Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
July 12, 2001

Last year Gonzalez had over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. (Allsport)

 

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez chats about the upcoming season, playing hoops during the summer and much more.

Gonzalez is one of the NFL's emerging stars. Over the last two years he has recorded 2052 yards for an average of 12.1 yards per catch. Last year he had over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. For his career he has 24 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards receiving.

Last year the Chiefs finished the season 7-9. Their first game is September 9 against Oakland.

Gonzalez is playing in the Summer Pro Basketball League. He is on the Young Guns team.

For more information about the Summer Pro League, check out www.summerproleague.com.

Tony Gonzalez: Hello! How is everyone doing? I am looking forward to your questions.

Question: How do the Chiefs feel about you playing in the Summer Pro League?

Tony Gonzalez: Of course they don't like it because of the risk of injury. But it is something I have done since high school. I play basketball before football season and it helps me get ready athletically. Especially at this level against the NBA players it really gets me ready.

Question: Are you playing with anyone in this summer league who you're really a fan of?

Tony Gonzalez: I am a fan of all these players. I am going against guys like Penny Hardaway and those guys. I am a big fan of them like many people.

Question: Why did you decide to play in the Summer League?

Tony Gonzalez: I leave for camp in 2 weeks and this is a great way to get in shape. I can't think of a better way than to play with NBA greats and get ready for the season at the same time!

Question: Do you think the passing game will be successful with the addition of Trent Green? Why?

Tony Gonzalez: Yes. I think so! He is an awesome QB. Incredibly accurate and can move in the pocket. The best asset he has is the ability to lead the players on the team. He has a good personality and everyone likes him. That is important.

Question: Did the passing of Derrick Thomas force you to step up and be more of a leader on the team?

Tony Gonzalez: Not really. We had a lot of veterans like Shields and Hasty and even Grbac. A lot of guys and the coaching staff stepped up because we had to. I speak out in the huddle and on the field. Not in the lockers, banging and shouting. I am not like that.

Question: Tony, how do you think the Chiefs will be this year with new coach Dick Vermeil?

Tony Gonzalez: With Coach Vermeil, we will be great! His reputation speaks for itself. The thing with him is that he has a team with a lot of veterans on it. He can come in and do what he needs. We were a good team the last two years and for some reason they decided to get rid of the coaching staff and bring him in. So he has a lot to work with. I can see that in him.

Question: Hello Tony, describe what it will take for The Chiefs to reach "The Super Bowl" next season?

Tony Gonzalez: I think for any team it takes breaks. You can't have injuries and that plagues NFL teams. The QB can get hurt, linemen go down. So being injury free is one. Guys have to step up like they haven't in the past. I think we have the players and this team can go to the Super Bowl this year. But there are breaks needed and I hope we do! I have my fingers crossed.

Question: What do you know about Derrick Mayes and his abilities?

Tony Gonzalez: I have no idea! Whatever it is I hope it works. I can't hope really.. it HAS to work for us to get where we can go.

Question: What NBA teams have shown the most interest in you for after the season?

Tony Gonzalez: None! Do you know of any? Give me a call! It is a total long shot. This started as a way to get in shape but now I have some teams saying maybe I could do it. But I haven't had one team ask me to do it. So keep your fingers crossed again.

Question: With the injury to Mr. Morris, do you think you will line up as a WR?

Tony Gonzalez: Yeah! That is what I have been doing for 2 years. I line up in the slot or out by myself. That is how I got a lot of my catches. I hope they will continue to do that. It gives me more of an advantage.

Question: How much truth is there to the rumors of you wanting to perhaps go to a big city team, or one on the west coast, when your contract's up? I know the franchise tag will prevent this, but I'd like to know your feelings on staying in KC. Thanks. Go Chiefs!

Tony Gonzalez: My thing is that I want to go to a team that wins. That is why I like KC. The only reason I would come to California is family. That is where I am from. I would love to work and play in the same city where my family is at. Anyone who has a family can understand that.

Question: What kinda of impact do you think Priest Holmes will have on the running game?

