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Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez is now retired TE Tony Gonzalez. After 17 years, Gonzalez has decided to end his NFL career (for real this time). He played his last game on Sunday with the Falcons.
Gonzalez was drafted by the Chiefs 17 years ago so there are obviously plenty of memories of him in Kansas City. Even though he wasn't around for those memories, Chiefs coach Andy Reid recognized Tony G. in Monday's media session.
"He decided to hang up the cleats, although he could probably continue to play," Reid said. "The guy's unbelievable that way. It's a tribute to him as a man on how he handled himself, and obviously all the records that he set from that position. He was one of the all-time greats and a future Hall of Famer. I'm proud to have known him and still know him."
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt did the same via a statement on the Chiefs website.
"On behalf of the entire Chiefs family, I want to congratulate Tony on an incredible career. What he was able to accomplish during his time in the NFL is truly remarkable, and I have no doubt that Tony is a first-ballot hall of famer. We were very blessed to have him in a Chiefs uniform for 12 seasons, and his contributions on and off the field were extraordinary and will never be forgotten. I want to thank Tony for his time in Kansas City and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. He will always be considered a part of the Chiefs family."
Later, Tony G.
