They've been part of each other's lives since 2004.
Their names are etched together atop the record books, forever paired in football immortality.
Now, after 14 historic, memorable seasons together, Philip Rivers offered a heartfelt goodbye to Antonio Gates on Monday as he reflected on their time together.
"The first thing that pops in your head is he owns so many tight end records," Rivers said. "But to me, he'll always be one of my all-time favorite teammates. Our friendship we developed over the years from the time spent and the trust built. From the tough games, the awesome wins and all the experiences we had together. It was a unique opportunity to play with a guy like that."
In true Rivers fashion, his voice trembled with emotion and his pace picked up as he talked about all things Gates.
"It was those games when he had ribs that were hurt, a dislocated big toe and all that stuff, but you just knew he would be out there. It shows the competitor he was. There's nothing left for him to prove. He did it all. He was a championship player. On the outside, people will remember him for the catches and yards, but he was so much more than that to me. Just the day-to-day interactions that we had, and the fun we had, I couldn't be more thankful."
It's nearly impossible to discuss Rivers' career without mentioning Gates….and number 17 is adamant that he wouldn't be where he is today without the legendary tight end.
Just look at all their accomplishments.
Eighty-seven times the pair connected for a touchdown, which is the most all-time by a quarterback-tight end duo.
In fact, their 87 TDs are the second-most by any duo in NFL history, trailing only Peyton Manning-to-Marvin Harrison (112). The pair passed Steve Young-to-Jerry Rice (85) last year for sole possession of second place.
"That is special," Rivers stressed. "Speaking from a selfish standpoint, I don't know where I'd be without him. If he hadn't been here for 14 years, I don't know what my career is like. You're talking about a pretty unique opportunity to be paired with the best tight end who has more touchdowns than anybody. And then I'm able to share in many of them. It's awesome, and that part is important. It's great to have something we can share together. That part is cool and special to both of us. When you see the names like Young and Rice, Peyton and Marvin, and you see Rivers and Gates; that is special."
The two spent so much time together that they forged a bond unique from any other.
"I'll miss him, that's for sure. I'll miss those special moments that I can't really describe. It's on the field, those conversations where I'll give him just a pat here or there, but really, it's just the day-to-day. We were next to each other for years. That's what I'll really miss the most. We had a long time together. The things we would laugh about and share, we would think the same things so many times. Somebody would say something, and only he and I would look at each other and it would be, 'You didn't just think that, too!' But because we spent so much time together, we thought about so many things the same."
Rivers knows football better than pretty much anyone. Yet it doesn't take a savant to know that what Gates did in the passing game simply redefined the tight end position forever.
"On the outside looking in, you're going to think of the pivot route and corner route, and know he was the best at both of them. Not that he couldn't run many, many other routes. But those two when it comes to mind, it was just, put him at on a seven, let him run a pivot and they've got no chance."
Then there's what the team called the Gates Rule.
"For so long we had what we called the Gates Rule which was, here's the play, here's the read, *but, *remember the Gates Rule," Rivers explained. "It was that he can probably beat anybody, so if you think he's going to win, you can work it there. The Gates Rule trumped the whole white board."
So, what does Rivers consider to be Gates' legacy?
"Obviously one of the greatest Chargers of all time regardless of position. You're talking about the best tight end ever. Obviously, he has the most touchdowns of any tight end, and holds every receiving category in this organization. But he was more than that. The competitor he is was second to none. He competed in everything. If we're just sitting here arguing about a player, he's going to win the argument every time. He was just going to compete in everything. But really, when you think of him, he's obviously one of the greatest Chargers."
Check out the top 85 photos from the first 15 seasons of Gates' career.
Oakland Raiders vs. the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. The Chargers won 21-14.
Denver Broncos vs. the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. The Chargers won 48-20.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday Oct. 8, 2006. The Chargers won 23-13.
San Diego Chargers vs. the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. The Chargers won 24-21.
The San Diego Chargers go on the offensive and defeat the San Francisco 49ers, 48-19 on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at Monster Park in San Francisco. SD 48 vs SF 19.
The San Diego Chargers defeat the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium on September 17, 2006. TEN 7 vs SD 40.
San Diego Chargers vs. the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007. The Packers won 31-24.
San Diego vs. the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007. The Patriots won 38-14.
The Chargers had a season-high four takeaways Sunday which resulted in 28 points and they held Kansas City to 284 total yards in a 43-14 San Diego victory on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium.
The Chargers had a season-high four takeaways Sunday which resulted in 28 points and they held Kansas City to 284 total yards in a 43-14 San Diego victory on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium.
The same attributes that carried the Chargers to a 13-3 season failed them Sunday as they dropped a 17-14 decision to the New York Jets in a Divisional Playoff game at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, January 17, 2010.
Miami Dolphins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. The Dolphins won 19-17.
Miami Dolphins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. The Dolphins won 19-17.
Miami Dolphins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. The Dolphins won 19-17.
The Chargers did plenty of things well in a 38-13 win against Jacksonville in the home opener at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 19, 2010.
The San Diego Chargers fell for the first time this season at the hands of the unbeaten Atlanta Falcons, 27-3 on Sunday, September 23, 2012.
Five turnovers and two special teams plays doomed San Diego to another road loss after a pair of late drives stopped just shy of the goal line as the Chargers fall to the Seahawks, 27-20 on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at Qwest Field.
Sunday, Sep. 29, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Cowboys 30-21.
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores a touchdown on Sunday, Sep. 29, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Cowboys 30-21.
