Antonio Gates couldn't consider the notion of suiting up for another team.
The San Diego Chargers couldn't stomach the thought of seeing him in any other uniform.
Both sides knew a deal would get done, but that didn't make the reality any less sweet when the tight end officially agreed to terms on a two-year contract.
"This is a dream come true to finish my career in San Diego," he said. "This speaks to how the team feels about me, and vice versa with how I feel about the Chargers. I didn't see it going any other way to be honest. I wanted to finish my career here. I knew it was a difficult task to do because of the odds of a player staying with one team so long. Many of the (all-time greats) in the game have finished their careers elsewhere. There are so many stories you hear when it was the other way around and it doesn't really pan out. But this team and the fans have embraced me. I'm just thankful and grateful for the opportunity to finish my career in San Diego."
What Gates has accomplished over his first 13 seasons with the Chargers is nothing short of legendary. Number 85 is the franchise leader in career receptions (844), receiving yards (10,644) and touchdown catches (104). He also ranks seventh all-time in touchdown receptions, and third among tight ends in receptions and yards.
Despite his lofty achievements, Gates focuses more on the future than the past. While acknowledging his return is a feel good story, he wouldn't continue playing if he still wasn't one of the top tight ends in the game today. Even at 35-years old, he is able to dominate like few others can.
"I don't want anybody to judge me off what I've done in the past, but instead what I am doing," he said. "Either I can get open or I can't. I was getting open when I was 22, and I'm getting open at 35 even with the double teams I face. It's simple. It's not rocket science. It is what it is. Can I still win man coverage battles? Are teams forced to double cover me? Do they have to game plan for me? It may not be as significant as it used to be, but they do. I feel like I can still put myself in a position to help the team win. Either I can do it or I can't, and I wouldn't play if I can't."
Looking ahead is nothing new for Gates. Last year was a trying season for the tight end as he was suspended the first four games of the year. When he returned, he focused fully on the present rather than previous accomplishments. Gates made a statement right off the bat, catching nine passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns including the 100th of his career.
"That was the big thing for me last year," he said. "I take such pride in myself, what I've done and the sacrifices I've made. When I came back off the suspension, I didn't want anybody to judge me off my past and those accomplishments. Your past doesn't get the job done in the present. So it's the same this year."
Gates has always valued production above all else. He wanted to be judged by his output from the moment he entered the league as an undrafted free agent with zero college experience.
"All I've ever wanted was to be judged off of what I'm doing. I asked for an opportunity when I came into this league. I was a free agent and I said, 'Look, don't give me any leeway because I haven't been playing (football). I either can get the job done as a tight end in the NFL or I can't.' That has just been my motto from day one, and it still is."
Antonio Gates has had 104 touchdowns during his career with the Chargers. Take a look at top photos of some of those 104 TD's.
Melvin Gordon takes a handoff from quarterback Philip Rivers during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Melvin Gordon scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Melvin Gordon scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Anthony Lynn watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Anthony Lynn watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Philip Rivers passes against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Philip Rivers passes against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Keenan Allen runs in front of Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Keenan Allen runs in front of Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Philip Rivers gestures at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) is tackled by Hayes Pullard during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) is tackled by Korey Toomer during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) is tackled by Korey Toomer during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) high steps into the endzone with a 9-yard scoring reception during an NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 19, 2010. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 38-13. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores on a 11-yard reception during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers on November 6, 2011. The Packers defeated the Chargers 45-38. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates, left, celebrates his touchdown with teammate Malcom Floyd during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates celebrates his touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, front, leaps into the end zone for a touchdown as Denver Broncos strong safety Mike Adams defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi )
Sunday, October 5, 2014, The Chargers are set to take on the Jets at the Q, and wear pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates scores on a 22-yard pass in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers, during their NFL football game in San Diego, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
FILE San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates crosses the goal line with a touchdown recption against the Jacksonville Jaguars in this Oct. 10, 2004 in San Diego. The former Kent State basketball player has 11 touchdowns this season and has become the go to receiver for the first place Chargers. As every Sunday passes, though, his hoops career grows more distant. Gates continues to emerge as one of the NFL's top playmakers, a seemingly unstoppable tight end who's helping power the Chargers toward a long-sought playoff berth. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates beats Pittsburgh Steelers Ike Taylor for an 11 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter Monday Oct. 10, 2005 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Melvin Gordon celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
The Chargers face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Monday Night Football showdown losing on the last play, 24-20
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Trevor Williams
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Trevor Williams
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Trevor Williams
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Trevor Williams
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Trevor Williams
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Trevor Williams
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Austin Ekeler
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Austin Ekeler
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Keenan Allen
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Keenan Allen
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Joey Bosa
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Joey Bosa
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Keenan Allen
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Keenan Allen
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Melvin Ingram
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Melvin Ingram
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Joey Bosa
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Joey Bosa
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Joey Bosa
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Joey Bosa
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Philip Rivers
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Philip Rivers
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Tyrell Williams
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Tyrell Williams
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Philip Rivers
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Philip Rivers
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Antonio Gates
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Antonio Gates
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Melvin Gordon
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Melvin Gordon
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Melvin Gordon
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Melvin Gordon
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Melvin Gordon
Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Melvin Gordon
