Christian Gonzalez

{{Short description|American football player (born 2002)}}

{{about||the Chilean footballer|Christian González (footballer)|similarly named people|Cristian González (disambiguation){{!}}Cristian González}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Christian Gonzalez

| image = Christian Gonzalez NFL Combine (cropped).png

| alt =

| caption = Gonzalez at the 2023 NFL Combine

| current_team = New England Patriots

| number = 0

| position = Cornerback

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2002|6|28}}

| birth_place = Carrollton, Texas, U.S.

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 1

| weight_lb = 205

| high_school = The Colony (The Colony, Texas)

| college = {{ubl|Colorado (2020–2021)|Oregon (2022)}}

| draftyear = 2023

| draftround = 1

| draftpick = 17

| pastteams =

| status = Active

| highlights =

| statweek =

| statseason = 2024

| statlabel1 = Total tackles

| statvalue1 = 76

| statlabel2 = Sacks

| statvalue2 = 1.0

| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles

| statvalue3 =

| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries

| statvalue4 = 1

| statlabel5 = Pass deflections

| statvalue5 = 14

| statlabel6 = Interceptions

| statvalue6 = 3

| statlabel7 = Touchdowns

| statvalue7 = 1

| pfr = GonzCh00

}}

Christian Gonzalez (born June 28, 2002) is an American professional football cornerback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played two seasons of college football for the Colorado Buffaloes and one with the Oregon Ducks prior to being selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. He is the younger brother of Colombian-American hurdler Melissa Gonzalez.

Early life

Gonzalez was born on June 28, 2002, in Carrollton, Texas. He grew up in The Colony, Texas, and attended The Colony High School, where he was rated a four-star prospect as a cornerback and wide receiver. Gonzalez initially committed to play college football at Purdue University before enrolling at the University of Colorado.{{Cite web |last=Carmin |first=Mike |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Texas defensive back Christian Gonzalez commits to Purdue football |url=https://www.jconline.com/story/sports/college/purdue/football/2019/08/06/texas-defensive-back-christian-gonzalez-commits-purdue-football/1930555001/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=Journal & Courier}}{{Cite web |last=Gladstone |first=Mitchell |date=November 18, 2019 |title=The Colony cornerback Christian Gonzalez commits to Colorado, flipping from Purdue |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2019/11/18/the-colony-cornerback-christian-gonzalez-commits-to-colorado-flipping-from-purdue/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=Dallas Morning News}}{{Cite web |last=Heisen |first=Aaron |date=April 22, 2022 |title=No matter what, Christian Gonzalez gives everything he’s got |url=https://www.dailyemerald.com/sports/no-matter-what-christian-gonzalez-gives-everything-he-s-got/article_48975e80-c25e-11ec-a7e9-e7e4925fbdf3.html |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=Daily Emerald}}

College career

Gonzalez would become a full-time cornerback upon joining the Colorado Buffaloes football team in 2020. He started every game as a freshman, making 25 tackles with five pass deflections.{{Cite web |last=Ebisuya |first=Carly |date=August 15, 2021 |title=CU Buffs' Christian Gonzalez jumping into leadership role with cornerbacks |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2021/08/15/christian-gonzalez-cu-buffs-leadership-role-cornerbacks/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=The Denver Post}}{{Cite web |last=Howell |first=Brian |date=July 19, 2021 |title=CU Buffs position preview: CBs have talent, potential |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2021/07/19/cu-buffs-position-preview-cbs-have-talent-potential/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=The Denver Post}} As a sophomore, he had 53 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and five passes broken up.{{Cite web |last=Crepea |first=James |date=April 6, 2022 |title=Why adding Christian Gonzalez was critical to what Oregon Ducks defense is aiming to do under Dan Lanning |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2022/04/why-adding-christian-gonzalez-was-critical-to-what-oregon-ducks-defense-is-aiming-to-do-under-dan-lanning.html |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=The Oregonian}}

Gonzalez transferred to the University of Oregon in 2022 to play for the Oregon Ducks.{{Cite web |last=Staley |first=Antwan |date=January 8, 2022 |title=Former Colorado cornerback Christian Gonzalez transfers to Oregon |url=https://www.registerguard.com/story/sports/college/football/2022/01/08/colorado-buffaloes-christian-gonzalez-transfer-oregon-ducks/9146157002/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=The Register-Guard}} He was named first-team All-Pac-12 after recording 45 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions.{{Cite web |last=Mellor |first=Cam |date=December 6, 2022 |title=2022 All-Pac-12 College Football Team and Individual Honors |url=https://www.profootballnetwork.com/all-pac-12-college-football-team-and-individual-honors-2022/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=Pro Football Network}} After the season, Gonzalez decided to forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the 2023 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Scarborough |first=Alex |date=December 4, 2022 |title=Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez enters NFL draft, to skip bowl |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35180821/oregon-cb-christian-gonzalez-enters-nfl-draft-skip-bowl |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}

