Through 14 seasons, Antonio Gates has authored one of the finest careers in NFL history.
Currently tied with Tony Gonzalez for the most touchdown catches ever by a tight end with 111, he chuckles when thinking how his career-defining moment will occur in Los Angeles. Gates realizes it is a moment that can galvanize a fan base, providing a unique memory in the team's first season in L.A.
"It's funny," he says, taking a deep breath. "All my memories were in San Diego, but probably the biggest moment of my career will be in L.A. I hope Los Angeles embraces that and gives us the opportunity to prove we are a good football team. At the same time, I have so many memories in San Diego that I just really want to thank all the fans (there) who have supported me and supported this team over the years. Hopefully, you will continue to do that going to L.A."
Gates' record-breaking touchdown figures to be a defining moment of the Bolts' first season in Los Angeles. However, he believes it will be just the tipping point in what can be a special season for the team.
As the Chargers return for the start of the offseason program, number 85 looks around the locker room and can't help but get excited. He sees a ton of potential, yet knows that only gets the team so far.
That's why the soon to be 37-year old plans to be around more during the offseason than recent years.
The program is voluntary, and Gates has traditionally trained on his own to prepare for the season. But with a new head coach in place, he felt it is more prudent to spend this offseason at the facility.
"I felt it was time to change things up," he explained. "Every year, I have a situation where I come in with the idea of changing things up and doing something different. This year I said to myself that I wanted to come in and do a little more with the team. Obviously I'd always come around in the past still here and there and get acclimated with the guys, but this year I want to be more of a part of what is going on because we have a new coaching staff. We have a new conditioning coach."
These new faces invigorate Gates, who stresses he needs to prove himself all over again despite a resume worthy of the Hall of Fame.
"They know of Antonio Gates, but they don't *know *Antonio Gates," he said. "They may have known from a distance, but they don't know me as a person. So I am trying to do what I need to do to show them who I am, and what they can expect from me."
Presenting your 2017 Los Angeles Chargers.
Chargers lose 27-37 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium.
Miami defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arkansas punter Toby Baker punts the ball during the NFL football scouting combine on Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Temple wide receiver Adonis Jennings is fouled by Wake Forest cornerback Brad Watson during the first half of the Military Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016 in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Cardale Jones works out prior to an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Chargers lose 10-23 to the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium
Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Chargers lose 16-19 against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium.
MOBILE, AL - SEPTEMBER 20: Place kicker Younghoe Koo #9 of the Georgia Southern Eagles kicks the ball off during their game against the South Alabama Jaguars on September 20, 2014 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The Georgia Southern Eagles defeated the South Alabama Jaguars 28-6. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
Purdue wide receiver Cameron Posey makes a catch against Notre Dame during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Indianapolis, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) throws a warm up pass during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Denver. The Broncos won the game 27-19. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Chargers lose 16-19 against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers lose 19-27 against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Stadium at Mile High.
The Chargers battle the Raiders in the first divisional game of the season but fall short, 37-29
Chargers lose 34-35 to the New Orleans Saints at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers win 38-14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium.
The Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins in the final home game of the 2015 season 30-14.
Chargers win 43-35 against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium
Chargers lose 10-23 to the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium
Chargers win 43-35 against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium
Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenjon Barner (34) rushes against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday Sept. 25, 2016, Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Steelers 34-3. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Chargers win 43-35 against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium
Chargers lose 16-28 to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
Chargers lose 24-31 to the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers win 21-13 against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers win 43-35 against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium
Sunday, December 14, 2014, The Chargers host the Denver Broncos in their week 15 match-up at the Q.
Carolina Panthers safety Tre Boston (33) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, September 8, 2016. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
San Diego Chargers fullback Derek Watt (34) is upended by Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis (51) during an NFL game on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Baylor cornerback Ryan Reid (9) celebrates with the team after their 49-7 win against Kansas in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Iowa defensive back Desmond King runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Monday, March 6, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Chargers beat the Lions 33-28 in a comeback win for the regular season home opener.
Chargers lose 16-28 to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
Oklahoma State wide receiver Jalen McCleskey (1) catches a pass while covered by Kansas cornerback Brandon Stewart (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Chargers practice in preparation for Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Chargers practice in preparation for Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chargers lose 27-37 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium.
FILE - In this Sept. 11, 2014 file photo, Brigham Young defensive back Michael Davis (15) carries the ball in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game against Houston, in Provo, Utah. Davis has been charged with misdemeanor counts of assault and riot after a July dispute over a parking spot. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
CORRECTS CHARGERS PLAYER TO MATT WEISER, INSTEAD OF MICHAEL DAVIS - Los Angeles Chargers tight end Matt Weiser, right, hauls in a pass as Seattle Seahawks defensive back Bradley McDougald, left, and strong safety Delano Hill, center, defend during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Diego Chargers running back Andre Williams during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Chargers lose 16-19 against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego Chargers long snapper Mike Windt (47) plays during a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, in San Diego. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Chargers lose 34-35 to the New Orleans Saints at Qualcomm Stadium.
Gardner-Webb takes on Big South Conference foe Presbyterian in football action at Ernest W. Spangler Stadium on Saturday, October 08, 2016 in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.
Virginia Tech quarterback Jerod Evans, right, fumbles as Notre Dame linebacker James Onwualu attempts to tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chargers lose 28-21 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers win 33-30 against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome.
Chargers win 33-30 against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome.
Chargers win 43-35 against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego Chargers linebacker Korey Toomer (56) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, January 1, 2017. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers 37-27. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Chargers win 21-13 against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium.
South Florida linebacker Nigel Harris (57) tackles SMU running back Braeden West (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, in Dallas. South Florida won 35-27. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Seattle Seahawks' Kyle Coleman stretches during the team's NFL football training camp Saturday, July 30, 2016, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Vanderbilt quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) celebrates with Barrett Gouger (56) and Jake Bernstein (53) after McCrary scored on a 2-point conversion against Georgia in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. Georgia won 31-14. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Chargers lose 21-31 to the San Francsico 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego Chargers guard Donavon Clark (63) runs during a week 1 preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 27-10. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indiana offensive lineman Dan Feeney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
San Diego Chargers offensive tackle Brett Boyko (67) blocks during the Chargers 2016 NFL minicamp football practice held on Tuesday, June 15, 2016 in San Diego. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Chargers win 43-35 against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium
Utah offensive lineman Sam Tevi runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Chargers win 43-35 against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium
Chargers lose 27-37 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers lose 10-23 to the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium
Chargers lose 17-20 to the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) gets set in a two point stance during the 2016 NFL week 14 regular season football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won the game 13-10. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Western Kentucky offensive lineman Forrest Lamp runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Chargers lose 27-37 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers lose 22-26 to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Missouri tight end Sean Culkin runs towards the end zone during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, in Jonesboro, Ark. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Da' Ron Brown (1) during a preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Clemson wide receiver Artavis Scott runs a drill during the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, March 4, 2017 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Chargers lose 17-20 to the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Chargers lose 27-37 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers lose 16-19 against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego Chargers tight end Jeff Cumberland (87) warms up prior to a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, in San Diego. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Rutgers wide receiver Andre Patton runs to the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of the Quick Lane Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Chargers win 43-35 against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium
Chargers lose 16-19 against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers lose 22-26 to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Chargers win 21-13 against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers defeat the Arizona Cardinals in week 2 of preseason 22-19 with a last second field goal
Chargers lose 24-31 to the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers lose 34-35 to the New Orleans Saints at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers practice in preparation for Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chargers lose 27-33 to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Notre Dame defensive end Isaac Rochell runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Chargers lose 31-34 to the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum.
