It all began 10 years ago in Week 1 of the 2006 season.
Making the first start of his NFL career, Philip Rivers fired only 11 passes as the San Diego Chargers beat the Oakland Raiders 27-0. One of those was a touchdown strike to Antonio Gates, sending the quarterback into a frenzy.
"He and I laugh about our first touchdown," Rivers reminisced. "I only threw 11 passes. He may have only had one or two catches, and one of them was a touchdown. We were on the three-yard line and it was one of those little goal line passes. I was obviously super excited. It wasn't my first touchdown because I had thrown one to Malcom (Floyd) two years before, but it was my first touchdown to Gates and as a starter. It was Monday Night Football, and I was obviously super excited. So I was fired up and ran up to him and said, 'Hey, that's the first of many' and he was like, 'Man, get out here!' We laugh about that now because it was the first of many, so we look back at how far we've come."
The pair has gone on to connect for 77 touchdowns to become the most prolific QB-TE combo in NFL history. They now get the chance to extend their record as Gates agreed to a two-year contract that will allow him to end his career with the Chargers.
"I hate to lose any free agent, but losing Gates would have been rough," Rivers said. "I'm thankful that he'll get to finish it here, and I get to be a part of it. It's exciting to have him back. I didn't see any way we were going to not bring him back, but it is good to see it become a reality."
Number 85 has achieved numerous milestones over his already legendary career. The franchise leader in career receptions (844), receiving yards (10,644) and touchdown catches (104), Gates ranks seventh all-time in TD receptions and third among all tight ends in total receptions and receiving yards.
However, his biggest milestone is perhaps yet to come.
Gates is only seven scores shy of tying Tony Gonzalez' record for most touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history. The significance of that milestone is not lost on Rivers.
"That milestone would be unreal. You think about where he came from. Obviously he had the talent, but he comes in having not played college football as a free agent, and now has the chance 14 years in with the same team to catch more touchdowns than anybody in the history of the position. I don't want to put the cart before the horse, because it's going to take some work to do to get it done, but it's unreal. It's a compliment to him and the work he's put in."
While Rivers and Gates have forged one of the most successful working relationships in NFL history, number 17 cherishes their personal relationship even more. Their lockers have been side by side for over a decade, and they've shared some of life's major milestones alongside one another.
"We've been in the same spot for 13 years, and it's crazy. We come from two different parts of the country and have different backgrounds in the sense that he played college basketball and so on. Like all of us in this locker room we have different stories, but yet we have such similar traits in our competitiveness, our love of the game and our love of people. He's just a genuine guy. His friendship probably means more than all we've accomplished playing together, but it is a combination of both that makes it as special as it 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
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Week 6: LAC vs. OAK - Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 - Keenan Allen
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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
