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Ex-Ignatius, OSU star makes mark with Colts
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Friday, Nov 28, 2008
BEREA: Former Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez finds himself breathing rare air, and it's not just from the low amount of oxygen being pumped into his Indianapolis bedroom to simulate high altitude.
In his second year with the Indianapolis Colts, Gonzalez sits on the bench next to Peyton Manning during games and takes in all the hall of fame-bound quarterback has to offer.
''I was thinking about that today,'' Gonzalez said. ''I'm fortunate to be in this situation because the veteran leadership, not just with Peyton but everybody, is so strong here. People do a good job of showing the rookies and the young guys how it should be done, how it needs to look and things like that.''
Gonzalez returns to his native Cleveland this weekend as the Colts (7-4) visit the Browns (4-7) Sunday. He'll spend part of Saturday at his parents' home.
''I'm sure there will be some emotion to it,'' Gonzalez said. ''I'm trying to focus on the Colts and the fact that we're fighting for a wild-card spot. That being said, it's a little bit special to be in Ohio again.''
The St. Ignatius graduate plans to watch his alma mater take on Cincinnati Elder for the Division I state championship. The game, played in Canton's Fawcett Stadium, will be televised by SportsTime Ohio. Gonzalez earned most valuable player honors when St. Ignatius won the state title in his junior year and says he still reads newspapers to keep up with the Wildcats and Browns.
''That's awesome. I wish I could go, but we've got our own business to take care of,'' Gonzalez said. ''I couldn't be prouder of them. I actually got to go to my first Ignatius game earlier in the year. They were playing in Dayton and I swung
over. Hopefully they can win number 10.''
Most famous at OSU for his acrobatic, 26-yard catch at Michigan in 2005 that set up the winning touchdown, Gonzalez jumped to the NFL after his junior year. The Colts selected him in the first round with the 32nd overall pick.
Selected to replace slot receiver Brandon Stokley, a salary-cap casualty, General Manager Bill Polian said of Gonzalez on draft day, ''He's got the horseshoe stamped all over him from the minute you saw him.''
Gonzalez wasted no time finding his niche. As a rookie, he started nine out of 13 games and finished fourth on the team with 37 receptions for 576 yards and three touchdowns. He added four catches for 79 yards and a touchdown in a playoff loss to the San Diego Chargers.
This season, Gonzalez is second on the Colts' receiving list with 46 catches for 568 yards and three touchdowns. In a last-second victory over the Chargers on Sunday night, he caught six passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. On Sept. 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, he had his third 100-yard game. On Nov. 2 against the New England Patriots, he tied his career high with two touchdowns.
Asked how he's improved in his second season, Gonzalez said: ''I think just being more aware of everything. You always hear there's no substitute for experience and that's true to a large degree. Each week, just feeling a little bit more comfortable, which allows you to play a little bit faster and a little bit harder.''
Colts coach Tony Dungy said Gonzalez has grown, especially for a 6-foot, 193-pound receiver who was never expected to play outside when he was drafted. It helped that Gonzalez got more opportunities in 2007, when Marvin Harrison played in only five games due to a knee injury.
''We started him off his rookie year as primarily a slot receiver, but we had some injuries to Marvin Harrison and some of our other receivers and he got to play a lot on the outside last year,'' Dungy said of Gonzalez. ''I think that really helped him gain knowledge of the entire offense and what everyone was doing.
''He's diligent, he's starting to get that chemistry with Peyton and he's made some big catches for us. I would expect him to just get better and better.''
Dungy came to the Colts in 2002, receiver Reggie Wayne's second year. Dungy said Gonzalez has played more during his sophomore season than Wayne, who was named to the past two Pro Bowls.
''I think he's definitely ahead of Reggie Wayne,'' Dungy said. ''Now whether he can progress to that Pro Bowl level that Reggie did, we'll have to see.''
Not much seems to have changed about Gonzalez since his Ohio State days. He said he still couldn't care less about his statistics. He has abandoned sleeping in the hypoxic altitude simulation tent he used at OSU, which increases his red blood cell count to help his stamina and recovery time. But that's only because he had his bedroom mechanically rigged so the air coming in meets his low-oxygen specifications.
''Somehow the power in my bedroom got cut off last night,'' Gonzalez said Wednesday. ''So I wasn't in it last night, but every other night I am.''
The Colts have won four consecutive games to claw back into the AFC wild-card picture. But that's not dominating Gonzalez's thoughts.
''I know we've put together a few wins in a row and guys are feeling good about that,'' he said. ''The big thing is we haven't really beaten ourselves the last four weeks.
''I couldn't be happier here and I love the situation I'm in. I just think about that. As far as Peyton, it always helps to have a guy that good throwing you the football.''
Injury report
Several Browns who sat out Wednesday participated on a limited basis Thursday. They were fullbacks Charles Ali (rib) and Lawrence Vickers (ankle), strong safety Sean Jones (ankle), nose tackle Shaun Rogers (shoulder) and defensive end Corey Williams (foot). Fully participating after being limited Wednesday was tight end Kellen Winslow (shoulder).
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
BEREA: Former Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez finds himself breathing rare air, and it's not just from the low amount of oxygen being pumped into his Indianapolis bedroom to simulate high altitude.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Akron, OH
Posted 06:34 AM, 11/28/2008
Let's hope for a great Gonzalez showing, but a Browns victory.
Port Saint Lucie, Fl
Posted 08:48 AM, 11/28/2008
Strange. Indy gets a great receiver in Gonzales,and the Steelers get Holmes,both OSU standouts.The Browns get Mr.Everything,"hands of stone"Edwards. Go figure. kp
Port Saint Lucie,Fl.
Posted 09:55 AM, 11/28/2008
Just goes to show you...don't draft scUM players
WADSWORTH, OH
Posted 05:10 AM, 11/29/2008
When Mr.Lerner supports the greatest NFL fan base by dumping Savage and RAC,only then will the greatest fans in football,will return to fill every seat,every game-until then,I wont support the progression of these buttholes.
Posted 10:52 AM, 11/29/2008
Its great to be able to welcome back Gonzalez to Cleveland. But please check your facts first....he went to the NFL as a Senior and a GRADUATE of THE Ohio State University with a degree in Philosophy.
Fairlawn, OH
Posted 01:11 PM, 12/01/2008
This is the type of player the Browns need to draft. What "type" of player have you practically NEVER seen on the Browns defenses since they came back into the league? Hint: if they draft James Laurenaitus they will be headed in the RIGHT direction.
