No reward needed for Gonzalez’s act of heroism

Hometown NFL star tight end Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs is known for his valor on the field. But now he’s getting attention for a different kind of heroism: saving a man’s life with the Heimlich Maneuver while he was at dinner in Huntington Beach.

Gonzalez, a Huntington Beach High School alumnus, said he was dining at Capone’s Cucina, 19688 Beach Blvd., July 3 with his wife, daughter and brother when someone at the next table screamed, “He’s choking!”

Ken Hunter, the “he” in question, had a piece of filet mignon lodged in his throat, witnesses said.

Hunter was turning blue, and the panic on his face was visible, Gonzalez said.

“I got up and got behind him, and I gave him the good old Heimlich Maneuver,” he said.

“Then a piece of meat popped out. The whole thing was unreal, unbelievable.”

During applause throughout the restaurant, Hunter tried to show his gratitude by paying Gonzalez’ tab, but the Chiefs star would have none of it.

“I told him absolutely not, that I didn’t need anything in return,” he said.

Gonzalez never received any training in the maneuver, but he said he followed his instincts and what he had seen on TV.

He downplayed the importance of his act.

“It felt kind of corny when they clapped,” he said. “I’m no hero. It’s something that I was glad to do.”

As for Hunter, he told the media he was a San Diego Chargers fan, but would root for Gonzalez from now on.

MIKE SCIACCA may be reached at (714) 966-4611 or at [email protected]. MICHAEL ALEXANDER may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or at [email protected].