TE TONY GONZALEZ NAMED CHIEFS NOMINEE FOR NFL MAN OF THE YEAR HONOR
Jan 30, 2006, 11:43:57 AM
The Kansas City Chiefs have named TE Tony Gonzalez as the organization’s nominee for the 2005 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Gonzalez joins 31 other candidates, one from each NFL franchise, in consideration for this illustrious accolade. Chosen by an esteemed blue-ribbon panel, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will announce the recipient of this league-wide honor during his annual Super Bowl press conference. That gathering is slated to take place as part of Super Bowl XL festivities on Friday, February 3, in Detroit, Michigan.
Gonzalez has been recognized in part because of the charitable work he does via his Tony Gonzalez Foundation. Established in 1998 following his rookie season, this organization serves as a positive force in the lives of individuals in need. The foundation focuses on assisting medically-challenged children by offering emotional support through the Shadow Buddies Foundation, as well as backing the disadvantaged youth at The Boys & Girls Clubs. Gonzalez also makes personal appearances in support of both Shadow Buddies and the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Additionally, Gonzalez hosts an annual “Shop with a Jock” holiday shopping spree for 75 foster children from the Love Fund. The Torrance, California native has also lent his name in support of numerous organizations, including: the United Way, the NFL spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure,” the Midwest Donor Organ Bank, the U.S. Department of Transportation Seat Belt Safety Campaign, the Kansas School Safety Hotline, Pop Warner Football, and the Midwest Dairy Council.
No stranger to accolades focusing on his philanthropic endeavors, Gonzalez was named the “2004 NFL Good Guy” by The Sporting News and was selected to Ingram’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list (which annually honors Kansas City’s most influential and accomplished leaders under 40 years of age). Gonzalez was also given the 2000 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City “Role Model of the Year,” as chosen by the children.
A seven-time Pro Bowl performer, Gonzalez is recognized as one of the most prolific offensive forces in team history. His 648 catches and 7,810 receiving yards rank tops in team history, while his 56 touchdown receptions place him second in the team annuals. Having started the past 111 consecutive games, Gonzalez has seen action in 143 career contests, starting 127.
The prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award is unique among NFL honors. It is the only NFL acknowledgment that recognizes a player for his community service activities as well as his excellence on the field. The Award has been given annually since 1970 and no franchise has garnered more honorees than the Chiefs. Members of the Red and Gold who have taken home the Gladiator Statue, which is given to the winner, include LB Willie Lanier (1972), QB Len Dawson (1973), LB Derrick Thomas (1993) and G Will Shields (2003).
