Jump to content

Antonio Gates

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Antonio Gates
refer to caption
Gates with the Chargers in 2016
Los Angeles Chargers
Position:Legends ambassador
Personal information
Born: (1980-06-18) June 18, 1980 (age 44)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school:Central
(Detroit, Michigan)
College:Kent State (basketball)
Undrafted:2003
Career history
As a player:
As an executive:
  • Los Angeles Chargers (2020–present)
    Legends ambassador
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:955
Receiving yards:11,841
Receiving touchdowns:116
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Antonio Ethan Gates (born June 18, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for the San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers during his entire career in the National Football League (NFL). He was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and was a six-time All-Pro selection. He retired on January 14, 2020, after 16 years with the Chargers.

Gates was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball for the Kent State Golden Flashes. He attended college at Kent State University in his junior and senior years after brief stints at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University.[1] He is the Chargers' career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.[2] In 2015, he became the second tight end and ninth player overall to record 100 career touchdown receptions.[3] He ranks seventh in career touchdown receptions, with 116, and leads all tight ends in NFL history. Gates is considered one of the best tight ends and undrafted free agents in NFL history.[4][5][6][7]

Early life

[edit]

Gates was born in Detroit,[8] where he played high school football at Central High School.[9]

College career

[edit]

Gates played basketball rather than football in college.[10][8] He originally enrolled at Michigan State University wanting to play football under then-coach Nick Saban as well as basketball under coach Tom Izzo. Upon enrolling, he learned that Saban wanted him to play only football.[11] Gates then chose to pursue playing basketball by transferring to Eastern Michigan University. He played there part of a season before transferring to the College of the Sequoias, a junior college in California, to focus on academics. Recruited by Stan Heath, Gates transferred to Kent State University in northeastern Ohio.[12]

As a member of the Golden Flashes, Gates played two seasons as power forward. In his junior season he averaged 16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.[13] His junior season his team won its first regular season Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship in school history after finishing the regular season with a 24–5 overall record with a 17–1 record in the MAC.[14][15] Gates helped the Golden Flashes win their second consecutive MAC tournament and earn its resulting berth in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. In the tournament, he gave crucial performances that helped Kent State reach the Elite Eight as a 10 seed by upsetting 7 seed Oklahoma State (69–61), 2 seed Alabama (71–58) and 3 seed Pittsburgh (78–73).[16]

During his senior season, he received honorable mention All-American honors from the Associated Press after averaging 20.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He finished with a record of 54–16 in two years of playing.[17]

His jersey number, 44, was retired on February 27, 2010, making him just the fourth Golden Flash to receive the honor.[18]

Professional career

[edit]

After being told by scouts that he was too much of a "tweener" to make the NBA, Gates (6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m)) arranged a workout in front of NFL scouts. Despite never having played college football,[19] 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 immediately signed him to a contract as an undrafted free agent.

2003

[edit]

Lost in the disappointment of San Diego's league-worst 4–12 record was Gates' rise from third string to starter.[20] He made his first catch in Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders, scored his first touchdown in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings, and enjoyed his first 100-yard receiving game (117 yards) against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.[21] Gates caught 24 passes for 389 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.[22] His 16.2 yards per reception were the highest of his career.[23]

2004

[edit]

Gates started off the 2004 season strong with eight receptions for 123 receiving yards in a 27–20 victory over the Houston Texans.[24] In Week 5, he had two receiving touchdowns in a 34–21 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.[25] In Week 8, against the Oakland Raiders, he had another game with two receiving touchdowns in the 42–14 victory.[26] In the following game, he recorded three receiving touchdowns in a 43–17 victory over the New Orleans Saints.[27] Gates had his third consecutive game finding the endzone in the next game against the Oakland Raiders with an eight-catch, 101-yard day in the 23–17 victory.[28] In the following game, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had two receiving touchdowns in the 34–31 victory.[29] A preferred target of quarterback Drew Brees, Gates finished his second season in the NFL with 81 receptions for 964 yards and 13 touchdowns.[30]

On December 19, Gates tied the NFL single season record for touchdown receptions by a tight end (12) in a 21–0 win over the Cleveland Browns.[31] He went on to break this record in an overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts on December 26.[32]

Gates was selected to the 2005 Pro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors.[33][34] Gates scored a touchdown in the Wild Card Round overtime loss to the New York Jets.[35]

2005

[edit]

On August 23, 2005, after holding out for a contract extension, Gates signed a six-year deal worth up to $24 million with the San Diego Chargers.[36] Because of his holdout, Gates was suspended for one game–the home opener against the Dallas Cowboys, a loss.[37] In Week 8, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had ten receptions for 145 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns in the 28–20 victory.[38] In the following game, he had eight receptions for 132 receiving yards in the 31–26 victory over the New York Jets.[39] In Week 14, he had 13 receptions for 123 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in the 23–21 loss to the Miami Dolphins.[40]

Gates went on to have another stellar season, catching 89 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, but the Chargers missed the playoffs by a single win.[41][42] He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors.[43][44]

2006

[edit]

With the departure of Drew Brees during the offseason, it was assumed that Gates would suffer a decline in production in 2006, with first-year starter Philip Rivers at the helm. Gates had a relatively quiet start to the season, but he finished the year strongly and ended up with 924 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.[45] He caught two touchdown passes on December 10 in a 48–20 victory the Denver Broncos to help the Chargers clinch their division.[46]

Gates was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro for the third straight year.[47][48] Undefeated at Qualcomm during the regular season, the Chargers and their fans anticipated a trip to the Super Bowl but they were beaten by the New England Patriots at home by the score of 24–21 in the Divisional Round.[49][50]

2007

[edit]

Gates started off the 2007 season with nine receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown in the 14–3 victory over the Chicago Bears.[51] In Week 3, he had 11 receptions for 113 receiving yards against the Green Bay Packers.[52] In Week 5, against the Denver Broncos, he had seven receptions for 113 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the 41–3 victory.[53] In Week 8 against the Houston Texans and in Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, he had two receiving touchdowns in each game.[54][55]

For his 2007 season, Gates was selected to the Pro Bowl.[56] During the season, he caught 75 passes for 984 yards and nine touchdowns.[57] He was once again a key factor during the Chargers' 11–5 campaign, but not during the playoffs. Gates dislocated a toe on his right foot just before the postseason, which slowed him down during the Chargers' playoff run.[58]

Gates was not the only Chargers star player injured: both LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers had leg injuries which hindered the Chargers' chances of reaching the Super Bowl. However, the Chargers did eventually play in the AFC Championship, which they lost 21–12 to the New England Patriots.[59]

2008

[edit]
Gates in 2008

Gates said he was leaning toward having surgery to repair a dislocated left big toe that slowed his performance during the 2007–08 NFL playoffs, but was undecided on whether to have surgery or not, "There is higher chance I'm going to have surgery". Gates also pulled out of his fifth Pro Bowl selection[60] because of his injuries alongside his teammate LaDainian Tomlinson. Gates finished the season with 60 receptions for 704 yards and eight touchdowns.[61]

On February 23, 2008, Gates said he would have foot surgery to fix the injury that had slowed him in the final part of the season.[62] He would face a 4–6 month recovery time. Gates seemed questionable for Week 1 and even sounded worried about his status for the opening day of the 2008 season; however, he ended up playing every game despite complaints that his toe was bothering him during the first half of the season.[citation needed]

2009

[edit]

In Week 4, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gates had nine receptions for 124 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 38–28 loss.[63] In Week 12, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had seven receptions for 118 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 43–14 victory.[64] In the following game, he had a season-high 167 receiving yards on eight receptions in the 30–23 victory over the Cleveland Browns.[65] He closed the season out with four consecutive games with a receiving touchdown. Finally healthy after consecutive injury-plagued seasons, Gates enjoyed the most productive year of his career. He caught 79 passes for a career-high 1,157 yards and eight touchdowns.[66] He was named to his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl.[67]

The team finished the year with 13 wins, one of the best records of the year.[68] However, they were eliminated in their first postseason game by the New York Jets in the Divisional Round.[69]

2010

[edit]

Gates began the 2010 season by signing a five-year, $36 million contract with $20 million guaranteed.[70] In Week 2, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he recorded two receiving touchdowns in the 38–13 victory.[71] In Week 4, against the Arizona Cardinals, he had seven receptions for 144 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 41–10 victory.[72] In the first nine games of the 2010 season, he had 40 receptions and nine touchdowns.[73]

Despite being limited by foot injuries throughout the second half of the 2010 season, Gates earned a Pro Bowl selection for his seventh consecutive year; however, as a result of his lingering injuries, Gates did not participate in the game.[74][75][76] He was ranked 22nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.[77]

2011

[edit]

Gates tried to play through his chronic foot problems but was forced to sit out Weeks 3–5.[78][79] He came back after the bye week and started every game the rest of the way. In Week 14, against the Buffalo Bills, he had two receiving touchdowns in the 37–10 victory.[80] He finished with more than 60 catches (64) for the seventh time in his career. He also scored seven touchdowns and was voted into his eighth Pro Bowl.[81][82] Gates became the Chargers' all-time receptions leader on a six-yard catch on a fourth-and-5, early in the fourth quarter against Detroit. It was his 587th career catch, surpassing Charlie Joiner's 586.[83]

2012

[edit]

In Week 6, Gates had two receiving touchdowns in a 35–24 loss to the Denver Broncos, on a night where the Chargers held a 24–0 halftime lead.[84] Gates had another record-breaking season, becoming the fifth tight end in NFL history with 600 career catches and runner-up for most touchdowns in Chargers franchise history with 83.[citation needed] The tight end and his quarterback Philip Rivers connected for a total of 56 touchdown catches, the most out of any quarterback-tight end combination in the NFL.[citation needed] He was ranked 73rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.[85]

2013

[edit]

Gates had two games on the season going over the 100-yard mark, Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles and Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.[86][87] played all 16 games for the first time since 2009, finishing with 70 receptions (77) for the fourth time in his career. However, Gates only scored four touchdowns, his fewest since his rookie season in 2003.[88]

2014

[edit]

In Week 2, against the Seattle Seahawks, Gates had three receiving touchdowns in the 30–21 victory.[89] He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his game against Seattle.[90] Gates passed Lance Alworth to become the Chargers' career leader in receiving yards in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos.[91] In the season's final game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he became the fourth tight end in NFL history to surpass 10,000 yards in career receiving yards.[a] He finished the season with 12 touchdowns, becoming the fourth player in league history to catch 12 or more touchdowns in a season at age 34.[b] His teammates voted him the Chargers' Offensive Player of the Year[93] and he was invited as an alternate for the Pro Bowl, but declined.[94] He was ranked 52nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.[95]

2015

[edit]

On July 2, 2015, it was announced that Gates would be suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL's rules on performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).[96] On October 12, 2015, against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first game back after from a four-game suspension, Gates scored his 100th and 101st career touchdown receptions.[97] He finished the season with 630 yards and five touchdowns on 56 receptions.[98] On March 9, 2016, Gates signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the Chargers.[99]

2016

[edit]

Gates played in 14 games in 2016, starting nine. The emergence of rookie tight end Hunter Henry affected Gates's production.[100] He caught 53 passes for 538 yards and scored seven touchdowns. His 10.3 yards per reception and 57% completion percentage were the lowest of his career.[101]

2017

[edit]

In Week 2, against the Miami Dolphins, he caught his 112th career touchdown pass, which set a new NFL record for most touchdowns as a tight end.[102] Following the emergence of second-year tight end Hunter Henry as a starter, Gates only started four games and finished with 30 receptions for a career-low 316 yards and three touchdowns.[103]

On April 27, 2018, the Chargers informed Gates they would not be bringing him back for the 2018 season.[104]

2018

[edit]

On September 2, 2018, Gates re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers following an injury to Hunter Henry.[105] In Week 4, against the San Francisco 49ers, he scored his first receiving touchdown of the season.[106] He finished the 2018 season with 28 receptions for 333 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in 16 games and one start.[107]

In what would be his final NFL game, Gates recorded a receiving touchdown in the 41–28 loss to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.[108]

Retirement

[edit]

Gates announced his retirement on January 14, 2020.[109] He ended his career with a record 116 touchdown catches by a tight end, including 89 thrown by Rivers for the most ever by a quarterback–tight end duo at the time.[110] He also finished as the Chargers' franchise leader in receptions (955) and receiving yards (11,841).[111]

In 2020, Gates announced he was joining the Los Angeles Chargers front office as Legends Ambassador.[112]

Records and awards

[edit]

Chargers franchise records

[edit]
  • Most career receptions: 955[117]
  • Most career receiving yards: 11,841[117]
  • Most career receiving touchdowns: 116[117]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2003 SD 15 11 24 389 16.2 48 2 1 1
2004 SD 15 15 81 964 11.9 72 13 0 0
2005 SD 15 15 89 1,101 12.4 38 10 0 0
2006 SD 16 16 71 924 13.0 57 9 0 0
2007 SD 16 16 75 984 13.1 49 9 0 0
2008 SD 16 16 60 704 11.7 34 8 1 1
2009 SD 16 16 79 1,157 14.6 56 8 1 0
2010 SD 10 10 50 782 15.6 48 10 0 0
2011 SD 13 13 64 778 12.2 38 7 0 0
2012 SD 15 15 49 538 11.0 34 7 0 0
2013 SD 16 15 77 872 11.3 56 4 2 2
2014 SD 16 14 69 821 11.9 34 12 1 0
2015 SD 11 4 56 630 11.3 40 5 0 0
2016 SD 14 9 53 548 10.3 27 7 1 1
2017 LAC 16 4 30 316 10.5 27 3 0 0
2018 LAC 16 1 28 333 11.9 27 2 1 1
Career 236 190 955 11,841 12.4 72 116 8 6

Personal life

[edit]

Gates married his longtime girlfriend, model Sasha Dindayal, on July 9, 2011.[118] As of 2014, the couple resided in Encino, California.[119]

Gates appeared in the fourth episode of season one and the final episode of season six of The League.[120][121]

Gates has a son, Antonio Gates Jr., who is (as of 2022) a freshman wide receiver for the Michigan State Spartans.[122]

