Tony G. Is Gone
Tony Gonzalez finally got his wish.
On Thursday, the Chiefs traded Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a second-round choice in the 2010 NFL Draft.
“It’s somewhat bittersweet,” Gonzalez told FOXSports.com. “I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I’m looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years.
“With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and now myself, we have the chance to be in the top 5 in the league in offense every year. How could I not be excited to join that team?
Chiefs GM Scott Pioli said Thursday afternoon in a conference call with the Kansas City media that the Chiefs did not shop Gonzalez, but reacted to an offer made to them by the Falcons.
“We did not seek to trade Tony,” Pioli said. “But there was an opportunity that came to us and after a lot of internal discussion in a short time we decided to make the trade.
“We did what we felt was in the best interest of the Kansas City Chiefs in the short-term and the long-term.”
The Falcons were excited about their acquisition, especially since they do not have to pay for Gonzalez in this weekend’s NFL Draft.
“Every team in this league dreams of having Tony Gonzalez run out of the tunnel for them,” said Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, who for six years was part of Pioli’s personnel staff in New England.
The move comes in the days before the Draft and may provide Pioli ammunition to make some moves in the this weekend’s activities.
“Right now as we sit here it’s the Falcons second-round choice in 2010,” Pioli said. “That pick as you all know can be used in a lot of different ways. It can somehow become a pick that’s used in the draft this year. It could be that pick next year or it could be a different pick this year.”
Said Chiefs head coach Todd Haley: “It’s never easy when you lose a popular player, it’s always difficult. We thought it was best for the Chiefs nor and in the future.”
In a team issued statement, Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt said: “On behalf of my family and the Chiefs, I want to thank Tony for his time in Kansas City. Over the last 12 seasons, Tony has been one of the finest players in Chiefs history, and he will always be remembered as a member of the Chiefs. His play on the field speaks for itself – he holds almost every major NFL record for tight ends, and he is arguably the best to ever play his position. We wish him the best in Atlanta.”
Gonzalez asked last year to be traded, unhappy with the rebuilding nature of things around Arrowhead Stadium. He was upset when the NFL trading deadline passed last October and a deal was not consumated with another team. This past weekend, Gonzalez did not attend the team’s voluntary mini-camp, despite the important nature of the first on-field work under Haley and his new coaching staff.
Back in March at the league meetings in California, Hunt told the Kansas City Star the team would not deal the tight end.
“We certainly will not seek a trade for Tony,” said Hunt, as quoted by the Star. “I think he’s excited about the changes we’ve made here. I think he recognizes that with Todd as the head coach, we’re going to have an exciting offense and one that will feature the passing game. No matter our starting quarterback, it will be someone who will look his way quite a bit.”
That brought “sources close to” Gonzalez out of the woodwork and they told the Associated Press that Gonzalez still wanted out.
“If the right deal can be made, Tony very much wants the Chiefs to trade him,” this close source was quoted as saying. “Tony is not demanding a trade … he knows of some other teams that would be interested in him and if the right deal can be made, he wants it to be made.”
Pioli said on Thursday that Gonzalez never gave the organization the idea that he wanted out of Kansas City.
“Tony and I never had conversations, nor did Todd and Tony, Tony didn’t have conversations with anybody in this organization about that,” Pioli said. “We didn’t get the sense that he wanted that.”
Gonzalez is the Chiefs all-time leading receiver and he owns the NFL career records for tight ends with 916 catches, 10,940 receiving yards and 76 receiving TDs, along with 26 100-yard receiving games. His 916 career receptions rank ninth among pass catchers in NFL history and was fourth among active players last year.
He has made 10 consecutive Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams. The Chiefs drafted him with the 13th overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft.
It’s in 2010!??!!! Must be more coming.
Gonzo…for a late 2nd round pick NEXT year?
That SUCKS!!!
Atlanta just got a whole lot better.
And we just got worse.
Let’s hope so.