Professional career

=Pre-draft=

Dane Brugler of the Athletic had him ranked as the top cornerback available in the draft. Pro Football Focus listed Gonzalez as the second best cornerback prospect (12th overall) on their big board.{{cite web| title=2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Cornerbacks| url=https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerback| access-date=May 13, 2025| website=PFF| date=April 24, 2023}} NFL analyst Bucky Brooks and ESPN had Gonzalez ranked as the second best cornerback in the draft.{{cite web| title=Latest 2023 NFL Draft big board: Cornerbacks {{!}} Top 10 Tuesday| url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/latest-2023-nfl-draft-big-board-cornerbacks-top-10-tuesday| access-date=April 25, 2025| website=neworleanssaints.com| date=April 18, 2023}} He was also ranked second amongst all cornerback prospects by NFL.com media analyst Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.{{cite web| title=2023 NFL Draft Prospects for Vikings: Cornerbacks & Safeties| url=https://www.vikings.com/news/devon-witherspoon-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-cornerbacks-safeties| access-date=May 13, 2025| website=Vikings.com| date=April 26, 2023| author=Craig Peters}} He was also ranked as the second best cornerback prospect by Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus. Scouts Inc. had Gonzalez listed as the second best cornerback (eigth overall) on their big board.{{cite web| title=2023 NFL draft rankings: Scouts Inc.'s full board, grades| url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2023/story/_/id/41035052/2023-nfl-draft-rankings-top-prospects-scouts-inc| access-date=May 13, 2025| website=ESPN.com| date=April 26, 2023}} NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected Gonzalez to be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

{{external media

| video1 =

[https://www.patriots.com/video/christian-gonzalez-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-workout NFL Combine: Christian Gonzalez]

| video2 =

[https://www.giants.com/video/christian-gonzalez-runs-official-4-38-second-40-yard-dash-at-2023-combine Gonzalez runs 4.38s 40-yard dash]

}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 1 3/8

| weight = 198

| dash = 4.38

| ten split = 1.54

| twenty split = 2.57

| vertical = 41.5

| broad ft = 11

| broad in = 1

| bench = 14

| arm span = 32

| hand span = 9 1/2

| note = All values from the NFL Combine{{Cite web |last=Reuter |first=Chad |last2=Zierlein |first2=Lance |title=Christian Gonzalez Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/christian-gonzalez/3200474f-4e58-9051-6a8a-dad946986fed |access-date=April 10, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}}}

=2023=

The New England Patriots selected Gonzalez in the first round (17th overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Buchmasser |first=Bernd |date=2023-04-27 |title=Patriots draft Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/4/27/23701626/nfl-draft-results-2023-patriots-christian-gonzalez-oregon-first-round |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=Pats Pulpit |publisher=SB Nation |language=en}} He was the third cornerback drafted and the first of two cornerbacks selected by the Patriots in 2023, along with seventh-round (252nd overall) Alex Austin.

{{external media

| video1 =

[https://www.patriots.com/video/patriots-select-christian-gonzalez-with-no-17-pick-in-2023-draft Patriots select Christian Gonzalez No. 17]

| video2 =

[https://www.patriots.com/video/first-draft-christian-gonzalez First Draft: Christian Gonzalez]

}}

On July 23, 2023, the New England Patriots signed Gonzalez to a fully-guaranteed four–year, $15.10 million rookie contract that includes an initial signing bonus of $7.98 million.{{cite web|title=Spotrac.com: Christian Gonzalez contract|url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/82294/christian-gonzalez |access-date=May 13, 2025| website=Spotrac.com}}

Throughout training camp, he competed to earn a role as the No. 2 starting cornerback against Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, and Shaun Wade. Head coach Bill Belichick named him a starting cornerback to begin the season, alongside No. 1 starting cornerback Jonathan Jones.{{cite web| title=Patriots Thin at QB, RB: 53-Man Roster Depth Chart| url=https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-roster-depth-chart-mac-jones-bailey-zappe-malik-cunningham-practice-squad| access-date=May 13, 2025| website=SI.com| date=August 28, 2023| author=Mike D'Abate}}