Gates appeared on a season 27 episode of The Bachelor (American TV series).[123]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The other three tight ends were Tony Gonzalez, Shannon Sharpe, and Jason Witten.[2]
  2. ^ The others were wide receivers Cris Carter, Marvin Harrison, and Terrell Owens.[92]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Antonio Gates". Draft Day Picks. 2003. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  2. ^ a b Gehlken, Michael (December 29, 2014). "Antonio Gates ends year with milestone". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on December 30, 2014.
  3. ^ "Antonio Gates catches his 100th career touchdown". Sports Illustrated. October 12, 2015. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  4. ^ Williams, Eric D. (May 27, 2016). "Antonio Gates among top undrafted players in NFL history". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  5. ^ Scott, J.P. (June 21, 2022). "25 Greatest Tight Ends in NFL History". Athlon Sports. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  6. ^ Fragoza, James (October 24, 2021). "13 greatest tight ends of all time from Tony Gonzalez to Jackie Smith". Pro Football Network. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  7. ^ Brandt, Gil (June 27, 2017). "Gil Brandt's 14 greatest NFL tight ends of all time". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Miller, Jeff (January 14, 2020). "Chargers great Antonio Gates announces his retirement". San Diego Union Tribune. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  9. ^ Clark, Zac (March 1, 2011). "Antonio Gates: A Recruiting Story Like No Other". Stack.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  10. ^ "Antonio Gates College Stats". College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  11. ^ Neumann, Thomas (December 15, 2010). "Neumann: Q&A with Chargers TE Antonio Gates". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  12. ^ Clark, Zac (March 1, 2011). "Antonio Gates: A Recruiting Story Like No Other". Stack. Archived from the original on April 4, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  13. ^ "Antonio Gates". Kent State Golden Flashes Athletics. Archived from the original on May 27, 2003.
  14. ^ "2001–02 Men's Mid-American Conference Season Summary". College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  15. ^ "2001–02 Kent State Golden Flashes Men 's Roster and Stats". College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  16. ^ "2002 Men's NCAA Tournament Summary". College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  17. ^ "Kent State to Retire Antonio Gates' No. 44 on Saturday". Kent State University. February 24, 2010. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2011.
  18. ^ "Former Kent State basketball star Antonio Gates retires from NFL as record-setting tight end". Akron Beacon Journal. January 14, 2020. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  19. ^ Mihoces, Gary (April 20, 2005). "NFL seeks best players on the court or mat". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  20. ^ "2003 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 15, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  21. ^ "Green Bay Packers at San Diego Chargers – December 14th, 2003". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  22. ^ "Antonio Gates 2003 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  23. ^ "Antonio Gates Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro Football Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  24. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Houston Texans – September 12th, 2004". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 4, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  25. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers – October 10th, 2004". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  26. ^ "Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – October 31st, 2004". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 22, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  27. ^ "New Orleans Saints at San Diego Chargers – November 7th, 2004". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  28. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – November 21st, 2004". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  29. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – November 28th, 2004". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  30. ^ "Antonio Gates 2004 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  31. ^ "Chargers snowball Browns". Deseret News. Associated Press. December 20, 2004. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  32. ^ "Chargers' Gates, Tomlinson set marks in loss". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 26, 2004. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  33. ^ "2004 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  34. ^ "2004 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 2, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  35. ^ "Wild Card – New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – January 8th, 2005". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 23, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  36. ^ "Chargers' Gates gets a 6-year contract". Orlando Sentinel. August 24, 2005. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  37. ^ "Gates a no-show, will sit opener". Chicago Tribune. August 21, 2005. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  38. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – October 30th, 2005". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  39. ^ "San Diego Chargers at New York Jets – November 6th, 2005". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 25, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  40. ^ "Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – December 11th, 2005". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  41. ^ "Antonio Gates 2005 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  42. ^ "2005 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  43. ^ "2005 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  44. ^ "2005 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 3, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  45. ^ "Antonio Gates 2006 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  46. ^ "Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – December 10th, 2006". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  47. ^ "2006 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 22, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  48. ^ "2006 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 22, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  49. ^ "2006 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  50. ^ "Divisional Round – New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers – January 14th, 2007". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  51. ^ "Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers – September 9th, 2007". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  52. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers – September 23rd, 2007". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  53. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – October 7th, 2007". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  54. ^ "Houston Texans at San Diego Chargers – October 28th, 2007". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  55. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers – November 25th, 2007". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  56. ^ "2007 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  57. ^ "Antonio Gates 2007 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  58. ^ "Gates works out toe at Chargers camp; Cason holds out". Patriots.com. July 22, 2008. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  59. ^ "AFC Championship – San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – January 20th, 2008". Pro-Football-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  60. ^ "2008 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  61. ^ "Antonio Gates 2008 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  62. ^ Kleiss, Peter (August 17, 2011). "San Diego Chargers: Will Antonio Gates' Plantar Fascia Ever Heal?". