Former NFL star Tony Gonzalez, now making waves as a broadcaster for Prime’s Thursday Night Football, recently caught up with Sports Illustrated’s Brice Butler to shed some light on the upcoming NFL season. With a remarkable career spanning 14 years as a Pro Bowler, Gonzalez spent a decade showcasing his talents with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Reflecting on his time in the league, Gonzalez reminisced about the transition period when the Chiefs welcomed the talented tight end, Travis Kelce, into their ranks. The former player recalled how the organization facilitated a meeting between him and Kelce, expressing their belief in the young star’s potential. “They thought they had something special,” Gonzalez revealed, emphasizing his hope for the new generation of tight ends to push the position to greater heights.
In addition to elevating the gameplay, Gonzalez expressed his desire for an evolution in the financial side of things. When quizzed about his views on the NFL pay structure, the outspoken former player didn’t mince his words. “That it’s ridiculous,” Gonzalez exclaimed. “The rule that you get paid by position… it’s absolutely ridiculous just because you have a tight end name they don’t pay you.” Drawing on his own experiences, he highlighted the disparity between tight end salaries and those of elite receivers, urging for a change in the system.
As the conversation flowed, Gonzalez’s passion for the game shone through. He spoke with SI as a representative of Crown Royal, collaborating with them on their Royal Rig project to kick off the NFL season in style. The legendary tight end’s insights serve as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities within the sport, both on and off the field.
