COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) – Antonio Gates had never been to a Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony before last weekend, when he traveled to watch longtime teammate LaDainian Tomlinson’s stirring induction.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ veteran tight end came away from Canton excited for his friend, inspired by Tomlinson’s speech and newly motivated for the final chapters in his own career, which seems likely to end up in the same place.
Gates returned to practice with the Chargers on Tuesday in Costa Mesa after taking off to Ohio for the weekend.
“To me, it’s a lifetime achievement award,” Gates said. “It’s an honor to be around the other Hall of Famers. I embraced it all with the energy and the idea that one day I could have the chance, the opportunity to wear that jacket. But needless to say, I don’t look too far ahead. I’ve still got things that I’m focused on this season. I’ve still got goals with the Chargers.”
The 37-year-old pass-catcher is easing into his 15th NFL season with a light workload in the opening weeks of camp, but he vows to be ready for the start of his only NFL franchise’s relocation campaign next month.