Although he may not have thought about it, we think
Chiefs’ Running Back, Tony Richardson (or “T-Rich”
as he’s known across the league), may have chosen his
two Italian Mastiff’s for “personal” reasons. Consider
the following description: “…can perform his function
better than any other creature or man-made machine.”
“…chose to be a guardian...” “He has a captivating and
almost intimidating stare, one that would make a foe
turn and fl ee without even a growl.” “…utilized as a
guardian and defender of owner and property…has
a steady temperament and is loyal, not outwardly
aggressive or apt to bite without reason.” “…intelligent
with a great ability to distinguish his friends from his
enemies.” “…a potential for unprecedented brutality
and, while exceptionally gentle around family and
friends, this brutality can easily be realized should his
territory be seriously threatened.” “…can really spring
into action like a shot should something unexpected
happen.” “Do not confuse [him] with a fighting breed...
you will find him far too humble…” “…you could not
ask for a more faithful companion.”
As usual, we did our homework before doing an
interview. The phrases above happen to be some of
the things that describe the Italian Mastiff as a breed.
Coincidentally or not, according to both his reputation
and people who know him, it also seems to describe
their owner, KC Chiefs’ #49, Tony Richardson.
PAW PRINTS: Tell us what you’ve been up to lately.
What did you do during the off-season?
TONY RICHARDSON: In May, I graduated from
Webster with my MBA which I’ve been working on for
the past two years, so that’s freed up a lot of time for me
and I’ve really been enjoying it. School took up so much
of my free time. I actually just got back from vacation
and I’m just about ready to start training camp.
PP: OK, now tell us what we really want to know.
Tell us about your pets.
T-RICH: I have two Italian Mastiffs. Sampson; he’ll
be 5 [years old] in December and Imani; she turns 4 in
February. Wow, time goes fast.
PP: I know your Dad was a military
guy and you spent your earliest years
in Germany before living permanently
in the U.S. Were you able to have any
pets growing up?
T-RICH: Oh, yeah. We always had
dogs. Our first dog was a Poodle and
we always had Pomeranians. I’ve also
had a Cocker Spaniel & Rottweilers.
PP: Do any of your pets stand out as
a favorite?
T-RICH: Yeah, if I had to pick a
favorite. When I was 12 or 13 we had
a Pomeranian named “Buffy”. She
was an incredible dog. She was really
protective and never let anyone too
close to me. She was incredible.
PP: What’s great about having your
dogs around?
T-RICH: Well, since I’m single with a
lot going on, the dogs are great to come
home to. They’re always glad to seem
me. Otherwise, I’d be coming home to
an empty house. I love ‘em like they were my children.
PP: What have been some of the biggest challenges
you’ve had with them?
T-RICH: Traveling and boarding them. I found a
great place to take them that I’m comfortable with.
PP: Do you ever travel with them?
T-RICH: Not really. When Sampson was smaller I
used to take them to visit my family, so he’s traveled
with me in the past.
PP: Do your dogs have any quirks that you’d like to
share? Any funny or embarrassing stories?
T-RICH: (laughs out loud) There’s one thing Imani
does that’s really bad. She goes to the bathroom and
then turns around and eats it. My friends will see it and
then she’ll come in and try to lick people… It’s bad.
PP: Do your friends &/or relatives share your pet
enthusiasm?
T-RICH: Well, if they don’t they don’t tell me about
it. We come as a package, so if you accept me
you accept my dogs.
PP: Are your dogs spoiled?
T-RICH: Yes, definitely.
PP: What is the most decadent thing you do for
them?
T-RICH: Massages. They get massages when they go
to Pete & Mac’s. They also have Coach collars. Yeah,
they’re spoiled.
PP: Are there any toys in particular you/they love?
T-RICH: It’s kind of hard when it comes to toys. They
don’t share very well, so I always have to buy two of
everything so they can each have their own.
PP: What made you decide to get your dogs?
T-RICH: I was big into Rottweilers & when I was
between places and I knew I was getting ready to buy a
house soon, apartments said I couldn’t have a dog over
50 lbs. Yeah, right. So, I sent my Rottweiler to live
with my parents. A buddy told me about Mastiffs and
I spent time researching them and breeders. When I
saw them it was love at first sight. After I had Sampson,
I decided he needed company so I got a
second; Imani.
PP: OK, enough with the questions and
on to something more fun. What kind of
dog (other animal) would you compare
yourself to as a player?
T-RICH: A Pit Bull. Definitely a Pit
Bull. The reason is because I’m smaller
than most players that play my position
& when you look at a Pit Bull you see it’s
smaller than a lot of other dogs. You may
think its small, but watch out! They’re
strong and won’t let go.
PP: Considering the defense had so
many problems last year what kind of
animal would you like to see them be
more like this year?
T-RICH: A Grizzly bear. Grizzlies can
always catch you. They’re always bigger,
stronger & faster. They’ll always get
what they want.
PP: Now a little word association.
I’m going to name some of your team
members and you say the animal that
comes into your head first.
T-RICH: Oh, I don’t know if they’ll like
that. I’ll be in trouble when
they see this. OK, go ahead…
Priest Holmes: Lion; he has the heart
of a Lion.
Trent Green: Grizzly bear – he’s a
ferocious beast.
Dante Hall: Cheetah – he moves with
grace & speed. He looks like he’s not
even running.
Tony Gonzalez: Gorilla – A Gorilla can
do anything he wants.
Mike Maslowski: He’s a Mad Dog.
Dick Vermeil: Tiger – he’s commands
that kind of respect.
Gunther Cunningham: Bull - a bull
with horns!
We don’t think they’ll mind a bit, Tony.
