Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced Friday that former tight end Tony Gonzalez will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
Hunt issued this statement about the honor.
“Tony Gonzalez is the greatest tight end in the history of the National Football League and one of the greatest Chiefs of all time,” Hunt said, according to the team’s official website. “In his 12 seasons in Kansas City, he revolutionized his position, and his record-breaking performances and commitment to the Kansas City community made him one of the most beloved players in the Chiefs Kingdom. As a family and as an organization, we are excited to have the chance to celebrate Tony and his incredible career in the coming season, and we look forward to adding his name to its rightful place in the Ring of Honor at Arrowhead this fall.”
Gonzalez, who was selected 13th overall by Kansas city in 1997, shared this.
“I’m so proud to have been a part of the Chiefs for 12 seasons and will always feel like a part of their family,” Gonzalez said. “Kansas City is dear to me and I am honored to be inducted into their Hall of Fame.”
Gonzalez spent 12 seasons playing for the Chiefs, missing only two games between 1997-2007. During this stretch Gonzalez achieved many magnificent milestones and led the league with 102 receptions in 2004.
Gonzalez also tallied more than 1,000-plus yards in four different seasons. All of his accomplishments led him to play in nine Pro Bowls. Gonzalez also earned First Team All-Pro status four times as a Chief.
Gonzalez next spent the final five seasons of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons. In all, Gonzalez currently ranks second in the league with 1,325 career receptions.
There is no doubt Gonzalez is worthy of such an honor. There is also no doubt Gonzalez will eventually be inducted into the NFL’s Pro Football Hall of Fame as well.