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  63. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 4th, 2009". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  64. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – November 29th, 2009". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 29, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  65. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns – December 6th, 2009". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  66. ^ "Antonio Gates 2009 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  67. ^ "2009 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  68. ^ "2009 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 21, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  69. ^ "Divisional Round – New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – January 17th, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  70. ^ "Chargers TE Gates agrees to 5-year extension". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 29, 2010. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  71. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers – September 19th, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  72. ^ "Arizona Cardinals at San Diego Chargers – October 3rd, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  73. ^ "Antonio Gates 2010 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  74. ^ "Antonio Gates – Injury History". Draftsharks.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  75. ^ "2010 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  76. ^ Jenkins, Chris (December 29, 2010). "Gates, Dielman, Rivers voted to Pro Bowl". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  77. ^ "2011 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  78. ^ McIntyre, Brian (September 25, 2011). "Antonio Gates Status Update: Out With Foot Injury, According To Report". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on December 28, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  79. ^ "Gates inactive again for Bolts with foot injury". The Columbian. October 1, 2011. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  80. ^ "Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – December 11th, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  81. ^ "Antonio Gates 2011 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  82. ^ "2011 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  83. ^ "The Right Combination for Antonio Gates". Chargers.com. December 8, 2016. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  84. ^ "Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – October 15th, 2012". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  85. ^ "2013 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  86. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles – September 15th, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  87. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers – September 29th, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  88. ^ "Antonio Gates 2013 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  89. ^ "Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – September 14th, 2014". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  90. ^ "2014 NFL Week 2 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  91. ^ Acee, Kevin (October 23, 2014). "Gates breaks yardage record, still going". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on December 7, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  92. ^ Gehlken, Michael (December 24, 2014). "Eric Weddle selected to Pro Bowl again". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  93. ^ Henne, Ricky (December 29, 2014). "2014 Team Player Awards Announced". Chargers.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  94. ^ Posner, Ryan (January 20, 2015). "Rivers and Gates to Sit Out Pro Bowl, Stuckey Added to Roster". Times of San Diego. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  95. ^ "2015 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  96. ^ Hanzus, Dan (July 2, 2015). "Antonio Gates suspended four games for PEDs". NFL.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  97. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – October 12th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 2, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  98. ^ "Antonio Gates 2015 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  99. ^ Brady, James (March 9, 2016). "Chargers agree to 2-year extension with longtime TE Antonio Gates". SB Nation. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  100. ^ "2016 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  101. ^ "Antonio Gates 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  102. ^ "Antonio Gates sets touchdown record for tight ends". Sports Illustrated. September 17, 2017. Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2017.
  103. ^ "Antonio Gates 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  104. ^ Woike, Dan (April 27, 2018). "Chargers let 15-year vet Antonio Gates know he won't be re-signed". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  105. ^ Henne, Ricky (September 2, 2018). "He's Back! Antonio Gates Returns to Chargers". Chargers.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  106. ^ Posey, Kyle (October 1, 2018). "Antonio Gates makes history against 49ers". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  107. ^ "Antonio Gates 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  108. ^ "Divisional Round – Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2019". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 2, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  109. ^ Patra, Kevin (January 14, 2020). "Chargers TE Antonio Gates announces retirement". NFL.com. Archived from the original on February 29, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  110. ^ "The Best Quarterback-Tight End Combo of All Time". Chargers.com. November 16, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  111. ^ "San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Career Receiving Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  112. ^ "Chargers legend Antonio Gates announces retirement". Sportsnet.ca. Associated Press. January 14, 2020. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  113. ^ Peterson, Michael (November 3, 2020). "Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates were electric for the Chargers until the very end". Bolts From The Blue. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  114. ^ "Kent State To Retire Antonio Gates' No. 44 On Saturday". Kent State Golden Flashes. February 24, 2010. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  115. ^ Williams, Eric D. (October 12, 2015). "Antonio Gates gets career TD catches 100 and 101 in season debut". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  116. ^ de la Rosa, Poch (February 14, 2023). "The Life And Career Of Antonio Gates (Story)". Pro Football History. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  117. ^ a b c "San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Career Receiving Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  118. ^ Padaon, Ernie (July 11, 2011). "Sorry Ladies, Antonio Gates Got Married Over The Weekend". Bolt Beat. Archived from the original on February 9, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  119. ^ Leitereg, Neal J. (August 21, 2014). "Chargers' Antonio Gates scores modern pad in Hollywood Hills West". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  120. ^ Mueller, Chris (December 6, 2009). "FX's "The League" Ending Season 1 With Shiva Bowl". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on August 7, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  121. ^ Catalano, Madeline (July 1, 2022). "The League: How the FX Series Perfectly Merged Sports and Comedy". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  122. ^ "Antonio Gates Jr. – Football". Michigan State University Athletics. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  123. ^ Madden, Chelsea (February 7, 2023). "'Bachelor' recap: GA woman wins big on football field and on group date. But why is she crying?". Macon.com. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Antonio Gates.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Antonio_Gates&oldid=1251782602"