Apart from taking his analyst job seriously, Tony Gonzalez has two more things with an equally important status: husbanding and parenting. He isn’t afraid to fail but wants to become the best father for his children. And there isn’t any stopping the 6-time All-Pro. He is a realist and isn’t afraid to say ‘no’ to them and be cheerful about life despite any failures.

While he has 4 children, two of them have started their own journey to stardom. Being the children of the NFL receptions leader definitely helps.

Tony Gonzalez’s 2 sons, Nikko and River

It was February 2001. The former TE was making waves in the NFL. He took a big step in his personal life too by welcoming his first son, Nikko, with his then-girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez. Though they later broke up, Tony Gonzalez made sure he was close to his firstborn. After growing up, the handsome young boy walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana. Even today, they are often spotted on vacations together.

The NFL legend’s 2nd son, River, was born in 2010. His current wife October (Tobie) Gonzalez gave birth to a smart kid who is turning out like his father. Many fans even call River the twin of Tony Gonzalez. The TE has a special place in his heart for his son, mentioning him as a gift from god. Tony Gonzalez keeps cheering his children with his antics, such as benching his son, River. Well, the children also like that their father was a great athlete.

He enjoys his time as a father, often taking pride in it. While he likes his time on the road, he doesn’t miss celebrating the small moments in the family, especially if it’s related to his daughters.

Tony Gonzalez’s daughters Malia and Sophia

In 2008, his last season with the Chiefs, he was ready to take the next step in his life too. The birth of his eldest daughter, Malia, made him a more responsible dad. That prepped him to take his life more seriously. But during his parenting duties, he also learned how to make life more enjoyable and cherish the small moments.

While his other kids have entered their teenage years or gotten over it, his attention is on his youngest daughter, Sophia, whom he often calls Pia, with love. On Father’s Day in 2020, Tony Gonzalez uploaded a collage of photos on Instagram, thanking his children instead. He bared his feelings in the caption while revealing his simple strategy of being a cool dad.

The NFL superstar advised all other fathers to be present for their children and have real 1-on-1 conversations with them. That’s his mantra. And he is becoming an example with his careful yet sweet life as a father.