The HOF catches new mementos from Gonzalez

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez owns virtually every receiving record imaginable at the position, including receptions, receiving yards and TDs. The 13-time Pro Bowler added another notable first to his long and distinguished resume during Week 15 of the 2013 season when he surpassed the 15,000-yard career mark for receiving yards.

Just days after achieving the rare feat, the Pro Football Hall of Fame received the gloves and the cleats worn by Gonzalez during the 27-26 victory over the Washington Redskins. Gonzalez is just the fifth player to reach the lofty plateau. Receivers Jerry Rice (22,896), Terrell Owens (15,934), Randy Moss (15,292), and Isaac Bruce (15,208) are the others.

Gonzalez and Rice are the only players in NFL history with 1,100 receptions (1,313), 15,000 receiving yards and 100 touchdown catches (110). Gonzalez’s 1,313 receptions ranks him second all time.


Gonzalez is well represented in the Hall of Fame’s collection. Artifacts permanently preserved in Canton include:

The draft card used by the Kansas City Chiefs to select Gonzalez with the 13th overall pick of the 1997 NFL Draft.
The jersey, gloves and shoes worn by Gonzalez when he caught two touchdown passes for the Kanas City Chiefs on Oct. 14, 2007 in a 27-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The first TD set a new mark for touchdowns by a tight end.
The football caught by Gonzalez on Oct. 5, 2008 against the Carolina Panthers to set a new record for receiving yards by a tight end.