In Pioli We Trust
So we got nothing for him THIS year?…or is that a typo? I’m not happy with that. I hope there is something we don’t know yet. I’m very sorry to see Tony go. Too bad for him he is going to miss out on the Super Bowl after all….since the Chiefs will wind up going with-in the next two years and Atlanta wont….
Gonzales did not want to be here. His preference of skipping offseason workouts in KC does not fit with the organization any more.
Come on down # 87 –Another basketball player.
Plus Brad’s blocking is one of his strong points.
What in the world is going on. Tony G. for a draft pick next year… I am sick right now. There has got to be some solace in the pure madness of this trade. It can’t be for just cap room? Can it???
I have a feeling that Pioli will be pulling a rabbit out of his hat. Hopefully, very soon.. …
No problem with trading Tony but 2nd in 2010. That is not a trade that benefits the Chiefs. Very disappointing action. Cottam will do as much to replace Tony as Hali did to replace Allen, it just does not equate for 2009.
BRING ON CHASE COFFMAN!!!!!
Are you friggin kidding me??? This completely sucks!
Is Brian Waters next??? Larry Johnson????
Add one more position to the need list and no extra picks this year to address them. I really thought they’d move Waters first but since Gonzo is now, well, Gonzo, then Waters’ big mouth will probably be next.
It’s disappointing but if Tony retires after next season then it will look like a better deal. Still, it’s sad to see him go. He may well learn that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
This sucks. Now we need a competent #2 WR and a RT and RG to make up for what we just lost. And we still won’t get crap for him THIS year. Kind of makes you sick to your stomach!
A couple Atlanta fans are making fun of us at falcoholic.com. They used the phrase “check out all the blubbering going on over at ArrowheadPride. Kind of makes you hope Ryan blows a ACL and tanks their season…..
No consolation for this year, but that 2nd round pick next year will be sweet.
IMO, Waters will be next. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Turk McBride or Derrick Johnson traded by the end of the draft.
I feel the Chiefs will draft a RT, OG, slot receiver, DLE and NT this weekend…maybe even a C.
Don’t worry all. Keep the faith!
I for one do not wish injury on any player….specially Matt Ryan who seems like a standup guy.
A 2010 2nd round pick is like getting a 3rd rnd pick this yr. I wouldnt be suprised if it is a low 2nd next yr, because ATL got a whole lot better.
There went our #1 reciever. Michael Crabtree sure would look good as a chief.
OH NO!
Were F’d at tight end now!! Colbys Chrystal Ball told us so! Cottam is a bust, damn! Guy coulda been a contender.
Shut UP! Until the final 53 is set, we don’t know S*&! about who can play and who can’t.
We traded our #1 offensive threat? Even double teamed, Tony was good for 10 touchdowns and…how many yards last year? It had to be almost 1000.
I don’t get it. Cassel really needed all the help he could get. And now we let TG go? Not a great way to start out for Cassel. I can’t imagine what he’s thinking right now.
I’m excited about the Pioli era starting, but can someone please help me to understand this move?
Please?
^^^ Oops, meant DRE ^^^
So much for winning the AFC West this year. Looks like we are going to tear it all down one more time so we can build it back up. You guys wanted change, now we will see if you have the patience for it??
Tony G did not want to be here. Pioli and Haley are trying to change the mindset at Arrowhead. They cannot do it if players refuse to “buy in”.
Now at #3, the Chiefs can take Crabtree. Or, if the Chiefs are so lucky, they can trade down, pick up more picks, and still get Crabtree or Maclin.
Also, keep in mind, NE and Ari, both, did not feature the TE in their offense.
For those of you who want to unconditionally put your trust in Pioli, where do we stand now?
FROM PIOLI, I EXPECTED MORE!!!!
Hey Doug…do you think this is the Chiefs making the effort to only have players that “WANT” to be here? Or maybe its us conceding that the Chiefs won’t be going to the Superbowl this year and trying to get ammunition for next year? I don’t know…but it will all work out….goodbye Tony. We will miss you this year…then when we get to the Super Bowl and you can’t be there we will all have a little head shake and a good chuckle.
