Antonio Gates has announced his retirement from the NFL. Gates, who spent the entirety of his career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, announced that he had re-signed with the Chargers in order to retire as part of the organization.
from Gatesy ? pic.twitter.com/8K1OXnFaFp
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 14, 2020
Antonio Gates calls it a career.
GOAT, period. pic.twitter.com/epugVtD5ep
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 14, 2020
Rising from being an undrafted player in 2003 to being considered one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the league, Gates finished his career with 116 receiving touchdowns, an NFL record for a tight end, having been named to eight Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro teams. Gates was also featured on the NFL’s 2000’s All-Decade team, as well as the Chargers 50th Anniversary team in 2009.
Recently, Gates did not play in the 2019 NFL season, fueling speculation on his impending retirement, following initially not being expected to take the field for the Chargers in 2018, but ultimately being brought back due to an injury to starting tight end Hunter Henry.
