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Tony Gonzalez References Rob Gronkowski & Calls On NFL To Change Hits To The Knees

(MMQB) - Over the course of his stellar 17-year career, Hall of Fame bound tight end Tony Gonzalez amassed the most receptions and receiving yards of anyone to play the position - amazing when you consider he's only missed two games to injuries.

If only the Patriots could be so lucky.

Rob Gronkowski's career in the NFL has been plagued by injuries to the back, forearm and ankle - and now a right knee. A torn ACL suffered in Week 14 against the Browns ended his season prematurely, which seems to be a disturbing trend if you're a Patriots fan.

The 37-year-old Gonzalez will be calling it quits for the Falcons after the conclusion of this season, and even though he's never endured any season-ending injuries like Gronkowski, Gonzalez feels it's time for the NFL to step up and protect player's knees.

REPORTS: Rob Gronkowski Should Be Ready To Play At Start Of 2014 Season

"The NFL has to do something to stop receivers in the open field from getting blindsided and hit in the knees," Gonzalez told Peter King of Sports Illustrated. "Look what happened to Rob Gronkowski. He's not the only one. You don't want your stars, you don't want anyone, to be taken out like that."

Since Roger Goodell took the reigns as NFL Commissioner in 2006, he's done everything in his power to curb head injuries and concussions - including raising more awareness, adding rules and instituting fines.

Tony Gonzalez believes the same courtesy should be given to knees.

Do you agree?

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