amazing what a change of scenery can do for your career....
Unfortunately for Tony, I have a feeling that Atlanta isn’t go to be quite as rosy as he expects it to be. Their defense still needs work before they bring home a ring. Look for the Falcons to come back to earth a little bit this season.
by NJ_Chief on Apr 23, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So for three or four years
Tony G can realize what it’s like to be the early 1990’s Buffalo Bills, losing superbowl after superbowl…
to the team he left for a chance to win a ring.
by Sudden on Apr 23, 2009 2:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
course he does
Cause even he knows they fucking suck. Trust me a young qb like that aint going to do shit in the playoffs . Falcons have no D. Tony is toast just get ready for canton after tony gets his knee blown out in the home opener.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Apr 23, 2009 2:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ugh
this has to be the dumbest comment since I started reading this. Please make sure you’re contributing to a conversation
by Matt Conner on Apr 23, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man
Wishing Tony gets his knee blown out? That’s nuts.
by Chris Thorman on Apr 23, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lay off Sex
this is like a death in the family.
Paddy
by Patrick Allen on Apr 23, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get over It.
Death in the family!!! Keep the razor blades away from this idiot!!! He’s just a good damn player who opened his big mouth saying he wanted to be traded, and thats what he got. He could give a shit about you, me are any other Chief fan. He has no leadership skills, and if he did maybe the chiefs would have went to the play offs more. I don’t think Atlanta will do shit so good bye you fricken whiner.
by jarofants on Apr 23, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calling someone an idiot
Is never the best way to get your point across. Especially when emotions are flying over a life long chief leaving.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Apr 23, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm with you.
He’s not a chief anymore. I couldn’t care less what happens to him.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Apr 23, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
You’re not a Chief either. I couldn’t care less if you get mangled in a car wreck on your way home from work.
… no, wait. I do care. I don’t know you from Adam, but either way, that’s not the type of thing that reasonable, decent people say to or about each other.
by JacinB on Apr 23, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not talking about the guy dying in a car wreck.
Over exaggerating someones point to make yours is a nice technique.
Of course I don’t want anyone to die or get mangled. But i could really care less about his football career now that he isn’t a chief.
What’s so wrong with that?
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Apr 23, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm usually with you, but ...
Two things:
1) Even if he’s not a Chief, wishing him harm is beneath you.
2) As far as young QBs not doing anything in the playoffs? Joe Flacco.
Sometimes all you have to do is not screw up. Matt Ryan is capable of that.
by JacinB on Apr 23, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im not wishing anything on anybody fact is
he is getting old and usually guys like tony who want it so bad just never end up suceeding. charles barkley , karl malone , Its like you have the best chance to end a good career here . And you signed a contract that you now are backing out on ??? He let me down when he originally wanted to be traded . Pioli just gave him what he wished facts are facts if tony goes and wins the big one hey i was wrong if he wastes 4 bad years with a team like the falcons who are barely making the playoffs then ill say i told you so . And im not wishing the guy to die im just saying the last injury i called months before was tom brady and look how that turned out.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Apr 23, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bittersweet
The whole thing in a nutshell. I just hope we don’t come to regret this. Time will tell.
(Personal note: I haven’t abandoned y’all. My wife’s been diagnosed with breast cancer, so things have been very busy here, so I haven’t had time to post my usual inane coments. First round of chemo was yesterday. Hopefully, things will settle out a bit, and I’ll have more time to read, rant and rave here…)
Cassel vs. Thigpen in Camp should improve the play of both.
Next on the need list: linebacker, and both lines
by Bleedingredandgold on Apr 23, 2009 2:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
bleedingredandgold, truly sorry to read that...all the best
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Apr 23, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best of luck BR&G
Hopefully all turns well.
by Joel Thorman on Apr 23, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best of luck to you
That sounds tough.
by Chris Thorman on Apr 23, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Be thinkin of you brother.
Paddy
by Patrick Allen on Apr 23, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I speak to the Lord...
…I will speak of you….hope He recognizes SBN screen-names
by woodman212 on Apr 23, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You and your family will be in our prayers
If it helps at all, my girlfriend is a cancer survivor, and although it was an extremely difficult time for her, she endured and overcame it. I have every confidence that the good lord will look out for you and yours the same.
by Sudden on Apr 23, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Len Dawson:
"Lamar Hunt had a dream and, the thing is, we had dreams, too. Just imagine the number of people that he has touched because he said, 'I'm going after this dream."'
by smokin iowa chief on Apr 23, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best regaurds and luck.
I lost my mother to breast cancer when I was young and I do the walk for life every year.
