Tony Gonzalez Back in Town

by Joel Thorman on Sep 22, 2009 7:44 AM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

Yesterday, in our continuing effort to mention all (reported) charity work done by the Kansas City Chiefs, there was some information on Matt Cassel and the Shadow Buddies program. If you're heard of this program, it's probably because of Tony Gonzalez, who has been an active member and supportive voice since his arrival in Kansas City.

Last night, at the Shadow Buddies annual benefit dinner, Mr. Gonzalez returned to Kansas City for an appearance.

Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star has a good story on it and explains that in Kansas City Tony is still, well, Tony.

"I’m here to see Tony," David Cook (American Idol) says.

"It’ll be great," Cassel says of meeting him.

They say it's his first time back since being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in April but it certainly won't be his last. "I grew up here," he says. "I’ve been saying that all along, especially when they traded me. My heart’s in Kansas City. I love coming out here. It’s just great. The community out here was so good to me for all those years."

Here's a little more information on the Shadow Buddies program, courtesy of the Chiefs website:

"By year’s end, the Shadow Buddies Foundation will have distributed over 800,000 buddies since its start 14 years ago. Shadow Buddies are condition-specific dolls that are dispersed to youth and the elderly. These "buddies" depict the same condition as the person that receives it as a way to help remind them that they aren’t alone in their struggles."

Here is a link to TG's foundation for even more information.

It's a pretty cool foundation from what I've read and we're lucky enough to have folks like Matt Cassel continuing the Chiefs involvement.

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Comments

I'm not sure why we're talking about a Falcon on here

There wasn’t a legal binding contract involved that you cried about and broke this time, was there?

Yeah, I believe you love it here.

BTW, the news stated TG was here to “hand over the reigns” to Cassell for leading the program. So don’t read into this article as tho TG will be continuing with the program (at least not in KC), that’s not the impression I received.

I guess it’s nice he’s giving it to a Cheifs player and not merely cutting off ties and running.

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 Sep 22, 2009 7:51 AM CDT reply actions

He's continuing with the program

At least by comments he made earlier this summer. And he’s going to keep a house in KC so I imagine when he’s done with football he’ll still be involved. This has been his thing since ’96.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Sep 22, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions

I understand Joel

…and maybe I’m a little harsh on him in this regard, but only time will tell. I don’t put much into anything he says anymore.

He flip-flopped from wanting to leave to being PC and saying he wanted to stay last year. I remember Montana saying he and his wife wanted to raise their kids in the KC community and that never happened. I get being PC.

Honestly, his larger family lives in SD and I see him moving there after his career. Once the housing market gets better, we’ll see about his house being kept/sold in KC.

He did a wonderful job as a member of our Chiefs. He just could have done a much better job in his comments to the media/fans.

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 Sep 22, 2009 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice to have you back in KC Tony!

Hey Tony can you do me one favor? When I turn around, could you maybe pull that knife out of my back? Thanks man!

Don't Fuccop Succop

by chicks_love_chiefs on Sep 22, 2009 8:20 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

lol and rec'd

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 Sep 22, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions