The nine-time Pro Bowler admitted, however, he first felt "betrayed" that the Chiefs had not made a deal before the NFL trade deadline Tuesday.

"Initially, yes," he said. "I thought, 'I can't believe this. It's a lie.' But then the more I think about it, the more I calm down."

Gonzalez said he asked to meet with the other Chiefs to make sure the young players knew it's about "being the best football player you can be no matter what the situation is."

Gonzalez, 32, holds virtually every NFL receiving record for tight ends. He asked to be traded to a contender because he felt the rebuilding Chiefs (1-4) were not likely to reach championship caliber in the years he has left.

He described the past few days as "a high-stress situation."

"It was a sad situation. It was confusing. I thought a deal was going to get struck. When it came and went, I was somewhat shocked that it didn't go down."

He said the team was understanding.

"All I want to do is play football and win football games. That's what I told my teammates today. They understand it. I think the fans understand. I've been here 12 years. I've given everything I have."

Kansas City Chiefs News News » Gonzalez holds players-only meeting, clears air
Gonzalez holds players-only meeting, clears air
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Tony Gonzalez held a players-only meeting with his teammates Wednesday to assure them he's not bitter the Kansas City Chiefs failed to trade him to a contender. Initially 'shocked' Tony Gonzalez has committed himself again to the Chiefs after a high-stress deadline day that came and went without a trade. He spoke with Jay Glazer on Tuesday about the emotional day. Full story...