What has been one of the greatest careers for a tight end in NFL history has now come to a culmination. Antonio Gates has announced his retirement after spending the past 16 seasons with the Chargers.
The announcement came on social media Tuesday and was typically heartfelt from the passionate eight-time Pro Bowler.
An undrafted free agent out of Kent State back in 2003, Gates made a career out of nothing after starring as a collegiate basketball player.
Catching passes from the likes of Drew Brees and Philip Rivers throughout his career, Gates put up 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns in 236 career games. He’s also the NFL’s all-time leader in touchdowns from the tight end position.
What a career it has been for Mr. Gates. We wish him the best in his post-football life. It’s no doubt that he’ll be just as successful as we saw on the gridiron.