“True” Red & Gold,
First off, incorrect punctuation at the end of that sentence…you didn’t ask a question, so don’t use a question mark.
Secondly, getting rid of TG isn’t necessarily “tearing it all down one more time”. Yes, he’s a great player, but how many times have we advanced past the first round of the playoffs with him on the team? Zero? The last time we won a playoff game was 1993. Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t Gonzo still at Cal then?
The sky ain’t falling, Chicken Little.
Jeeze, some of you guys are amazing.
He’s close to the end of his career.
He wanted out.
We’re rebuilding.
He’s just a TE.
We never won a playoff game with him.
That 2nd round pick will be nice to have next year, or Pioli can use it to make further moves this year.
I’d trade waters for a 2nd rounder too.
tony g gone just doesnt seem right, can brian waters be far behind. seems the only guy they will keep is the guy who doesnt want to be here. still we could have got more than a second if the falcons really wanted tony g. i guess this is what they meant when they said we will put our stamp on this team. lets hope pioli has something up his sleeve
“It’s somewhat bittersweet,” Gonzalez told FOXSports.com exclusively. “I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I’m looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years.
“With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and now myself, we have the chance to be in the top 5 in the league in offense every year. How could I not be excited to join that team?”
Now Tony says he plans on playing for three or four more years? I thought it was “one or two, tops” not long ago. The “Super Bowl run every year” talk is a little bold, too. There are no guarantees, Tony. Anything can happen. But hey, good luck to ya.
Fellas,
Are we so indoctrinated into Western civilization that we can’t be patient to rebuild an organization rather than a one-year wonder. Haley’s offensives utilize the receiver more than the tight end and we all know that TG was headed down the slope. A 2nd rounder is the best we would EVER get for him. If TG wasn’t going to be a leader in the organization, then what good is it to keep him around, use him as a blocker, and get nothing out of him?
What happens if the Falcons falter next year; as is consistent with the NFC South? Then next year’s 2nd rounder looks even better!
Hate to see TG go, but I believe this deals works for both teams. It definitely doesn’t cause me to think ‘the sky is falling’. Of course, I’m a new breed that would rather see us win championshipS, rather than compete to get into the playoffs.
“Just a TE.” “2nd round pick will be nice to have next year.”
Let’s see…future HOF’er…in trade for… a 2nd round pick next year…a chance to get a guy like…
Turk McBride…Junior Siavii…Eddie Freeman…Kawika Mitchell…(all KC 2nd rounders)…
Or…let’s see…some Pioli 2nd round gems…Chad Jackson…Terrence Wheatley…Marquise Hill…
I’d love to have any of those guys for any part of their career versus one of the few guys who might be worth buying a ticket to see at a home game.
Stiv, if I wasn’t so passionate about this team, I wouldn’t be so upset by their decision.
From Pioli, I expected more.
* “one-year wonder?”
** “this deal works”
So, let’s not over-react to what we all knew would happen. Unless, you just need something to complain about.
I’m with Lukat, Patience, Stiv and anonymous.
Tony is amazing, but how many rings does he have? How many does Pioli have? Gonzo is a heck of a player and a hard worker, but Pioli’s been to the top of the mountain before.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again,
In Pioli I trust!
SG- Your logic is ridiculous. No draft pick is a given but to keep a guy that doesn’t want to be there, just because you are sacred you might not be able to make a good pick…? Come on.
If that was the way that GMs operated…
Gonzalez wanted out - only put up another Pro Bowl season. He won’t be a top producer to compare with our (and Pioli’s) past 2nd round gems. (See my previous post about our brilliant history in this regard…)
No rings…I guess Pioli’s team got their rings from players other than their 2nd round selections. (And nobody mentions the deal of a 2nd rounder for Corey Dillon - who had no impact on any of their Super Bowl teams…)
Guys - hopefully you have something a bit more compelling to change my mind about this deal.
