The Union-Tribune San Diego believes it’s “likely only a matter of time” before the San Diego Chargers resign free agent Antonio Gates.
Gates has played his entire NFL career in a Chargers’ uniform. He is the Chargers’ career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. On October 12, 2015, he became the second tight end and ninth player overall to record 100 career touchdown receptions.
Gates enrolled at Michigan State University, wanting to play football under then-coach Nick Saban as well as basketball under coach Tom Izzo. When Saban told him he wanted him to play only football, Gates chose basketball, transferring to Eastern Michigan University. He played there part of a season, subsequently at two junior colleges, and eventually two seasons at Kent State University.
As a Golden Flash, Gates played two seasons as power forward. His senior season his team won its first regular season Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship in school history. Gates helped the Golden Flashes win their second consecutive MAC tournament, earning a berth in the 2002 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament.
In the NCAA tournament he helped Kent State reach the Elite Eight as a 10 seed. His jersey number, 44, was retired on February 27, 2010, making him just the fourth Golden Flash to receive the honor.
After being told by scouts that he was too much of a “tweener” to make the NBA, Gates arranged a workout in front of NFL scouts.
Despite never playing football in college, as many as 19 teams were believed to have contacted Gates about a tryout. Gates chose to work out first for the San Diego Chargers. Recognizing his potential, the Chargers signed him to a contract as an undrafted free agent.
Gates is more valuable to the Chargers than any other team. In addition to his chemistry with Philip Rivers, he’s a great clubhouse presence.
The question is, at age 36, whether he’ll split playing time with free agent Ladarius Green.
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