10 Questions For New Atlanta Falcon Tony Gonzalez

As a die-hard Falcons fan and hopeful Falcons’ blogger for CBSSports.com, I have already had the privilege of interviewing both Chauncey Davis and Mike Peterson this offseason.

Davis, a fourth-round draft choice in 2005, enjoyed a breakout 2008 campaign with the Falcons and was rewarded in the form of a four-year contract extension.

As one might expect, I was curious to know more about the defensive end’s return to Atlanta, so I asked him what the key factor was in his decision to re-sign with the Falcons. I also asked Davis whether or not he explored any other options during free agency.

My interview with Davis took place prior to Atlanta’s big free-agent addition of Tony Gonzalez, so when I asked him what he thought about his team’s offseason progress, he was not exactly enthused. Needless to say I would like to ask him the same question at this point in time!

Peterson, a ten-year veteran, spent four seasons with the Colts and six with Jacksonville before signing a two-year deal with the Falcons earlier this year. His arrival in Atlanta reunites him with Falcons’ head coach Mike Smith, who was Peterson’s defensive coordinator in Jacksonville.

I asked Peterson what he enjoys most about coach Smith and whether or not Smith’s presence was the deciding factor in his decision to sign with the Falcons. I also asked the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker if he thought it would be awkward playing in a different uniform for a different team.

Finally, as a Falcons fan, I voiced a few of my concerns heading into the 2009 season. I asked Peterson about his age (33) and how he feels physically heading into his 11^th year in the league. Also realizing the potential brutality of the NFC South, I asked him about how confident he is in a return to the playoffs out of such a tough division.

Note to Falcon fans: Peterson said he is in the best shape of his career…. And it sounded like he meant it, too.

Discussing with Davis and Peterson about the upcoming season was a real thrill, and it made me even more eager to talk with other Falcons players. Naturally I would be especially excited to speak with Matt Ryan; after all, the second-year quarterback is the face of the franchise.

Then again, it’s not like we—as Falcons fans—don’t already know everything about the former Boston College standout. Hasn’t he been interviewed by every media outlet known to man? Heck, he’s even ESPN The Magazine’s “Next” big thing.

So if I had my druthers, I would interview the aforementioned Tony Gonzalez. Expected to take Atlanta’s new-found aerial assault to new heights, Gonzalez was traded to the Falcons last month by the struggling Kansas City Chiefs.

And this is what I would ask arguably the best tight end in the history of the NFL:

1)  1) You made no secret about wanting to be traded. Where was Atlanta on your list of desired destinations?

     2) You are 33 years old. How many more seasons do you anticipate playing in the NFL?

     3) How excited are you about catching passes from Matt Ryan? Do the well-documented quarterback issues in Kansas City make you even more excited?

4) What are your individual and team goals this season?

4)  5) What is the main thing for which you are playing at this point in your career? A Super Bowl? The love of the game?

6) If you win a Super Bowl, would you be more likely to retire sooner than you otherwise would?

7) You have been a model citizen in the community throughout your career; so, too, has Falcons owner Arthur Blank. Will you continue similar endeavors in Atlanta, and if so, how?

5)  8) Who is the best tight end in the history of the NFL?

9) If you could play with a current quarterback other than Matt Ryan, whom would you choose? And an all-time quarterback?

8)  10) Despite the emergence of Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ offense is based around Michael Turner and the running game. Would you be happy in more of a blocking role if it means diminished receptions?