Hmm…
2008 Receivers picked in the 2nd Round
Donnie Avery
Devin Thomas
Jordy Nelson
James Hardy
Eddie Royal
DeSean Jackson
Malcolm Kelly
Limas Sweed
Dexter Jackson
I believe that I’d be satisfied with a handful of those receiving opposite D-Bowe… in an offense that now focuses on receivers over tight ends.
“Back in March at the league meetings in California, Hunt told the Kansas City Star the team would not deal the tight end.”
“We certainly will not seek a trade for Tony,” said Hunt”
Come on, Bob. he said “seek” a trade, he did not say “would not deal the tight end.” I expected more from you.
Also fans, Pioli said he may be able to package the 2010 pick to gain a pick this year. Can’t you people read?!
Give these people time to build something. In two or three years, if they are not playoff worthy, then complain. It takes a little time (maybe less than we think - Miami, Atlanta).
Hate to see Tony go, but, I can still get my head around this trade. There’s been many of my “favorites” come and go since ‘70.
Patience - is it that ridiculous? Would you like to have any of those players actually picked by our previous genius Carl Peterson - or our incoming genius Mr. Pioli - versus Tony Gonzalez? Tell me one 2nd rounder that either of these characters have got in their drafts that would surpass what Tony has done year in and year out.
Of course - Tony didn’t do a darn thing for this team from when the articles were published in October 2008 that he wanted out - which is why he spent more time playing in January or February than any other player on that team…
Is it out of fear that I evaluate their judgment on this choice - or proven past history?
I think it was a wise movie line that said “you can hope in one hand and crap in the other and see which one happens first.”
There’s probably some actual substantive argument out there worth making - I’d like to see some of them made.
If the Falcons want to overpay for a guy who might be retired before that pick is actually used, it’s OK with me.
A second rounder for a guy who has a year or two left? Gee, thanks Atlanta.
Oops, I missed Jerome Simpson… from Costal Carolina. Tyler Thigpens main target… back in the day.
This deal is not over yet. The chiefs are also trying to trade Glen Dorsey to Atlanta for picks. Dorsey doesn’t fit the 3-4 Scheme and, remember, Atlanta wanted Dorsey last draft. More to come.
Patience, you’re moving in a more substantive direction…one of those WR’s actually produced something decent last year.
Of course, Haley’s teams all had someone of Gonzo’s talents to use at his disposal.
SG- are you really that in love with TG? History doesn’t mean future. Just because those previous picks were made, doesn’t mean a future pick can’t be made… You seriously would a one-and-done over a person just starting their career?
Patience is not a product of fear; it is a product of not-over-reacting.
Chiefs had $32,300,000 in cap space, add, what? maybe? $2,500,000- $3,000,000 to that……
Got your tickets yet?
LMAO
game over man! game over!
Jorge….
Where are you getting your information??? I don’t see that anywhere on the web. I seriously doubt that he gets dealt.
SG- right… since Anthony Becht is TG caliber. Jason Witten is an upgrade over Becht, but not TG.
Ben Patrick was the leading tight end receiver for the Cardinals last year… with “10″ receptions.
All I’m saying is- Haley is moving from tight-end driven offense to wide-receiver driven offense and that makes a guy (TG) who wants out anyway, expendable.
To get a second round pick…
Good move Pioli and Haley!
I hope Atlanta SUCKS ASS next year
findthdr,
You’re probably right, Ryans a stand up guy. I don’t mind wishing injury on a Raider or Donko, but otherwise shouldn’t be that much of a hater……
I stand corrected.
Be real interesting to see how Gailey adjust to this new WO oriented offense. HE was the one calling the Offense last season that resulted in TG putting up some of the best #’s of his career.
I can’t imagine Gaily or Cassel being overly joyed with this move.
Well…when you have Fitz and Boldin to throw to, who needs the TE? When you have Moss and Welker to throw to, who needs a TE? When you have Dwayne Bowe and…ummm, I see a problem here.
