Tony Gonzalez Says Farewell to Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Former Chiefs tight end and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez was back in the city of Fountains Tuesday to say his farewells to the town that he says has become his second home.

Click on the Media Player to the Right to Hear What Tony Had to Say!

“It’s been a great ride,” Gonzalez said of his 12 years in Kansas City, which began in 1997 when then-General Manager Carl Peterson traded up to draft the two-sport standout from the University of California.

Gonzalez – traded last week to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2010 second-round draft pick – thanked Peterson, who attended Tuesday’s event at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, as well as the Hunt family and the fans of Kansas City, who he called some of the best in the NFL.

“The fans have been incredible,” Gonzalez said. “I’m going to miss them.”

Not only was Gonzalez a 10-time Pro Bowler, he earned respect and love in the Kansas City community for his accomplishments off the field, which included numerous charitable donations and his own organization – The Tony Gonzalez Foundation – which benefits the Shadow Buddies Foundation along with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

“I’m still going to be around,” Gonzalez said, adding there was still “things (he) wants to bring to Kansas City.”

Gonzalez called his trade to Atlanta a positive situation.

“The Chiefs get a high pick and I get an opportunity to go out there and play with a team that’s solidified itself as a competitor right now.”