Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez hasn't played in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium since Dec. 21, 2008. The NFL's career leader in touchdowns and receiving yards as a tight end played for the Chiefs from 1997-2008 will make his first trip back to Arrowhead when the Falcons open their season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Gonzalez told Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star that he's very sentimental about his time in Kansas City; he's particularly fond of the fans and the Arrowhead Stadium atmosphere.
"Everybody is asking me, ‘What's it like in there? Is the stadium loud?' " Gonzalez said of his Atlanta teammates, who last played at Arrowhead in 2004. "And, I'm like, ‘Oh yeah, it's going to be crazy, it's opening day, they've got a pretty good football team ... wait until you hear the national anthem, and wait until you hear, after every first down, the whole crowd shouting, ‘That's a Chiefs' first down!' "
Gonzalez already led the NFL's career list for tight ends in touchdowns, receptions and yards when he was traded to the Falcons prior to the 2009 season for a second-round draft pick. (Gonzalez requested the trade; he did not want to be part of another rebuilding process at that advanced stage in his career.)
Now Gonzalez trails only Jerry Rice in receptions among any position. He has 1,149 career receptions, 13,338 yards and 95 touchdowns.
The Chiefs kick off against the Falcons on Sunday at noon CT on Fox.
Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.