February 3
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said Thursday that next season probably will be his last — though it's not the first offseason he has said that, nor does should it come as a surprise. Gonzalez, who last month signed a one-year, $6.9 million contract extension with the idea that the 2012 season might be his last one, oddly made Thursday's declaration not through the team or his agent but rather on an ESPN/Facebook chat, which can be found by clicking here. He is in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl and has been doing interviews on radio row."
January 2
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Tony Gonzalez isn't playing like he's winding down his Hall of Fame career. So, he'll be in a Falcons uniform for at least one more season. The Falcons signed the 15-year veteran to a one-year, $6.9 million contract extension Sunday, hours before the regular-season finale against the Buccaneers. The tight end, named to his 12th Pro Bowl last week, was due to be a free agent. Gonzalez made $5.75 million this season, the final of a five-year deal he signed with the Chiefs before being traded to the Falcons in 2009. Gonzalez said he started to think about playing another year toward the end of the season. It took several family meetings to make his decision. "I'm not going to come back just"
October 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It didn't seem to bother Tony Gonzalez on Sunday that he has risen as high up the NFL career receiving ladder as he'll go. "I don't think Jerry [Rice] will be caught," the Falcons' tight end said, laughing. "I'm happy with second place." The dizzying career numbers continue for the 35-year-old who at times still looks 25. Gonzalez had five more receptions for 62 yards in the Falcons' 23-16 win over Detroit. He is now at 1,104 catches, vaulting him past Marvin Harrison (1,102) and Cris Carter (1,101) into second on the NFL's all-time receptions list, just behind Rice (1,549). So hypothetically, if Gonzalez retires after this season, he would need 445 catches in the next nine games to catch"
October 23
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is closing in on another major receiving milestone. He needs four receptions when the Falcons face the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ford Field to move into second place all-time on the NFL's receptions list. Gonzalez currently ranks fourth with 1,099 catches. He could pass Cris Carter (1,101) and Marvin Harrison (1,102). "Yeah, it's a big deal," Gonzalez told the Associated Press on Thursday. "Obviously, during the game, whenever that time comes, I'll know when I catch that fourth one. I hold my own clock inside, but it's one of those things, in the heat of the battle, you can't worry about that. I'll probably relish on it after the game." At age 35, he"
October 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is closing in on another major receiving milestone. He needs four receptions when the Falcons face the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ford Field to move into second place all-time on the NFL's receptions list. Gonzalez currently ranks fourth with 1,099 catches. He could pass Cris Carter (1,101) and Marvin Harrison (1,102). At age 35, he likely doesn't have enough time remaining in the league to catch Jerry Rice (1,549)."
September 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Few in football have held out against the siege guns of aging better than the Falcons' Tony Gonzalez. The guy is Dorian Gray in shoulder pads. Ageless as Springsteen. As constant as "Meet the Press." Surviving a cannibalistic profession does not come without great effort. Gonzalez works out while you recline. He carefully fuels up while you snack. As the author of a diet book and founder of a nutritional supplement company, Gonzalez doesn't just eat his food, he vets it. Each morsel must earn its way to his digestive tract."
August 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Tony Gonzalez thought about retiring — but not for very long. He looked back on a distinguished career the week after a bitter home loss to the Packers in the divisional playoffs last season. Maybe the grind of a 15th NFL season wouldn't be worth it. Then, Gonzalez looked forward. The potential of the Falcons, coming off a 13-3 season and the top seed in the NFC playoffs, convinced the tight end to return. A conversation with coach Mike Smith at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii left no doubt. There is unfinished business. Gonzalez, 35, has the numbers that one day will lead to enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now he is focused on chasing a bigger prize. He has never won a playoff game,"
July 25
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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We've been monitoring the NFLPA talks in D.C. from a far. I figured that I better take a break from planking on the deck and pass along a blog. ESPN is citing sources that the NFLPA's executive committee will recommend approval of the labor deal on Monday. The owners approved the deal last Thursday at a hotel near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The union membership would then have to approve the deal in a majority vote and then re-certify as a union. Falcons player representative Tyson Clabo was asked Sunday night via text if we should expect some good news on Monday and he sent a text back saying, "I hope so." Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez senses that the 131-day labor"
July 7
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
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Back from a couple of weeks off. The suits at the NFL and NBA have chosen not to extend the same courtesy and remain locked out. But props to the website "Funny or Die" for trying to keep us entertained during this millionaire's and billionaire's warfare. In a well-thought out and and far better production than the NFL's collective bargaining talks, "Funny or Die" has produced a three-minute, satirical video, "Field of Dreams 2.""
May 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White was moved to make a video after the trade to pick up Julio Jones. General manager Thomas Dimitroff reported that quarterback Matt Ryan is absolutely ecstatic about the deal. Now, tight end Tony Gonzalez has checked in. "Just finished watching a highlight film of Julio Jones. If he can carry that over to the NFL….SCARY," Gonzalez tweeted on Wednesday. The Falcons passing attack was compressed last season. With Jones, the Falcons plan to open up the offense with more throws down the field."
