Tony Gonzalez is one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, maybe the greatest. Among active players, he ranks in the top five for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. He's made 10 Pro Bowls, and not just on reputation. With NFL training camps getting under way, Tony took time to answer a few questions about the past and the present.
Thanks for taking time out of your schedule for this interview. How has offseason training been going?
Been going great, same old thing, lifting weights and staying conditioned. We're just about to head into camp and I'm feeling great.
Last year, you moved from the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom you had spent your whole career, to the Atlanta Falcons. How do you like Atlanta? Has the transition been pretty smooth?
It's been smooth at times and frustrating at others. Overall, it's worked out well and we had a winning season last year. Atlanta is a great city and I'm looking forward to this year.
I think everyone agrees that Matt Ryan has a lot of potential, and he's already shown that he can be successful in this league. What does he have to do to take the next step?
Experience. The more experience he gets the more confident he'll get. It's not a matter of if, just a matter of when as far as him being one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Hopefully that will come this year.
You began your career playing for Marty Schottenheimer, who is the winningest coach never to reach the Super Bowl. Why do you think Marty's teams tended to underachieve in the postseason? Do you see him as a Hall of Famer?
I only played with him for one year, so I don't know him too well. Football is a tough game, I don't know if I would say he underachieved. I think he's one of the best coaches ever. Without a doubt, he is a Hall of Fame coach. Just because he didn't win a Super Bowl doesn't mean he isn't; football is the ultimate team sport and to win a Super Bowl, everyone needs to come together.
You hold virtually ever major receiving record for tight ends, and many people view you as the finest ever to play the position. Do you ever think about your place in history? How do you feel about those kinds of accolades and comparisons?
I don't think about it too often. My approach has always been to take it one year at a time and then all of that other stuff will add up. It's one of those things that when I'm all done I can look back, but right now, I've got things to accomplish, so I'm looking forward.
In Kansas City , you played the Chargers twice a year. How well do you know Antonio Gates? Are there any young tight ends in the league right now who remind you of yourself?
I know him pretty well actually, he's a good guy. As for tight ends that remind me of myself, I think Kellen Winslow, Jr., does. He's got a lot of talent and it will be interesting to see what he can accomplish.
Who's another opponent you admire?
Ray Lewis from the Ravens. He's been around for ever and kept himself in shape. He's still at the top of his career and you have to respect that.
You've recently endorsed a new product called All-Pro Science. Can you tell us a little about it and what drew you to this product?
Actually, I'm not endorsing it, I am the co-founder. A lot of people know I've changed my diet a lot and have become really conscious of what I put into my body. I felt there was a lack of a healthy natural supplement designed for athletes. I actually went out and partnered with an FDA-certified facility to make APS. Now we've expanded and have our original veggie protein, but also a whey that comes from grass-fed cows and a recovery drink that is great after practice. It's real good quality stuff and tastes great, too.
You've made 10 Pro Bowls. Last season, for the first time in 30 years, the Pro Bowl was not held in Hawaii, instead being played at the Super Bowl site in Miami the week before the game. Do you view that as a good idea, or is there something special about Hawaii? Is it strange to you that the league held an all-star game without anyone from the two best teams in the league?
I love Hawaii, but you have to understand why the NFL made the move. They had the highest ratings in 30 years. When the Pro Bowl is after the Super Bowl, people have already checked out of football mode and they don't tune in. Let's not kid ourselves, this is a business. Of course it's special for us players to go to Hawaii and of course we love it. I think that's just what we have to deal with. You can't have it all.
Last question, and thanks again for your time. Fans and writers love to debate this question, so I've got to ask you: Tom Brady or Peyton Manning?
Hmm ... both of them. Haha, I'll take both. I know no one is going to like that answer. Really, it doesn't matter, just flip a coin and whoever it lands on you're going to be all right.
Leave a Comment