Sunday 3 February 2019 13:33, UK
Former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez was one of five players confirmed as inductees to the NFL Hall of Fame on Saturday night.
Gonzalez was joined by defensive backs Ed Reed, Ty Law and Champ Bailey in being elected as part of the 2019 class along with center Kevin Mawae.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and Dallas Cowboys and NFL executive Gil Brandt were elected through the contributor category and former Chiefs defensive back Johnny Robinson made it into the Hall at the age of 80 in the senior category.
Reed, Gonzalez and Bailey were all on the ballot for the first time.
Gonzalez is widely recognised as the player who transformed the tight end position into what it is today, catching 1,325 passes during his career - second only to legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice but only 22 ahead of current player Larry Fitzgerald.
The 42-year-old was selected to 14 Pro Bowl teams in his 17-year career, which included 12 seasons with the Chiefs and the last five with the Atlanta Falcons.
Reed was part of the Baltimore Ravens' feared defense of the 2000s, which also included 2018 inductee Ray Lewis, and he piled up 64 interceptions during his career, seven of them being returned for touchdowns.
Bailey was not far behind Reed with 52 picks and was one of the greatest cornerbacks of the 21st century, being selected to the Pro Bowl 12 times - a record for the position.
Mawae, who spent most of his career with the New York Jets, and Law won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, were both elected in their third season on the final ballot.
