The memories and journey he took from being the Kansas City Chiefs' first-round pick (No. 13 overall) in the 1997 NFL Draft-all the way to earning the distinction of being the greatest tight end in NFL history-all rushed back to him as his plane descended towards Kansas City Saturday afternoon prior to the 101 Awards in Kansas City.
It was at this awards show-the 48th edition and nation's longest-running Salute to Professional Football-that former Chiefs' great Tony Gonzalez was honored as the 48th player to be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.
While the official celebration won't take place until this fall on Alumni weekend, the memories of how he got to his current status all came flooding back to him as his plane neared the ground.