Chiefs agree to deal Gonzalez to Falcons

Apr 23rd, 2009 | By Pete Dymeck | Category: News
Tony Gonzalez is finally getting his wish.

The Chiefs have agreed to trade the perennial Pro Bowl tight end to the Atlanta Falcons for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft, FOXSports.com has learned.

Gonzalez has already spoken to both the Chiefs and Falcons about the deal.

“It’s somewhat bittersweet,” Gonzalez told FOXSports.com exclusively. “I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I’m looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years.

“With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and now myself, we have the chance to be in the top 5 in the league in offense every year. How could I not be excited to join that team?

“(Chiefs GM) Scott (Pioli) and (head coach) Todd (Haley) told me a little bit ago and there were nothing but positives,” Gonzalez continued. “I think this is something that will help them because they are rebuilding. There was no bitterness at all from either side.”

Gonzalez has been the subject of trade rumors since asking out of Kansas City in October. Last month, however, Kansas City owner Clark Hunt indicated that his prized tight end would remain with the organization.

“We certainly will not seek a trade for Tony,” Hunt told the Kansas City Star. “I think he’s excited about the changes we’ve made here. I think he recognizes that with Todd as the head coach, we’re going to have an exciting offense and one that will feature the passing game.”

Since the end of a 2-14 season, the Chiefs have been in rebuilding mode. They installed Pioli as general manager and Haley as head coach and also traded a pick in this year’s draft for former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel.

After Gonzalez’s trade request in October, then-general manager Carl Peterson said no team that Gonzalez was willing to go to made a good enough offer.

Gonzalez has been the symbol of the Chiefs offense for the past 12 seasons, making 10 consecutive Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams. Kansas City drafted him with the 13th overall pick in 1997.

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