Tony Gonzalez -- Sorry, Chris Paul ... NBA Guys Are Too Soft for Football (VIDEO)

Tony Gonzalez has a message for any hoops stars thinking they can make it on the gridiron -- don't try it bro -- 'cause you can't take a hit.

Tony was at LAX when we showed him video of Chris Paul running patterns against Magic guard Elfrid Payton, and asked if they'd have a shot in the NFL. TG should know ... he was a beast in football and basketball back at Cal Berkeley.

His assessment -- stick to pick and rolls, CP3 ... because even if you do haul in a pass ... "You still have to get hit when you come across the middle."

Check it out ... the future Hall of Famer talked even more trash on NBA stars' lack of toughness -- but adds there are a few ballers who MIGHT make the cut. Might.