Former Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez will join CBS Sports as an analyst for the network’s NFL pre-game show, The NFL Today, CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus announced on Tuesday.
Gonzalez, who played the past five seasons with the Falcons, retired after playing 17 years, the first 12 with the Kansas City Chiefs, in the NFL.
“I’m happy for this opportunity,” Gonzalez told The Atlanta-Journal Constitution on Tuesday. “I talked to all of the networks out there and gauged their interest and CBS was the one that I felt most comfortable with. I felt like that they really wanted me to come work with them and be part of that pre-game show. I’m happy as all get out to be a part of it.”
He plans to be frank in speaking about his former colleagues.
“That’s part of getting comfortable in front of the camera and really showing them my personality,” Gonzalez said. “I’m going to be a little bit more honest and truthful in a fair way. I’m not the type of guy to call people out. But if I see something and I think it needs to be said, I’ll have no problem saying it.”
In addition to his duties on the pre-game show, Gonzalez will contribute to the Inside the NFL on Showtime and on That Other Pregame Show.
“Having just stepped off the playing field, Tony brings a fresh and insightful perspective,” said McManus in a statement. “As a future Hall of Famer, we are excited for him to share his knowledge, experiences and opinions with our viewers. Tony was one of the most respected and hardworking players in the NFL and a tremendous teammate. We look forward to him bringing these attributes to CBS Sports.”
Gonzalez will join James Brown, Bill Cowher and Boomer Esiason on The NFL Today. He will replace Shannon Sharpe and Dan Marino.
“While we welcome Tony, we want to acknowledge Dan Marino and Shannon Sharpe who have contributed greatly to the success of The NFL Today for more than a decade,” added McManus. “Dan and Shannon are true Hall of Famers on the field and in front of the camera. As they pursue other professional opportunities, we thank them for their hard work and dedication and wish them nothing but the best.”