Keep on keeping on. It can get hard but you’ll make it through.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Apr 23, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry to hear that BG&R
Whats your wifes first name…..and I’ll include you guys in my prayers.
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
by aPacificChief on Apr 23, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, y'all
Her first name is J*e*r*i* (trying to google-proof it a bit here, you never can tell…)
This is what I love about the region in which we live – everyone I’ve talked with has been extremely kind and supportive. Y’all are another example of why KC is one of the best places on earth. Even our fellow fans who live away from the Loudest Shrine on Earth (Services alternate Sundays) have the generousity of spirit that can unfortunatly be a little less prevalent in other regions of our Nation.
(Which isn’t to say it doesn’t exist everywhere in the good ol’ USA – I believe it shines a little brighter here, is all)
I’ll pass on your kind thoughts to her – she appreciates them all.
Cassel vs. Thigpen in Camp should improve the play of both.
Next on the need list: linebacker, and both lines
by Bleedingredandgold on Apr 23, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone have any good idea's
what to do with their Tony G & LJ jersey’s?
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 23, 2009 2:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
lol start wearing DBowe
my LJ and Gonzo jerseys are buried in ym closet
by SayHeyWerd on Apr 23, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suggest you get a jersey made...of Pioli
Because he’s the only one guaranteed to be around for the long haul.
Everyone is indispensible if they don’t keep their mouths shut, produce on the field and keep away from off the field problems.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Apr 23, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That might be the greatest idea I've ever heard.
what number though? … 00? …. 1?
by Sudden on Apr 23, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He'll always be #1 (until he leaves) since he makes the calls :)
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Apr 23, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sell 'em to Ross!
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
by aPacificChief on Apr 23, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No clue
Just got a brand new one at the start of last season….I have a puma one from 00 thats a collectors i guess….
"I will fight you!"
"What is your weapon?"
"My bare hands!"
"That is stupid. I will use a sword and I will cut off your bare hands."
by CT Chief Fan on Apr 23, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a good question.
I need a new jersey for the season, but I’m hesitant to jump on the obvious (Bowe, Cassell, Novak (ha!)).
Which player is going to be with the Chiefs the longest and is the most worthy of my $80-100 for a jersey?
You think it's coincidence that I bleed red?
by Mully on Apr 23, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bowe would be the safest bet.
That or you can grab a Curry jersey if we pick him up.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Apr 23, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This might be "small" of me, but this makes me want Atlanta to suck.
You tell KC one or two more years. That was a lie.
by timmer on Apr 23, 2009 2:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am with you!
I want them to suck because it benefits us with a higher pick but also because of the comment. However it is a business and he was looking out for himself just like teams do.
by Nelly on Apr 23, 2009 2:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's a little optimistic Tony.
You probably only got two more good years in the tank. Hopefully it will be worth making a run with Atlanta.
by Chief Seattle on Apr 23, 2009 2:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Looking forward
Although I am disappointed in the extra pick being in 2010 versus 2009, I do have two questions for the forum.
First question is do the Chiefs actually hold this pick till next year or possibly utilize it as leverage in some sort of trade this year?
Second question is , how many people would be upset if as an example we traded LJ and next years second for Boldin (hypothetical yet could be realistic).
TG had a phenomenal career in KC and we should be proud of what we got to see him accomplish in our stadium. I wish him the best in ATL but whatever he does in ATL will never diminsh what he accomplished at Arrowhead.
by salesman on Apr 23, 2009 2:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, they can use next years pick as leverage.
If we could get that trade for Boldin…it would be the trade of trades and a steal…no doubt.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Apr 23, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And something tells me
That Pioli isn’t gonna sit on this pick, he might use it to move up this year, or trade for the right player this year.
by Sudden on Apr 23, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Valid point....going to be an interesting off-season.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Apr 23, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess Tony is pretty certain that Matt Ryan won't pull a Derek Anderson
otherwise, he may have just made a decision that will actually lessen his chances of winning a playoff game.
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Apr 23, 2009 3:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No kidding....on Anderson bit..
After a frustrating 7-9 season
Tony G: Did I say 3-4 more years….cough…cough…… I really meant 2 years max.
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
by aPacificChief on Apr 23, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally don't understand the whole "grass is greener" mentality Tony had
Well, unless Tony plays in the 2012 season, we won’t ever play against him (unless we beat the Falcons in the Super Bowl…wouldn’t that be fucking rich!)
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Apr 23, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 on the winning the SB against the Falcons
I guess Tony lost hope in the Chiefs, you take away a mans hope and you’ve taken away everything that he looked forward to in the future.
