The talk nationally before the season started was San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was done. At 34 years old, Gates had slowed down, was injury prone and could no longer consistently create separation as he did in his younger years.
Gates rightly took offense to those comments, using them as fuel in putting together one of the most productive seasons in his 12-year career. The Kent State product finished with 69 receptions for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns – the most TDs since his second season in 2004.
“It’s hard to finish your career that way – in Arrowhead not playing your best football,” Gates said. “I’m definitely trying to win a championship. I think more important than that, this coaching staff and the organization has built the foundation where we have an opportunity to win a championship.”
Those are Pro Bowl numbers, but Gates finished as a first alternate for the annual all-star game, the story said. Gates is scheduled to make $5.9 million in 2015, the final year of a six-year, $40 million deal he signed in 2010. Gates played a full, 16-game season for a second straight year, and for the sixth time in his 12-year career. Gates was a top TE plays most weeks, and for the most part produced solid fantasy numbers for owners.