On September 10, 2023, Gonzalez made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start in the New England Patriots' home-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and set a season-high with seven combined tackles (five solo), broke up a pass, and had his first career sack on Jalen Hurts for an eight–yard loss during a 20–25 loss.{{cite web| title=Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots - September 10th, 2023| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202309100nwe.htm| access-date=May 13, 2025| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} In week 2, he set a season-high with six solo tackles, made one pass deflection, and made his first career interception on a pass attempt thrown by Tua Tagovailoa to wide receiver Tyreek Hill during a 17–24 loss against the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-18 |title=Christian Gonzalez earns praise from Bill Belichick after rookie's first career interception - CBS Boston |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/christian-gonzalez-first-career-interception-bill-belichick-outstanding-praise-patriots-nfl/ |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=CBS News - Boston |language=en-US}} He was awarded with his first NFL award, receiving Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2023 |title=Christian Gonzalez Named Defensive Rookie of the Month for September |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/christian-gonzalez-named-defensive-rookie-of-the-month-for-september |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=Patriots.com |language=en-US}} In week 4, Gonzalez recorded one solo tackle before exiting during the second quarter of a 3–38 loss at the Dallas Cowboys after suffering a torn labrum. On October 7, 2023, the Patriots officially placed Gonzalez was on injured reserve for the remainder of the season after it was confirmed that he had suffered a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum, with both requiring surgery.{{Cite web |last=DeArdo |first=Bryan |date=October 7, 2023 |title=Patriots first-round pick Christian Gonzalez placed on injured reserve; Matt Judon still on active roster |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-first-round-pick-christian-gonzalez-placed-on-injured-reserve-matt-judon-still-on-active-roster/ |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} He finished his rookie season with a total of 17 combined tackles (14 solo), three pass deflections, one sack, and an interception in four games and four starts.{{cite web| title=Pro-Football-Reference: Christian Gonzalez Game Logs (2023)| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GonzCh00.htm| access-date=May 13, 2025| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He received an overall grade of 80.8 from Pro Football Focus in 2023.{{cite web| title=Updated 2024 NFL roster rankings: Strengths, weaknesses and X factors for every starting lineup| url=https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-roster-rankings-all-32-teams-2024-strengths-weaknesses-x-factors| access-date=May 12, 2025| website=PFF.com| author=Jim Wyman| date=September 3, 2024}}

=2024=

On January 12, 2024, the New England Patriots promoted inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to head coach following the departure of Bill Belichick.{{cite web |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-to-host-an-introductory-press-conference-to-announce-the-promotion-of-jerod-mayo-as-the-15th-head-coach-in-franchise-history |title=Patriots to Host an Introductory Press Conference to Announce the Promotion of Jerod Mayo as the 15th Head Coach in Franchise History |date=January 12, 2024 |website=patriots.com |language=en-US |access-date=January 12, 2024}} Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington chose to retain Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.

On October 6, 2024, Gonzalez tied his season-high of six solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Tyler Huntley to wide receiver Odell Beckham during a 10–15 loss to the Miami Dolphins. On November 24, 2024, Gonzalez made three combined tackles (two solo), one pass deflection, and returned a fumble recovery 63–yards to score his first career touchdown during a 15–34 loss at the Miami Dolphins. He scored his touchdown after recovering a fumble by running back Jaylen Wright that was caused by linebacker Marte Mapu in the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2024 |title=Tagovailoa carves up Pats with 4 TDs, Dolphins win 3rd straight game with 34-15 rout of New England |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401671847 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}} In week 13, he tied his season-high of six combined tackles (five solo), made two pass deflections, and set a career-high with his second interception of the season on a pass by Anthony Richardson to wide receiver Alec Pierce during a 24–25 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. On December 28, 2024, Gonzalez recorded one solo tackle before exiting early in the second quarter of a 7–40 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers after sustaining a concussion. He was subsequently inactive for the Patriots' 23–16 victory against the Buffalo Bills in week 18.{{cite web| title=Pro-Football-Reference: Christian Gonzalez Career Overview| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GonzCh00.htm |access-date=May 13, 2025| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He finished the season with 59 combined tackles (50 solo), 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts. He received an overall grade of 76.0 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 21st amongst 222 qualifying cornerbacks in 2024.{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Christian Gonzalez| url=https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/christian-gonzalez/131679| access-date=May 13, 2025| website=PFF.com}}

=2025=

On January 12, 2025, the New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel to be their new head coach after firing Jerod Mayo following a 4–13 record in 2024.{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2025 |title=Patriots Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel returns to New England as our 16th head coach |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-hall-of-famer-mike-vrabel-returns-to-new-england-as-our-16th-head-coach |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Patriots.com |language=en-US}}

NFL career statistics

class="wikitable"

! colspan="2"| Legend

Bold

| Career high

=Regular season=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
rowspan="2"| Year

! rowspan="2"| Team

! colspan="2"| Games

! colspan="4"| Tackles

! colspan="6"| Interceptions

! colspan="2"| Fumbles

GPGSCmbSoloAstSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFR
2023NE

| 4 || 4 || 17 || 14 || 3 || 1.0 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || — || —

2024NE

| 16 || 16 || 59 || 50 || 9 || 0.0 || 11 || 2 || 2 || 1.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 1

colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GonzCh00.htm Career]20207664121.014320.72001

Personal life

Gonzalez was born to a Colombian family. His father, Hector, is 6-foot-9 and played college basketball at the University of Texas at El Paso before playing semiprofessionally in Colombia. He has three sisters, Melissa, Samantha, and Lily. Melissa (University of Texas) and Samantha (University of Miami) were two-time All-Americans in track and field, with Melissa representing Colombia in international events.{{Cite web |last=Lozano |first=Juan |date=November 6, 2022 |title=Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez crushed old team |url=https://ouresquina.com/2022/oregons-christian-gonzalez-crushed-old-team/ |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=Our Esquina}} Gonzalez is the brother-in-law of NFL coach and former quarterback David Blough, who is married to Melissa.

References

{{Reflist}}