Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez Joins Oprah Winfrey for a "Big" Reality Show Straight from the Heart

Feb 27, 2008, 3:51:16 PM

Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez will team with one of the world’s true media giants and philanthropists when he serves as a celebrity judge on “Oprah’s Big Give.” In true Oprah Winfrey fashion, the purpose of this eight-week long ABC reality show, set to premier locally on Sunday, March 2 at 8:00 p.m. CT, will focus on 10 individuals looking to make a mark by giving. The Big Give will air on Sunday’s. Gonzalez will help preview the Big Give when he appears on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” this Friday, February 29, airing locally on ABC at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Essentially, the Big Give will be headed by three well-known judges; Gonzalez, world-renowned chief Jamie Oliver and Malaak Compton-Rock (a former celebrity booker for UNICEF and the wife of comedian/actor Chris Rock). This trio of celebrity power-givers will help critique contestants that have been given a different weekly mission of helping strangers reach their goals. With Winfrey design guru Nate Berkus filling the role of host, Gonzalez and the other judges will critique each contestant’s creativity, leadership and ability to accomplish the task at hand. At the end of the series, the person identified as the “biggest giver” by these judges will be surprised with a million dollar reward.

Those wanting Gonzalez’s perspective of the Big Give will be given a special opportunity. Anyone interested in his thoughts can log onto the Chiefs’ official website, kcchiefs.com, for a regular blog posted by Gonzalez himself.

This type of project is nothing new to Gonzalez, an individual comfortable no matter if he’s performing in the limelight or giving back. As a nine-time Pro Bowler performer, Gonzalez has routinely produced plenty of ready-for-primetime highlights in his 11-year NFL career. Throughout the years, this California native has even been involved in projects ranging from the silver screen to cable shows to network television. Through his Tony Gonzalez Foundation, this 6-5, 251-pound stalwart has also given back to a myriad of charitable organizations, such as the Shadow Buddies Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

“When we decided to do a series, we knew that we had to create something that was different, a new kind of television, a new kind of idea,” Winfrey recently told TV Guide. “We wanted to show how one person can make a difference… and do it in an entertaining, fun way that people will want to watch.”

“Giving back is always something that’s been close to my heart,” Gonzalez said when asked about his drive to help others. “All of the awards I’ve won on the field pale in comparison to the lives of those I’ve been fortunate enough to touch.”

“He’s a Boys & Girls Club Hall of Famer,” Big Give executive producer Harriet Seitler explained to TV Guide about the need to included Gonzalez in the show. “He’s a shining example of what the NFL wants its players to do.”

Throughout the eight-week run of the Big Give, numerous celebrities will be involved. Andre Agassi, Jennifer Aniston, Natalie Cole, Danica Patrick, Jada Pinkett-Smith, John Travolta and Donald Trump will all make an appearance. However, Gonzalez and the other judges will be the only celebrity weekly fixtures.

The Tony Gonzalez Foundation was formed in 1998. It supports the Shadow Buddies program as well as Boys & Girls Clubs. Shadow Buddies are smiling dolls given to individuals, especially sick children and elderly, in order to help speed their recovery. The dolls have been distributed in Missouri, Kansas, California, New York, Texas, Hawaii, Washington D.C. and internationally.

Gonzalez’s cache in front of the camera is extensive to say the least. He has previously been involved with such projects as the popular HBO series “Arliss,” Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday,” MTV’s ever-popular “Cribs” series, participated on NBC’s “Cooking with the Celebrities,” and played a role in a pair of ABC franchises, “Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition” and “Married with the Kellys.”

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