Skip to content

Chargers' Antonio Gates: 'I ain't asking to play less'

Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates isn't looking for less playing time.

Gates was quoted in a recent Sports Illustrated article as saying he played more than he expected to last season and envisioned himself in more of a situational role next season. Gates clarified those comments Friday to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego:

One thing about me is I love to compete. I want the ball. It's not a selfish act. It's more so I think I can help us win in certain situations and certain areas, particularly in man coverage. That's the competitive nature I've had in this league since I got to San Diego.

For me, to put in all this work in all these years and have the opportunity to play and say I don't want to play, I don't know where people got that from. It was probably a misquote or a misunderstanding. ... I ain't asking to play less. Every time I'm in a game, I feel like I have the opportunity to make a play. Why would I want to be on the sideline? That defeats the purpose. The only way you can contribute is by being in the game.

Gates will turn 35 in June, so preserving his body is key at this point in his career. He won't be attending the Chargers' voluntary workout program, which gets underway Monday, but that isn't out of the ordinary for Gates. He missed all of last spring and went on to score 12 touchdowns, the second-highest total of his career. 

"I have all the confidence in the world in the coaching staff," Gates said. "I do really communicate what I need to be ready. ... They know as well as I know that we're in this together. I wouldn't shortchange a teammate or coach. I want to do everything I can to help us win football games. I'm pretty comfortable with the way it is now.

"If things were to change, I would be the first one to speak up. That's a conversation me and the coaching staff would have at some point."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox