June 25, 2004 (afternoon)--Chiefs Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez’s passion for philanthropy has garnered him many accolades, the latest the #1 NFL “Good Guy” for 2004 by The Sporting News. The Chiefs tight end has been recognized twice in the top 99 “good guys.” Will Shields was named the NFL’s #1 “Good Guy” in 2001 by the magazine.

The Tony Gonzalez Foundation assists medically challenged children by offering emotional and educational support through the Shadow Buddies Foundation. Shadow Buddies are condition specific dolls designed to be a friend, “just like me.” Gonzalez is the only NFL player or athlete to have his own Shadow Buddy, which comes with a hospital gown emblazoned, “Gonzalez #88” on it. Over 7,000 Tony Gonzalez Shadow Buddies have been distributed in Missouri, Kansas, California, New York, Texas, and Hawaii, as well as internationally. His

Other Shadow Buddy programs include: Know Your Buddy book, Senior Buddies, Summer Camp Buddies, Operation Shadow Buddies, and Tony’s Team: Uniting Generations. As alumnus of Boys & Girls Clubs, Tony makes visits to the clubs, supports their athletic programs, and provides Chiefs season tickets as incentives. Tony hosts annual “Shop with a Jock” holiday party for Love Fund children. He has lent his name to numerous organizations, including: the United Way, the NFL spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure”, Midwest Donor Organ Bank, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation Seat Belt Safety Campaign, the Kansas School Safety Hotline, and the Midwest Dairy Council.

Also recognized for their off-field dedication were 77 other professional athletes including FB Tony Richardson and G Will Shields. The Chiefs, along with the Indianapolis Colts, have three athletes named to the list this year which is more than any other NFL team.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has been chosen as the overall #1 “Good Guy” for all of the time, money and effort he and his family devote to finding a cure for and raising awareness of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Within their respective sports, Seattle Mariners P Jaime Moyer (MLB), Atlanta Hawks G Sharef Abdur Rahim (NBA), and Los Angeles Kings W Ian LaPerriere were also selected as number one.

The entire list of “Good Guys” will be revealed in the July 5th issue of The Sporting News, which reaches newsstands June 30th.