KC Chiefs first round history feature some of the franchise’s all-time greats

#4 – Tony Gonzalez, Tight End

The top four players on this list could go in any order and someone could make a logical argument to justify their conclusions. The order enumerated here attempts to justify players placement based on their transformative potential on the field; regardless of statistics, accolades or anything else – who changed the game most significantly with their play.

It is with that in mind that the greatest tight end in the history of football finds himself as the fourth best 1st round pick in Chiefs history.

With the 13th overall selection in the 1997 draft, the Chiefs made a relatively unpopular decision to use their early draft pick on a two sport star tight end from California named Tony Gonzalez. Also a basketball star, Gonzalez left Cal a year early to enter the draft, and the decision obviously paid off well.

All Gonzalez would do is cement himself as a legend of the game by completing a 17 year, Hall of Fame, NFL career as the statistical leader in every single receiving category for tight ends. In 12 years with the Chiefs, Gonzalez had 916 receptions for 10,940 yards and 76 touchdowns. In his career, he finished with 15,127 yards and 111 touchdowns.

Gonzalez finished his career with 14 Pro Bowl appearances, including 14 of his final 15 seasons; and was a six time 1st Team All-Pro. He is still the all time leader for tight ends in yards, receptions, and is second in touchdown receptions.

The first ballot Hall of Famer is more than deserving of his placement among the Chiefs best picks of all time.