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TE Gonzalez wants to play for contender

By JAYMES SONG

Published February 5, 2009 at 7:51 p.m.
Updated February 6, 2009 at 9:15 a.m.

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Photo by AP

Photo by AP

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KAPOLEI, Hawaii (AP) — All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez is feeling uncertain about his future with the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Do I want to be there? Of course I do. I started my career there and I'm going on year 13 there," he said after Pro Bowl practice Thursday. "The only reason I would want to leave is because I only have a couple years left (in the league)."

He said the Chiefs are a young team but headed in the right direction. However, he wonders how soon the team can, "turn the corner and get to the Super Bowl."

The Chiefs, who recently fired coach Herm Edwards after three seasons, are coming off the worst two-year span in team history with a record of 6-26.

"I have to be realistic about it," he said. "If it doesn't make sense for me to be there, maybe it would be best for both sides where they can trade me, get something for me, and I can go somewhere and try and get a championship."

Gonzalez isn't the only Chiefs player that has indicated a desire to leave.

Running back Larry Johnson told 610 Sports Radio on Wednesday that he thinks it's time for him and the Chiefs to "break ties."

"They can go on and find what they want. And I can try to go on and rebuild my career and find what I want," said Johnson, coming off problem-filled season.

Johnson expressed concern about his role as the Chiefs are overhauled.

For Gonzalez, selected to his 10 Pro Bowl, he's bothered by the fact he's never won a playoff game in his illustrious career.

"I want to make sure before this thing is all said and done, I want to be a part of a team that can make it all the way to the Super Bowl and win," he said. "I don't want to just get to the playoffs."

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LUCKY No. 92:@ When Pittsburgh Stealers James Harrison joined Pro Bowl practice for the first time Thursday, he joined two other players wearing No. 92, creating confusion among some of the photographers.

The other 92 are Tennessee Titans' Albert Haynesworth and Cleveland Browns' Shaun Rogers.

The trio not the only ones that share the same number. There's several including the No. 51 worn by Steelers' James Farrior and Baltimore Ravens' Brendon Ayanbadejo.

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PRO BOWL BLACKOUT:@ The NFL on Thursday extended the local TV blackout deadline to Friday. About 3,000 tickets remain for the game that has sold out every previous year, usually weeks in advance.

Asked about removing the NFL's blackout rule because of the slumping economy, commissioner Roger Goodell defended the policy, saying that it has been good for the game and fans.

Goodell said the NFL has made other moneysaving measures that worked well, like reducing ticket prices in the postseason.

"I know we have economic factors here, but you don't change all your policies in light of that," he said. "You still continue to operate a business."

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IDOL AT ALOHA STADIUM:@ The NFL announced "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta will sing the National Anthem before Sunday's Pro Bowl, while Grammy-award winner Enrique Iglesias and Ciara will perform at halftime.

Local recording artist Hoku Zuttermeister will perform "Hawaii Pono'i," the state's song.

The halftime show will include 600 dancers, drummers and acrobats from across the country.

Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, will participate in the coin toss and will be joined by members of the Purple Heart Wounded Warriors organization.

Comments

  • February 6, 2009

    12:11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    MarcoPolo writes:

    Tony would look good in a Broncos uniform. How much does he want?

  • February 6, 2009

    3:54 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    DavusX writes:

    It's not only a matter of what Tony G. wants... it's also a matter of what the Chiefs want as a trade would be required. Trust me... the Chiefs aren't going to let him come here... not since Pioli took over.

  • February 6, 2009

    10:04 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    FTR writes:

    No way he lands with the Broncos! "The only reason I would want to leave is because I only have a couple years left (in the league)."
    Ohh ya that’s a good thing to say to a future employer
    GO BRONCOS
    FTR

  • February 7, 2009

    4:28 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Broncoflow writes:

    TG wouldn't come to Denver. He wants to play for a contender. I love the Broncos, I am just being realistic. I watched the playoffs, I watched the Super Bowl. I have our 97-98 teams on CD..... We aren't even close on defense yet. Good luck Tony.

  • February 9, 2009

    12:47 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jersey writes:

    Broncoflow: Well knock me over with a feather! Man you are refreshing as to stating your assessment in this town where you could lose both life and limb! As for Tony wanting to play for a contender, who doesn't? I know it's old news but that is exactly why I was irked by Elway's and my guy (a Giants fan) Eli's decision to thumb their noses up at the intention of the draft to strenghten the weaker NFL teams rather than enriching the stronger by demanding a trade by sitting out. They both made a mockery out of the system. The NFL should have implemented a rule that if you exercise that you must sit out 2-3 years. No doubt in my mind that if the NFL had that in place both of their stances would have changed. Of course, with the lawsuit happy nature of our society that would have been subjected to litigation. Some will say they had leverage with Elway having the option of playing in the Yankees minor league system and Eli sitting out entirely. I still say it was a mockery and defeated the purpose that had been in place for eons. OK, I'm off my platform!