Tony Gonzalez The Model for Future...

Tony Gonzalez, born on February 27, 1976, in Torrance, California, stands as one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history. His exceptional athleticism and unwavering dedication forged a career that redefined the position.  

✦ College Career

✦ Gonzalez's collegiate journey took place at the University of California, Berkeley, where he excelled in both football and basketball.  

✦ As a member of the California Golden Bears football team, he showcased his remarkable receiving abilities, foreshadowing his future NFL dominance.  

✦ His combination of size, speed, and hands made him a standout player.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

✦ Tony Gonzalez was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round (13th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft.  

✦ This marked the beginning of a legendary professional career that would span 17 seasons.  

✦ He would go on to also play for the Atlanta Falcons.  

✦ Football Legacy

✦ Tony Gonzalez's legacy is defined by his unparalleled consistency and durability.

✦ He revolutionized the tight end position, proving that it could be a primary receiving threat.  

✦ His record-breaking statistics and numerous accolades have solidified his place as one of the greatest tight ends of all time.  

✦ He is known for his reliable hands, and his ability to make tough catches.  

✦ He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  

✦ Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

✦ 14× Pro Bowl selection.
 
• 6× First-team All-Pro selection.  

✦ NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

✦ NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

✦ NFL receptions leader (2004).  

✦ Career NFL statistics:

✦ Receptions: 1,325.  

✦ Receiving yards: 15,127.  

✦ Receiving touchdowns: 111.  

Tony Gonzalez's impact on the NFL extends beyond his impressive statistics. He set a new standard for tight end play, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Relive the improbable Hall of Fame career of Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted defensive back who became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense.

"Lockdown" Legend: The Unbelievable Journey of Emmitt Thomas

Born on June 3, 1943, in Angleton, Texas, Emmitt Thomas defied expectations from the very beginning of his professional football journey. Despite his impressive 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame and undeniable athletic talent, the defensive back from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, went unselected in the 1966 NFL Draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, recognizing his potential, signed him as a free agent, a decision that would prove to be one of the franchise's shrewdest moves.

College Career:

Emmitt Thomas honed his skills at Bishop College, a historically Black college. While primarily known for his defensive prowess in the pros, Thomas showcased his versatility in college, playing wide receiver and even some quarterback in addition to his duties in the secondary. It was his athletic ability and raw talent that caught the eye of a Chiefs scout, leading to his unexpected opportunity in professional football.

Road to the Pro Game:

Going undrafted presented a significant hurdle, but Thomas seized his chance with the Chiefs. He made the team in 1966 and quickly proved his worth. Despite the initial oversight by other NFL teams, Thomas's talent and dedication shone through, earning him a spot on the Chiefs' roster and the beginning of a remarkable career.

Football Legacy:

Emmitt Thomas became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons (1966-1978), establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era. His impact on the franchise is undeniable, setting a Chiefs' club record with 58 career interceptions, a mark that still stands. The 1969 season was particularly special, as he led the AFL with 9 interceptions, followed by an incredible playoff performance with three more picks, including one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In 1974, he recorded an astounding 12 interceptions, just two shy of the NFL record at the time. A five-time All-AFL/AFC selection and five-time Pro Bowler, Thomas also earned All-NFL honors in multiple years during the early 1970s. His consistent excellence and ball-hawking abilities earned him a well-deserved enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a Hall of Famer exemplifies perseverance and talent.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats: Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008)
Super Bowl Champion (IV)
AFL Champion (1966)

5-time Pro Bowl selection (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)

5-time All-AFL/AFC selection (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)
All-NFL First Team (1974)
All-NFL Second Team (1969, 1971, 1975)
AFL Interceptions Leader (1969)
NFL Interceptions Leader (1974)
Kansas City Chiefs Career Interception Leader (58)
NFL Career Stats: 181 games played, 58 interceptions, 937 interception return yards, 5 interception touchdowns.