Sixteen seasons "After 16 seasons in the NFL, 16 seasons as a Charger, eight Pro Bowl appearances, and numerous records set, I find it difficult to formally put this statement out and retire from the game of football," Gates said in a statement. "However, with my health being what it is and me not wanting to risk it anymore, I have made the decision to call it quits." At age 36, he finished with 930 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. Gates was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round (87th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He spent his first six seasons with the team before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2007. He returned to San Diego in 2008 after winning the Super Bowl with the New York Giants. His career ended after four games this season due to hip and thigh injuries. He finished with 105 catches for 1,409 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's the all-time leading receiver in school history and one of just three players to score at least 100 points during their college career (Kent Graham, Mike Horan). Antonio Gates played in 160 games over 16 years in the NFL, finishing with 17,278 total yards from scrimmage and 200 touchdowns.