New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez’s goal is to be a first-team All-Pro defensive back in the NFL. In only his second season, he was named a second-team All-Pro.
It’s a great start for a player who claims that he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his true potential. That’s a scary thought for opposing offenses in the future.
“All-Pro was my bigger goal,” said Gonzalez, when appearing on the “Next Pats Podcast” with Phil Perry. “Pro Bowl is a popularity contest at the end of the day. All-Pro is really what I wanted. Obviously, I wanted first-team, but I mean, it’s nice to hear my name in there. But I feel like I ain’t even scratched the surface. There’s a lot of room I can grow, a lot of—so much better I can get. So I’m excited for it.”
Gonzalez not making the Pro Bowl was controversial considering he was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL last season. He recorded 59 tackles and two interceptions on the year, while also locking up some of the best receivers in the game.
It was recently revealed that he came in fifth place in voting for the AP’s Comeback Player of the Year award.
There will likely be plenty of Pro Bowls in Gonzalez’s future. He’s a cornerstone defender on a rebuilding Patriots team that hopes to be even better under coach Mike Vrabel.
One has to wonder what Gonzalez’s true ceiling is if he’s already this good.