San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates said he’s starting to feel like his old self in an interview Monday. Although he conceded he’s still not 100% following a painful and recurring case of plantar fasciitis over the past two seasons – an injury which sidelined him for three games last season and six games the previous season – he made it clear that his foot had improved significantly.
Last year, Gates wasn’t cleared for physical activity until training camp due to his ailment. This year, he’s not only participating in the off-season workouts, he’s competing in a recreational basketball league in his spare time.
Often considered by NFL experts as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, Gates has recorded 593 receptions for 7,783 and 76 touchdowns in his illustrious nine-year career in San Diego. Gates joined the Chargers undrafted out of Kent State in 2003 and has been voted to the Pro Bowl for eight consecutive seasons.
