Ask Tony Gonzalez
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ETTony Gonzalez
14 comments
Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, chatted live on Wednesday, July 8, taking questions on his favorite memories as a Chief, his role with the Falcons, Matt Ryan, and more.
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Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
12:30 PM
Hi everyone-- let's get started-- fire away! -
Chris, Columbia, Mo
1:25 PM ET
Tony, what was your favorite moment as a Chief?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
When I needed one touchdown to break the TD record in 2007. And I got it with my family looking on at home in front of the fans. We won the game and I got two touchdowns that day, not one. -
Winchester, PA
1:26 PM ET
Will you miss all those rivalry games in the AFC West?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
Yes, but I’m looking forward to more rivalry games in the NFC South. That’s our division, right? ;) -
Ryan Mattei, Canada
1:28 PM ET
Hey Tony, any big goals for this season?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
To win the Super Bowl – nothing else. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay healthy and play a long time. There’s nothing else to do except win as many games as possible and win a Super Bowl. -
Jordan Wang, Kansas City
1:29 PM ET
I'm a young athlete hoping to play in the NFL in the future. Growing up in kansas city i have always admired you and looked up to you. I want to know who did you look up to growing up as a kid?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
My mom and brother – I loved sports growing up but I wasn’t into pro athletes and never followed a special team. I looked up to people in my family. -
chris, idaho
1:36 PM ET
what was the hardest you have ever been hit and who delivered the hit?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
Before I ever played in a game – It was my very first day in a Chiefs uniform – the day I signed . In the middle of practice, they told me to put on my pads and we did 7-on-7 drills vs. the Vikings. I got hit and I thought I broke my collarbone. I can remember thinking, ‘Man, I should have stayed in school.’ -
Patrick, Atlanta
1:37 PM ET
Tony, we are all really excited to have you on our team this season. My question is this, which do you enjoy more, throwing a great block that leads to a big gain or catching a TD?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
Not even close . I’d rather catch a TD than block – I think all TEs would agree with that. Don’t get me wrong— I enjoy throwing a block but there’s nothing like catching touchdown pass. -
Jay, Rochester NY
1:38 PM ET
Hey Tony How are you adjusting to the new falcons offense and Matt Ryan? Do you think you two will be able to put up the type of numbers you did in KC?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
I’ve adjusted well. It’s a work in progress. It’s up to us to get on the same page. That starts in training camp. Will I have the same numbers? I doubt it – because I don’t have to. This team reminds me of the Chiefs team from 2003-04 – when I didn’t have to be the top guy. We can spread the ball around here. We’ve got more options. And I don’t mind – instead of catching 90-100 balls, there’s nothing wrong with catching 75-80. -
Eric, Atlanta Ga
1:42 PM ET
Glad to have you in a Falcons uniform! Are you still following a vegetarian diet? If so, how has it effected your play?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
It’s a whole foods plant-based diet. I eat fish and I don’t eat dairy -- or hardly any. It’s been unbelievable - I think that’s why I’ve been able to stick around this long at such a high level. I feel so much better and my body can recover faster than other guys. In fact, I wrote a book about it that comes out on Aug 18. It’s called The All-Pro Diet. It’s not just for athletes though, it’s an eating plan for everyone. -
FERNANDO, WHEATON MD
1:49 PM ET
TONY IF YOU WERE NOT A TIGHT END, WHAT OTHER POSITION WOULD YOU PLAY?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
A linebacker in the 3-4. I played middle linebacker in high school and I was recruited to play at Florida State, but it didn’t happen. -
Mike Taylor, Great Falls, MT
1:53 PM ET
When camp opens here shortly, what do you see as the most important part to building team chemistry?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
It comes by repetition. The more we work together, the faster it will come. It also comes from attitude -- Doing all the other things and watching film is important.
It’s up to us. They were a good offense without me -- there’s not much for me to do. -
dontae , virginia
2:00 PM ET
I play tight end for my little league team do you have any advice for getting quicker?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
• I like jump ropes – I do about 500-600 jump ropes per day – I do it in sets of 100, four or five days a week – that’s before I work out. • Power cleans in the weight room – don’t worry about the weight – just move the bars as quick as you can. • Lunges help you get quicker • Med ball— throwing it as hard and as fast as you can thrown it But I recommend you go to a trainer to learn the correct techniques so you don’t hurt yourself. -
Cory Verespy, Olyphant, PA
2:06 PM ET
Tony, who was the best quarterback you ever played with? My gut says Trent Green.
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
Trent Green. I like them all – Elvis Grbac was good. Damon Huard was good too. I like them all -- anyone who throws me the ball, I’m happy with. -
Wes, Rochester NY
2:15 PM ET
How do you feel about Matt Ryan as a quarterback?
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
This Matt Ryan guy? He’s got the potential to be one of the best QBs in the league. The thing that is most impressive is his leadership. Yeah—he’s got a great arm but he’s a great leader too. In the huddle he takes control and he works harder than anyone else on the field -- which is what you want from your QB. He’s the guy – when it’s all said and done — he’ll make a mark on this league – he’ll be one of the best. -
NFL.com
That's all we have time for today -- we apologize for all the technical difficulties during the chat. Thanks for participating Tony!