January 31
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons made several key contributions for the NFC team in the Pro Bowl on Sunday night, none more so than Tony Gonzalez. The Atlanta tight end caught a 4-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of the 55-41 NFC victory to give him a record six career scores in the Pro Bowl. He previously shared the record with Jimmy Smith and Marvin Harrison. With Falcons head coach Mike Smith and his staff at the controls, the NFC had the upper hand from the outset, building a 42-7 halftime lead. Gonzalez, who announced that he will come back and play next season rather than retire, might not have the record for long. Two of his NFC Pro Bowl teammates were just two touchdowns behind him."
January 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez will return to the team next season, according to his public relations representative Denise White . "He's definitely coming back," said White, the chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based EAG sports management. "He's excited to be a Falcon next season and make another run at the Super Bowl." Gonzalez was on the Jim Rome's show on ESPN and stated that he "definitely" planned to return. He's set to make $5.75 million next season, but had stated after the Falcons' loss to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs that it was a "possibility" that he would retire. He caught 70 passes for 656 yards and six touchdowns last season. Gonzalez, who will turn 35 in"
January 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez thanked the fans today on his Twitter.com account. He wrote, "Hey Guys, I wanted to thank you all for your support this season. Without you we never would have made it that far. Thanks!!" After the game, Gonzalez didn't sound like a player headed for retirement. After getting hurt, he scrambled to get well and back into the game."
January 16
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Tony Gonzalez sounds like he intends to return for his 15th NFL season. However, the Falcons tight end acknowledged he may have played his last game Saturday in the team's divisional playoff loss to Green Bay. "It's always a possibility," Gonzalez said. "Year 15 is a long time." In his career's twilight and in perhaps his last best shot at his first Super Bowl, the future hall of famer was dealt an exceedingly familiar gut punch at the Georgia Dome. For the third time in as many attempts, Gonzalez lost with a team that was seeded first or second in its opening playoff game. Gonzalez, who accepted a 2009 trade from Kansas City to the Falcons in hopes of reaching the Super Bowl, fell to 0-4"
December 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez admits to thinking about retirement after this season, but is still uncertain about his future plans. He's under contract for next season, but wide receiver Roddy White is worried that Gonzalez will retire if the team won the Super Bowl. "I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I didn't think about it," Gonzalez said of retiring. "I'd be a fool if I didn't think about it; just trying to be prepared a little bit. But you think about it and then you detach from it." Gonzalez, who turns 35 in February, doesn't appear to be slowing down. Last week, he became the first player in league history to catch 60 or more passes in 12 consecutive seasons. He has 62"
December 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez became the first player in league history to have 60 catches or more for 12 consecutive seasons on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. His 60th catch of the season came on his second reception, a two-yard gain with 6:21 left in the second quarter. "It's incredible," said Gonzalez, who was tied with Jerry Rice and finished with four catches for 26 yards. "That's one where I can look back on and say, 'Wow, Jerry Rice! I got to break a record of his?' That's something that I thought would never be possible." Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was elated to be apart of Gonzalez's record-setting day. "That's unbelievable," Ryan said. "That's just another notch on his"
December 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons wide receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez continue to lead in the Pro Bowl voting with 346,225 and 273,821 votes, respectively. The Falcons have started a "Rock the Vote" campaign for the Pro Bowl fan voting. The team is encouraging fans to support their players by voting for the NFL's all-star game, which will be played Jan. 30 in Hawaii. Fans can vote on NFL.com/ProBowl. Fan voting concludes Dec. 20. In the weekly press release, the Falcons are touting White, Gonzalez, defensive John Abraham, quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner, kicker Matt Bryant and linebacker Curtis Lofton."
