Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates are among the best tight ends to ever play in the NFL. They suited up against one another in epic AFC West matchups for years. Their careers crossed paths in more ways than one.
With Gonzalez now retired and likely set to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame next year, he’s offering advice to his younger counterpart.
“I’d probably be done,” Gonzalez said of the free agent tight end, via TMZ Sports. “I probably would hang them up), but that’s me.”
The Los Angeles Chargers decided to move on from Gates during the spring after 15 seasons with the franchise. But once starter Hunter Henry went down with a season-ending injury, the Chargers’ brass seemed interested in brining Gates back. That has not yet come to fruition.
Gates, 38, has slowed down big time in recent years. Last season alone, the eight-time Pro Bowler recorded just 30 receptions for 316 years. This represented Gates’ worst totals since his rookie campaign all the way back in 2003.
Despite this, Gates is still interested in playing. Unfortunately, he has received absolutely zero interest in free agency. That’s probably why Gonzalez is recommending retirement.