The Pro Bowl tight end then took the stage as the key speaker at the Gainesville Civic Center Tuesday night, sharing his story and inspiring members of the Boys and Girls Club of Hall County.
Each of the children that spoke are Boys and Girls Club members, like Gonzalez. All know how the Club molded them into the people they are today.
Gonzalez spoke and reflected on his time at the Boys and Girls Club in Huntington Beach, Calif. Gonzalez grew up in single-parent home with his older brother. Tony first got involved with the Boys and Girls Club in the fifth grade.
“When I was a young kid my dad was around but not living with us,” Gonzalez said. “My mom was working. I needed it (the Boys and Girls Club). It was a place to go. It was a place to hang out and be safe, learn and be held accountable. I learned discipline there and how to have fun. You can’t wish for a better environment, especially for kids.”
Gonzalez was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame in May of 2006 and said it was one of his greatest accomplishments off the playing field. He has contributed a lot of his life lessons to what he learned from his experiences at the Club.
Gonzalez would box at the Club. He said that experience was one of the best he had ever had.
“My boxing coach was really hard on me and that was something I wasn’t accustomed to,” the All-Pro tight end said. “It was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me, having somebody that you know that cares and holds you accountable. He taught me discipline, he taught me to want something and he taught me to be tough, too.”
After a short speech Gonzalez opened the room for some “Q and A” with the attendees. Children got to see Gonzalez’s true colors.
One youngster stood up with his hand held high and Tony smiled with delight. He asked what kind of advice the tight end would give kids today.
Gonzalez stood, apparently in deep thought, and had an answer that surely inspired everyone in attendance.
“It’s not about your ability, it’s about your preparation,” he said. “Dream big because there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. Set your goals as high as you possibly can, because there’s nothing holding you back. We live in a great country where you have access to people who want to help you and will help you. Once you set your goals believe in yourself and then it’s time to go to work. There are no short cuts so don’t look for them. There is no magic pill. It’s about going out there and putting in the time day-in and day-out when nobody else is watching and people are doubting you.
“Take a little joy in working hard.”