December 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez suffered a left ankle sprain late in the 28-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, with the slick surface likely causing the injury. The field at Raymond James Stadium had forced Gonzalez to wear extra long cleats, and blamed them for the ankle injury. The stadium had hosted a Big East college game between South Florida and Connecticut the night before. The field's appearance was fine, but several players said the footing was treacherous. "That's the first time I've worn long studded cleats this season," Gonzalez said. "I used to wear them all the time. They just roll over like that, and that's what happened." Gonzalez said he expected to be"
November 25
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Playing in a big regular-season game is nothing new for Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. In 2003, Gonzalez and his Kansas City Chiefs finished 13-3 and landed the No. 2 seed for the AFC playoffs. "After 14 years, there is not too much that I haven't seen," Gonzalez said. The potential No. 1 seed for the NFC and at least the head-to-head playoff tiebreaker will be at stake when the Falcons (8-2) face the Green Bay Packers (7-3) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome. "Each game is so important, especially as the season keeps going," Gonzalez said. "You kind of want to have home-field advantage. We are not going to rest on our laurels. We are not going to think that, 'Hey, we are a good"
November 10
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
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In this overanalyzed, blog-til-you-drop, 24/7, Tweet Tweet media world, it's not surprising that most commentaries about the Falcons generally boil down to these few words: "They're really good, but…" That's what the NFL has become. Teams fall into three categories: 1) Laughable disaster (Dallas Cowboys); 2) Just OK; and 3) "They're really good, but …" New England just got whacked by Cleveland. Pittsburgh has lost twice and needed a late field field to beat Miami. The New York Giants were drilled in consecutive losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee (combined score: 67-24). You're going to nit-pick the Falcons for being 6-2 and having lousy special teams in a win over Tampa Bay for the NFC"
November 8
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Roddy White walking slowly to the locker room in the second quarter isn't something the Falcons ever hope to see on a Sunday afternoon. When he did so against the Bucs, his departure left a some serious offensive slack that needed to be picked up for Atlanta to get the win. Fortunately for the Falcons, at least one guy was qualified to step into the opening left by White: tight end Tony Gonzalez. "He did a great job of going out there and catching balls and converting first downs, things like that," White said of Gonzalez. "When you have a Hall of Famer like that, you just ride him out." White came back in the second half, but even his brief absence helped allow Gonzalez, a 14-year"
September 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The first half belonged to Tony Gonzalez. The Falcons' tight end caught seven of his eight passes for 99 yards, including a 13-yard, first-quarter touchdown pass from Matt Ryan and a fabulous catch of a tough ball on fourth down late in the second quarter. That one kept a drive alive on which Atlanta scored just before halftime. "I started the game pretty hot," Gonzalez said. "From there, they went to that bracket coverage. I'm somewhat used to that, but that's how it goes. Luckily we get creative and I still get the ball." Gonzalez pointed out that early in the game the Saints double-teamed Atlanta wide receiver Roddy White, who ended up with six catches for 69 yards and a TD in the"
September 16
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It's going to be a busy weekend for tight end Tony Gonazlez. The folks are coming in from California and that's always stressful. The Falcons are set to honor him for his 1,000th catch and he will pay tribute to the winner of his 1,000th catch contest on twitter.com. All this will be going on while Gonzalez will be planning to help jumpstart the offense. "My Mom, Dad, Brother, Cousins and my oldest boy, my 9-year-old, will be here as well," said Gonzalez, who had to purchase about 15 tickets. "It's something that will be special." He's excited about the Falcons tribute. "It's definitely special," Gonzalez said. "I'm humbled by it. To think that the guys who have been able to accomplish"
September 14
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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When tight end Tony Gonzalez made his 1,000 career catch in Pittsburgh, the Steelers faithful were not impressed. There were a few light claps and a smattering of boos. But on Sunday, during the Falcons season opener throughout the week, the team plans to honor the tight end who is the only tight end in league history with 1,000 receptions. "It was great to finally catch my 1,000th pass," Gonzalez said. "It's an accomplishment that I am very proud of and one that signifies that I've been blessed to play this great game for a long time." Gonzalez is the NFL's all-time leader at the tight end position with 1,001 career receptions for 11,842 yards and 82 touchdowns. He is the seventh player"
September 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It wasn't the most memorable catch in what most certainly will be a Hall of Fame career for Tony Gonzalez, the standard for tight ends in the National Football League. But the 20-yard reception over the middle early in the third quarter of Atlanta's 15-9 loss to the Steelers on Sunday was a milestone for the 34-year-old Gonzalez. He became the first tight end in league history with 1,000 catches and the seventh player to reach that plateau. "Yeah, it means something to me, but it's overshadowed by the loss," said Gonzalez, who latched onto No. 1,001 late in the fourth quarter, a 15-yard sideline pass in front of the Steelers' Troy Polamalu. "What do 1,000 catches tell me? I've been in the"
September 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez needs one catch to notch the 1,000th reception of his glorious career, and it probably won't be long into the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday when he gets the catch. "Gonzalez is always open because he's a crafty route runner," said Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin. NFL officials are probably not going to stop the game and celebrate, with the game being on the road. But the ball likely will be rushed to the sideline for safe-keeping before it's shipped for display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He'll join the rathergroup of receivers with 1,000 catches, and he will be the first tight end in the group. Jerry Rice"
September 2
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is having a 1,000th Catch Twitter Contest with the winner earning the autographed game glove and a trip for two to Atlanta to re-enact the catch with Gonzalez. Gonzalez needs just one catch for his 1,000 career receptions. That will likely happen early in the Falcons' season-opener at Pittsburgh on Sept. 12. Gonzalez is sponsoring the contest along with his all-natural sports nutrition company All Pro Science. "Joining the 1,000 catch club is an exciting moment in my career and I am looking forward to celebrating with one of my loyal fans," said Gonzalez, all-pro tight end for the Atlanta Falcons and co-founder of All Pro Science, Inc. in a release. "I am"
August 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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For Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, facing the Kansas City Chiefs is more than just the exhibition season opener. Gonzalez admits that when he takes the field at 8 p.m. Friday at the Georgia Dome, he's going to have to check his emotions. "It's just going to fun, going out there and competing," Gonzalez said. "Seeing those jerseys and looking down at my own jersey and realizing that, it's going to be special actually." Gonzalez, 34, spent 12 years of his stellar career with the Chiefs before being traded to the Falcons last year. He'll make his way to the other side of field to say hello to guard Brian Waters and safety Jarrad Page, a couple of his former teammates and survivors of the"
May 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez had a shaky flight back to California. "Great job to the four pilots that landed the plane. You guys kept everyone calm," Gonzalez wrote on his Twitter.com page at 2:51 am. Earlier at 1:15 a.m. he tweeted, "Long day but SO glad to be home!! We took off and the right engine went out. Had to make an emergency landing. Its a good day to be alive!!""