Tony Gonzalez: HUGE. He is a great player and this system is perfect for him. He fits the Marshall Faulk role. He can catch the ball and is quick too. He will have a huge impact on our running game.

Question: Have you ever thought about doing double-duty like Deion or Bo Jackson, but with basketball and football?

Tony Gonzalez: I think about it every day! You got to understand that I have that inner kid that wants to do both. I don't know how realistic it is but I can't say the thought has never crossed my mind.

Question: Are you superstitious like so many other athletes? If so what do you do before a game to get you in the "winning" mode?

Tony Gonzalez: I hate to say it but I am not at all. You do get in a routine some but if you take that routine away it doesn't hurt my game at all.

Question: Tony, what's your reaction to DV saying he'd like for you to put on some more weight?

Tony Gonzalez: He can say whatever he wants. I think I have established myself as a player in the NFL. If it would help me I would do it, but I don't want to lose any quickness. I will proabably stay at the same weight I am now.

Question: Hello Tony, describe how you feel about being considered the best Tight End in the NFL Today?

Tony Gonzalez: Oh, it feels great! I take that as a big compliment but don't get too caught up in it. I just go out and be the best I can be. A few years ago I was told I wasn't worthy of starting for the Chiefs. I respect the accolades but don't take it too seriously. Just as if they said I was the worst. I can just be the best player I can be.

Question: Tony, what Pro basketball team would you like to play on?

Tony Gonzalez: I would love to play for the Knicks. I like Latrell and Larry Johnson and Jeff Van Gundy seems good too. And I have a lot of family in New York.

Question: What's the biggest difference between last year under Gunther, and this year under Vermeil?

Tony Gonzalez: They have totally different philosophies. Gunther was more strict, like a General. Dick is looser and lets you be more of an individual. You aren't dealing with as many rules and are in charge of being a professional yourself. He isn't as strict and expects at this level we can do things ourselves. I think that will give us better results.

Question: How much of a improvement is Al Saunders over Jimmy Raye?

Tony Gonzalez: I don't know if there is any. Raye had one of the top 5 offenses in the league. I am a fan of Jimmy's -- look what he did for me. But Al is good and has coached me before. He will pick up where Jimmy left off and will have this squad one of the top five in the league too.

Question: What are your goals as far as yardage and touchdowns this season?

Tony Gonzalez: I don't set goals like that for myself. I go out and do my best every time. Pressure plays a big part and that is putting extra pressure on you. If I set goals and reach them then I would be satisfied and I don't want that. I want to keep getting better.

Question: Tony , what will the Bronco Chief rivalry be like this year with all the player exchanges?

Tony Gonzalez: I think it will make even more of a rivalry and make it more entertaining for us and the fans. It will be a dogfight throughout the whole division this year.

Question: Tony, over the last 2 years, you've become a sports celebrity. Though it must be gratifying in many ways, are there any drawbacks or pitfalls to your recent fame?

Tony Gonzalez: Sometimes it can get overwhelming. To me, I take it as a testimony to what I have done on the field. When people come up to me and tell me they appreciate what I have don e on the field, I take it as a compliment. It can get overwhelming when I am at dinner or something but I have no problem. I sign autographs and whatever. I have no problem with it.

Question: If, you weren't involved in sports what job would you be doing?

Tony Gonzalez: Good question! I think about that a lot. I would probably do something involving sports. I have my own show in Kansas City and love commentating. But if it were something non-football? I'd be a matador, fighting bulls for a living!

Question: What is it like for you to play at Arrowhead and in front of such loud fans?

Tony Gonzalez: It is incredible! When you see that sea of red and it is 3rd and 8 and the crowd goes crazy -- it is one of the best feelings to have. The fans in KC overall are the greatest. I have really enjoyed it. It is probably one of the best parts of the job since they get behind us so much.

Tony Gonzalez: Thanks for listening to me everyone. I hope you enjoyed yourselves, if not we can do it again sometime. Watch the Chiefs this year -- we are going to shock the world! Bye!