In a surprising twist, renowned talk show host Whoopi Goldberg recently uncovered a remarkable family connection to NFL legend Tony Gonzalez. This revelation came to light during an episode of the popular genealogy show ‘Finding Your Roots,’ hosted by historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. The intriguing discovery left Goldberg and viewers alike astonished.
Goldberg, a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, is well-known for her role as a co-host on the daytime talk show ‘The View.’ However, this revelation caught her off guard when Gates appeared on ‘The View’ to share the new DNA findings.
The story began more than a decade ago when Goldberg appeared on an episode of the show back in 2006 when it was known as ‘African American Lives.’ At that time, the available technology did not allow for the sophisticated DNA testing needed to establish the genealogical link between Goldberg and Gonzalez.
Henry Louis Gates Jr. explained the situation, saying, “On the first series, I did [a number of Black celebrities, including] Whoopi, and we didn’t have the advanced tests that we now use for DNA at that time.” However, advancements in genetic testing over the past ten years permitted a more detailed examination of their family connection.
Gates teased the audience with anticipation as he revealed the surprising news, stating, “You all know about DNA cousins? You have a DNA cousin, dear… Tony Gonzalez is your DNA cousin. How’s that for a Christmas present?”
Whoopi Goldberg was left in disbelief, her mouth agape as she exclaimed, “That’s my cousin?” Regaining her composure, she eagerly extended an invitation to the former NFL star, saying, “Cousin Tony, come see me here. We’d like to have you here at The View. Tony Gonzalez, come on!”
While Gates did not specify the exact degree of the familial relationship between Goldberg and Gonzalez, he did provide some historical context. He mentioned that in 1873, Goldberg’s ancestors were granted more than 100 acres of land in Florida as a result of an application following the Homestead Act of 1862. This was a significant achievement, as only a minority of African Americans had their claims accepted by the government at that time.
Tony Gonzalez, on the other hand, is celebrated for his incredible 17-year career in the NFL. He achieved numerous accolades during his time on the field, including six First-team All-Pro nominations. Furthermore, he was honored with selections to both the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Gonzalez’s remarkable career saw him play for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons, where he caught 111 touchdowns and amassed over 15,000 receiving yards. His contributions to the sport earned him a well-deserved place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.