That’s just sad if that were true…..It be very redeeming to the team if the Chiefs made it to the playoffs in ‘09 and Atlanta didn’t.
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
by aPacificChief on Apr 23, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any capologists?
I’m wondering what unloading Tony’s contract means for our cap situation? I imagine that means we now need to figure out how to spend even more money to meet our minimum.
by Sudden on Apr 23, 2009 3:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Gotcha covered, just broke this down on another thread:
Not that it really matters for this year, b/c we are $32 million under the cap, even with Cassel on the hook for $14 million for this year, which may not stand.
But here you go: TG’s signed a 5 year, $35 million dollar contract.
The deal includes $17.75 million guaranteed. Signing bonus is $12.5 million, 3/5 of that will go on our cap for this year because he had 3 of his 5 years on his contract remaining. So, that means $12.5 mil X .60 = $7.5 mil on this years cap in dead money. He was going to have a 6.5 million dollar cap hit, so yes, its costing us a million more on our cap to not have him than it would have to have him.
2008: $1 million, 2009: $4 million, 2010: $4.5 million, 2011: $5.75 million, 2012: Free Agent.
Cap charges: $6.5 million (2009), $7 million (2010), $8.25 million (2011).
Again, I’m not upset about this part of it, but it is interesting that not having TG will help the Chiefs get closer to the Salary Cap floor.
by kcsno56 on Apr 23, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks kcsno
much appreciated knowledge there.
by Sudden on Apr 23, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TG was trying to get himself traded
With the talk of only playing one or two more years.
He and his agent realized that if he said he was going to play out his contract (3 more years) his trade value would have gone up, and the Chiefs would have wanted more for him.
This day just keeps getting more frustrating. I could almost swallow the deal if he played only one, maybe two more years, but its a lot tougher if the guy ends up playing 3 or 4 years.
Plus, Atlanta got him at an a steal of a price not having to pay his signing bonus.
by kcsno56 on Apr 23, 2009 3:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wishing you all the best in the years ahead
Hopefully the second rounder ends up being a great player for you. Between Tony and having former New England guys at the helm, I feel like our teams are linked in some way. Here’s hoping you wreck the AFC West next year!
by Dave the Falconer on Apr 23, 2009 3:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is exactly the type of crap I was mentioning on the other thread...
Tony is NOT a leader..We over-look his prick attitude too much…
by woodman212 on Apr 23, 2009 3:08 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Atlanta???
Yes Atlanta made it to the playoffs last year, but they wouldn’t even have been on my radar of the teams Tony would want to go to “for a chance to win a championship”. Don’t get me wrong they have some good talent, but also have a LOT to make up for on the Defensive side of the ball.
I think that Atlanta got a hell of a deal, though. I do wish Tony luck. He gave us a lot of great memories and overall has been a standup guy.
by Chiefaholic on Apr 23, 2009 3:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
4 years
He might play 4 years in this offense, Not a tightend friendly offense. Maybe they put him in slot . He will make thier other receivers much more productive
by Digital on Apr 23, 2009 3:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Relief
Here that big yippie out west. Oakland, San Diego, Denver, are all happy.
by Digital on Apr 23, 2009 3:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yep
If Gates keeps getting injured, freakin’ Zach Miller will now the the best TE in the AFC West…WTF?
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Apr 23, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was the best thing that Tony, at this point, could do to get to the Chiefs to the Super Bowl?
It’d be easy to argue getting us a second rounder for the future. I’m calming down, and I’m going to be ok. :)
by timmer on Apr 23, 2009 3:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Even if Tony
did want to leave, i would have loved for him to stay, first it would have provided Cassel a true target, loosend the defense for DBowe and Engram, and he would have groomed Cottam into a pro bowl tight end….man this really sucks
arrowhead pride's 2009 rookie of the year
by mizzoujr on Apr 23, 2009 4:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
oh..dont expect DBowe to have a 1000+
yards this season since he’s the only true threat left
arrowhead pride's 2009 rookie of the year
by mizzoujr on Apr 23, 2009 4:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ok who is next
LJ,,,,, Waters ….Dorsey…. Thig ….?
we have a start to a fire say all players must go…. all offers will be considered…
what will you give us for a slighlty used QB ..?
by Battle AXE on Apr 23, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hall of fame
just a passing thought
lets say for the purpose of fait that Atlanta wins the Superbowl in the next few years and tony is a part of it . then a couple of years later he retires and goes in to the hall of fame as a Falcon……..can’t happen see a player named Marcus Allen.
just a thought
by Battle AXE on Apr 23, 2009 5:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