Think of all the popular players that teams like Philly, New England and Pittsburgh let walk or trade every year. Yet those franchises are in the post season on a regular basis. When a player is nearing the end of his career like Gonzales is and you can get something valuable for him, you do it. The Chiefs weren’t going to the Super Bowl with Tony, might as well get something while you still can.
I think there’s a lot more to come from Pioli. He could have made this same deal after the draft, if he so desired. Could he perhaps try to use this 2nd round pick in 2010 to work a deal with another team for additional draft picks in this year’s draft? I don’t necessarily have a team in mind. Perhaps some of you do. I still look for something to be done with Waters. Buffalo had an interest after his blowup in February. I have no idea on LJ. Perhaps he will be released after June 1 or try and get a late rounder from some team.
Let’s see– the last three QBs had little choices other than git rid of the ball QUICK!
Please someone get me a gift card for Starbuck’s (good until the 2010 draft) - I think I might well have a BAD hangover until then after this move.
Why do I get a feeling Michael Crabtree might be a bit higher on our draft board than we’re letting out?
Roflmao. In Pioli/Haley ya’ll trust
At first I was upset about it being 2010, but this is said to be one of the weaker draft classes in years….that 2010 2nd may have more value to certain execs than a 2009 2nd, and if we hold it, then next year, we have 3 picks in the first two rounds…thats really great.
Im pretty sure Waters will get dealt for another pick this year anyway, and LJ may be also on his way out…who knows, so may thigpen.
hahahahahahahahaha!!! F*ck ok now I can’t believe that they didn’t wait and get the eagles 2nd rounder this year and switch 3rds, I really dont know what Pioli is thinking… THey wont have an offense this year unless they pick up an OL and hope that Cassell can run alot and hope that the receivers they have can get open…
The defense sucks and a bunch of 36 year olds aren’t going to make them any better!!!
In pioli you trust!! Not me!! UNTIL I SEE SOMETHING!!!
Stiv all those teams you speak of are stocked with talent, they can let people leave, they dont just give people away for nothing… There TE left this year and went to B-more. they could have traded Gonzo to them for more…
What’s with the “conference call” announcement to the media? Maybe we should start a pool on when Pioli and the Gang actually make a real live appearance and speaks to the press and/or public. Are they having bad hair days or what? It’s all feeling a little….sneaky!
In reality a 2nd round pick is all you can get nowadays for an aging pro bowl TE. Might as well trade him while his stock is still high, wait until next year and if he has a good year he’s worth a 3rd, if he has a bad year…..4-5th. Also factor in the fact that Pioli/Haley use the spread offense, TE’s just aren’t as effective in that scheme, this will also free up some cash, to spend on the defense as well. And finally this draft is considered by most experts to be a weak one overall compared to recent years, so I have no problem with them going for 2010. Chiefs fans should be happy, we practically stole Cassel and Vrabel….. Now if we can just trade outta that #3 pick, all will be good.
I’m not happy with the trade but unlike most of you all I felt we got fair value for Tony. First of all Tony only has about a year to two years left in him so we got good value for him in getting a 2nd rd pick in nxt year draft which we could use or trade to aquire a younger good player. All in all best wishes to Tony hope he can help ATL get out of the 1st round of the playoffs nxt year.
Bitter sweet no doubt. But from a pure organizational stand point the right thing. We need people that want to be here, they set the example for future and current players. I love Tony as a chief. But he was never a vocal leader, he played hard, gave it his all, and made himself the best he could be. Very rarely do you get anything back from a player you drafted 12 years ago, much less a 2nd round draft pick.
And last I checked we never won a playoff game, or went to very many playoff games with the guy. F##@ the numbers I want to see us in prime time games, I want to see us in the playoffs, and I want to see us in the super bowl. We are the only team in this division not to get to the super bowl in the last 15 years. How about we start Winning!
We just got rid of Tony G. We already got rid of Will F. I smell a receiver at the number 3 pick.
I dont know, but I dont think this trade has helped the chiefs or the young QB the chiefs just got this year.
