In spite of speculation that Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates would retire at the end of this season, the Chargers legend says that he is interested in returning for another season, according to Chargers beat writer Gilbert Manzano:

“You really don’t want to end it in this fashion,” said Gates following Los Angeles' 41-28 Divisional Round playoff loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon. “When you think about what we built here, do we have an opportunity? I really believe that in my heart. Of course I would love to come back and play.”

Gates signed a one-year deal to return to the Chargers right before the regular season began.

He actually had a fine performance against the Patriots, registering five catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. However, during the regular season, the 38-year-old showed his age, catching just 28 passes for 333 yards and a couple of scores.

Gates has certainly had an interesting road to the NFL. He actually did not play college football, instead playing college basketball at Kent State University. The problem for Gates was that he was considered too much of a tweener to make the NBA, so he opted to try professional football instead.

As a result, the Chargers signed Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003.

Gates then went on to have one of the most prolific careers for a tight end in NFL history, making eight straight Pro Bowls between 2004 and 2011 and earning three consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections between 2004 and 2006. He has racked up over 1,000 yards twice in his career.