In this day and age of arbitration and escalating salaries, free agency and hold outs, it’s rare and refreshing to find an athlete who commits himself with everything he has to a city, a franchise, a fan base.  Tony Gonzalez is one such player.  And his resume speaks for itself.

Last Sunday in Kansas City where he started, and will likely finish his career, Tony Gonzalez became the all-time NFL leader in touchdowns for tight ends, breaking Shannon Sharpe’s record, by catching his 63rd career score to defeat the favored Cincinnati Bengals.  Gonzalez, who is already considered arguably the greatest tight end of all time, now owns the touchdown record all by his lonesome with few active players in his rear view mirror.  By the way, he’s only 31 years old.

Tony Gonzalez does not call in sick.  This is his 11th year in the league and Gonzalez has missed a total of two, count ‘em, TWO games.  He has been an integral part of the Chiefs offense over the years and has shown remarkable consistency in a game that’s known for chewing players up and spitting them out.  Gonzalez is a mainstay in Hawaii, becoming the only tight end to play in eight consecutive Pro Bowls.  He is the only tight end to amass 900 yards in six different seasons.  By the way, he’s on pace for another this year.  He holds virtually every Kansas City Chief receiving record including most career pass receptions, most seasons with 50+ receptions, most pass receptions in a single season, most pass receptions in consecutive seasons, most receiving yards gained and most pass receptions in a game.

We all have our off days, but not Tony.  Tony has not gone a game without catching a pass since 2000.  That adds up to over one hundred consecutive games.  Only Ozzie Newsome has more consecutive games with at least one catch.

Gonzalez is a remarkably gifted athlete.  In 1997, he led his California Golden Bears to the Sweet Sixteen, finally losing to a North Carolina team that featured Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison.  How many tight ends can say that?

But what you don’t know about Tony might be his most impressive statistic.  The Tony Gonzalez Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide support for ill and disabled children.  He was the NFL spokesperson for the Cure for Breast Cancer in 1999 and 2000.   And he was voted Role Model of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City.  He resembles essentially everything a fan can ask of a professional athlete.

No whining, no trade demands, no off the field issues… only character, charisma and dedication.  Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy watching Tony Gonzalez play the game.  We may not see too many others like him.