I really doubt that Tony G. in the shape he is in has only 2 years left in his career to be productive.
What offense did the chiefs run last year? I could have sworn it was a spread offense, so i dont see where Tony really couldn’t have been worked into the offense, you would have to be a crappy O-coordinator not to work Tony into the offense. Your not talking about LJ here… O well the Falcons young Qb will benefit from the tight ends production.
SEASON TICKETS 4 SALE
NOW TONY SAYS 3-4YEARS WHEN BEFORE IT WAS 1 MAYBE 2
too bad tony didn’t want to ride out the rebuilding. the chiefs helped make him the best tight end ever. he may be excited now but may find out the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
I know he’s not going to spend any time reading these posts, but I want to thank Tony for some incredible memories. Dude made some catches - up high or down low. He didn’t start out that way - dropped a bunch early in his career…but he worked on his craft and now owns all the TE records. Thanks for the touchdowns, the over head catches, the over the middle routes when you caught the ball and got knocked around like the silver ball in a pin ball machine. Good luck in Atlanta. As a Chief fan I plan to sit back and watch what unfolds. Pioli is not without error, so maybe we’d best not offer him up for sainthood quite yet. Let’s see how he rallies over the weekend, because I have a hunch it’s just warming up. And Cleveland, if you want Mr. Crabtree…you’d best be dialin!!! We’ll see! Thanks again Tony G!
We got great value for a 33 year old TE. I don’t care if he is a HOFer, we got the better end of this deal.
In 2 years he would have retired. Now we have the chance to draft a player that will be productive for the next 10 or so years. Is it a sure thing?…no, but it’s better than not getting anything when he retires.
Not to mention all Tony has done in the last year is complain. Especially after the Denver game last year.
I’ve been a Tony Gonzalez fan his entire career and I hate to see him go. But I respect the decision and I believe it’s something management had to do. Like Pioli said: Players go to Pro Bowls; teams go to Super Bowls. Tony’s been an exceptional player but it doesn’t matter how exceptional one guy is if you only win 2 games. He has never experienced a post season victory, and when the team is working together in the off season he is off on his own just working on himself. I think Pioli/Haley are going to concentrate on and work with the 60+ that are together working to make the team better and get whatever they can for guys who think they’re better than the team. Next April we’ll be happy with an extra 2nd round pick and it will be for a team with a better record then 2-14.
IMO based on Pioli’s history as a wheeler and dealer, there’s more to this trade then just a 2010 pick. I don’t think our front office is satisfied with the gap b/t our first and second picks this weekend. Atlanta has picks 24 and 55 overall. They lost some personnel on defense this off season which they will be looking to replace in the draft, specifically in the top 10 picks of the draft. Our GM set us up with trade partner.
Well………….sh*t!!!!!!!!!!
Now that I have that out, we need to be careful what we say now. We can either look intelligent or closed minded as this all unfolds. I am not happy, but I can only see the surface. There has to be more to this than meets the eye. This is NOT Pioli’s first rodeo. So I will wait and see was it a good choice… or not? We all want the best and to get the best we need TR53!
It is all about the TEAM……….and……….
THE RIGHT (22) 53 2009
Yes! In Pioli I do trust
This is a GREAT TRADE for the Chiefs. A 2nd rounder for a 33 year old TE? Are you kidding me??? I hope we keep it and add to the 2010 draft bounty. That will be a draft Pioli can control, like NE usually did. Carl and Herm did nothing for the 2009 draft last year, so Pioli is limited this year in what he can do. It’s a decent trade for Atlanta If, and only if, they win big next year. If not, it’s an absolute Steal for us. This deal is strikingly similar to the Jason Taylor trade with Miami and Washington last year. Look how that turned out for both teams, both last year and now. The older player released, after a year when he started to show his age. The Parcells disciple led team coming off a horrible season, made the Playoffs with much improved coaching, AND has an extra #2 this year.
A day of mourning for the chiefs nation