Chargers tight end Antonio Gates needs two touchdowns in Sunday’s game against the Chiefs to move past Tony Gonzalez and into first place for most touchdown catches by a tight end. But the 36-year-old says that isn't the motivation to keep playing beyond this season.
"When you stop having fun and you’re not able to compete the way you want to compete, to me when your desire kind of goes away (it’s time)," Gates told reporters Wednesday (via the team's website). "That’s not the case really for me at this point. I’m still having fun.
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"I still love to complete. The desire to win and play football is still there. As of right now, and things can change (because) that’s a long time from now), I’m definitely planning on coming back.”
If the Chargers don't decide to cut Gates' $4.5 million off the books, the 2017 season will be his 15th in the NFL. While he has evolved into more of a mentor for rookie tight end Hunter Henry, who is tied for the most TDs by a tight end this season with seven, Gates has still been productive for a struggling Chargers offense. He has 48 receptions for 493 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games this year.
"I feel great. I’m still having fun, which is more important than anything," Gates said. "I love the guys in the locker room. To me, that’s a staple of whether or not I would return."