May 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After Tony Gonzalez gets his early-morning weight-lifting in, he heads to his office. This offseason he's doing the publicity and marketing work on All-Pro Science, a line of all-natural nutritional supplements and products. The products are a follow-up to his book All-Pro Diet, which came out last offseason. "It's going well," Gonzalez said. "It's pretty much my job now." Gonzalez, a vegan, was looking for ways to add protein to his diet. "The people are really liking that niche, that all-natural niche," Gonzalez said. "It's something that people are recognizing, that you have to put good stuff in your body because it affects what you get out of your body.""
May 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has heard owner Arthur Blank's message, loud and clear. Now that the Falcons have posted back-to-back winning season, Blank has stated that it's all about getting some rings. Gonzalez knows that Blank was not talking about wedding rings, either. "On paper right now, this is probably the best team that I've ever been on," Gonzalez said after Wednesday's OTA session. "It's exciting. It's good to know that we can go out there and accomplish some big things this year."
January 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Surefire Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez has confirmed he will return to the Falcons in 2010. "I'll be around for sure next season," the 13-year veteran tight end said in an interview on the Falcons' website. Gonzalez told the AJC after the season's final game that he was undecided whether he'd continue playing."
January 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is not used to disappointment, especially when it comes to personal goals. So, it was a little tough to take Sunday when the clock ran out on Atlanta's 20-10 victory against the Buccaneers and Gonzalez's career total for receptions was stuck on 999. One more hot read, one more quick-hitter across the middle - one fewer ineligible downfield penalty - and Gonzalez could put his 13th NFL season to bed the proud owner of a nice, round 1,000 career catches. "It's disappointing to come so close to it," Gonzalez said, "because tomorrow is never promised." Gonzalez came in needing four. He caught three. Officially, that is. He actually had a fourth catch"
December 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It was looking rather bleak for the Atlanta Falcons. Again. They hadn't moved the ball all day against the league's top rated defense and, on a cold and wintery day, were down to their last opportunity in a season gone wrong.. Then suddenly, it was 2008 again. Dodging snow balls thrown from the stands, quarterback Matt Ryan rallied the offense in the final minutes to pull out a thrilling 10-7 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday at Giants Stadium. Ryan, sidelined the last two games due to a turf toe injury, found tight end Tony Gonzalez in the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown with 1:38 left to play, the kind of play Ryan and the Falcons lived by last season. The reminiscence was as"
November 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
The last time People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had something to do with the Falcons, planes were flying over head and protesters were outside of the gates. But this latest ad with Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez and his wife, October, in which they were photographed in a way that made them appear to be nude, is in support of the organization's anti-fur campaign. The irony was not lost on Falcons wide receiver Roddy White, who was with the team during the Michael Vick federal dogfighting case that attracted a heavy protest from PETA. "We've got some good stuff around here," White said. "Not all of this negative stuff, flying helicopters all around the field. Get out of here"
November 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons fans have already seen plenty of Tony Gonzalez on the football field. Now, they'll have the chance to see even more of the tight end. Gonzalez and his wife, October, will soon appear in a PETA ad, as part of the "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign. No uniforms here: both of the Gonzalezes appear nude. "We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury," says Tony Gonzalez. "October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms." Now in his 13th season in the NFL, Gonzalez, 33, was traded to the Falcons in April. He appears"
November 10
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Falcons fans have already seen plenty of Tony Gonzalez on the football field. Now, they'll have the chance to see even more of the tight end. Gonzalez and his wife, October, will soon appear in a PETA ad, as part of the "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign. No uniforms here: both of the Gonzalezes appear nude. "We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury," says Tony Gonzalez. "October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.""