San Diego's defense blanketed Arizona's quarterbacks and forced three turnovers as the Chargers cruised to a big win over the Cardinals at home, 41-10 on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego's defense blanketed Arizona's quarterbacks and forced three turnovers as the Chargers cruised to a big win over the Cardinals at home, 41-10 on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium.
It was a tale of two halves. The Chargers dominated the first 30 minutes to take a 24-0 lead only to see the Broncos put up a furious rally and ultimately steal a 35-24 victory at Qualcomm Stadium on Monday, October 15, 2012.
Tennessee Titans vs San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, October 31, 2010. Titans 25 - Chargers 33.
Buffalo Bills vs. the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. The Chargers won 48-10.
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 at Arrow Head Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Chiefs 41-38.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Giants 37-14.
Sunday, Dec. 23, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 26-13.
San Diego couldn�t overcome a large early deficit as Oakland drained the clock in the second half to break the Chargers� four-game win streak and lose 28-13 to the Raiders on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates gets above the Kansas City Chiefs' defense to catch an 18 yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game won by the Chiefs 28-24 Sunday Nov. 30, 2003 in San Diego. (AP photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates dunks the ball over the goal post following his second touchdown catch during the Chargers 42-14 victory over the Oakalnd Raiders Sunday Oct. 31, 2004 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees, left, congratulates teammate Antonio Gates after the first of their three touchdown passes in the Chargers 28-20 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates, right, fights for the ball with Denver Broncos' Dre Bly as he makes a pass reception during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 24, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates #85 during an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Diego Chargers Sunday September 19, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego Ca.. The San Diego Chargers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34 - 13 in regular season week two action. (Ap Photo/ Bill Nichols)
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Carson, Calif. The Dolphins defeated the Chargers, 19-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers stretches out for a reception against the Jacksonville Jaguears during a game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on October 10, 2004. San Diego won 34-21. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) salutes after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, in San Diego. Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd smiles at left. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
San Diego Chargers Antonio Gates (85) celebrates his late fourth-quarter touchdown to set-up the tying point after against the New York Jets in the AFC wild-card game in San Diego Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005. Chargers Lorenzo Neal (41) and Justin Peelle (84) and Jets David Barrett (36) came in on the play. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers holds his hands in the air after scoring a touchdown on a 27 yard pass while defended by Jabari Greer #33 of the Buffalo Bills on November 20, 2005 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Bills 48-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) jokes with running back LaDainian Tomlinson during the Chargers' football training camp in San Diego, Saturday, July 29, 2006. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates catches a pass from quarterback Philip Rivers in front of Oakland Raiders' Michael Huff in the second quarter of their NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 11, 2006 in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates urges the crowd's cheers after he scored on a 19-yard touchdown pass from LaDainian Tomlinson during the fourth quarter of the Chargers' 21-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders in San Diego, Calif. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Jack Smith)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a pass over New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas (96) in the third quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates goes up for a 27-yard reception in front of the Kansas City Chiefs bench during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates (85) celebrates his touchdown with teammates LaDainian Tomlinson, left, and Vincent Jackson during the first half of their NFL Football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates reacts as he scores as Houston Texans' Von Hutchins walks away during the first half of their NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Diego Chargers' receiver Antonio Gates tries for the catch in the end zone as Indianapolis Colts' Gary Brackett, right, and Bob Sanders move in to break up the play during the Chargers' 23-21 victory in their football game Sunday Nov. 11, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrates a touchdown catch during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Nov. 25, 2007 in San Diego. San Diego won 32-14. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Diego Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson (21) celebrates his 31-yard touchdown run with Kris Dielman (68) and Antonio Gates during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chargers won 24-10. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates cuts back during a football game Sunday Dec. 16, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park)
Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers catches a 6 yard pass for a second quarter touchdown to give the Chargers a 31-14 lead while covered by rookie cornerback Dwight Lowery #34 of the New York Jets at Qualcomm Stadium on September 22, 2008 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Jets 48-29. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (86) and San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrate during an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Diego Chargers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. The Chargers won 41-24. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) tries to ward off Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu after a catch in an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Monday, Sept. 14, 2009 in Oakland. The Chargers won the game, 24-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) slips away from New York Giants' Aaron Rouse (26) on his way to a first down in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in San Diego. The Chargers won the game, 31-23. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates (85) is stopped during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, left, celebrates a touchdown Arizona Cardinals during first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85)celebrates a touchdown during during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates breaks free from Tennessee Titans linebacker Will Witherspoon for a 48 yard touchdown reception in the Chargers' 33-25 victory in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) runs upfield with a reception during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on December 5, 2010. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) and tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrate during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, hugs tight end Antonio Gates after Rivers threw a touchdown pass to running back Ryan Mathews during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores on a 13 yard reception during third quarter action as Denver Broncos safety Shiloh Keo (33) defends on the play in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. January 3, 2016. (Eric Bakke via AP)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates hauls in a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) during an NFL regular season game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014 in Denver. The Broncos won the game, 35-21. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a pass for a 12-yard touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015.(AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
ADVANCED FOR RELEASE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015 FILE - This Dec. 13, 2015 file photo shows San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. The San Diego Chargers will play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in what could be the Chargers final game at Qualcomm Stadium. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, file)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) has a laugh as he feigns boxing on the sideline during the NFL week 9 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 in San Diego. The Chargers won the game 31-13. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) runs from Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) after a pass reception during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) makes a pass reception between Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) and strong safety Brandian Ross (29) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) attempts to bring down San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates hugs quarterback Philip Rivers after the Chargers made the playoffs with a 27-24 overtime victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi )
Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers catches a touchdown pass thrown by Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 during the game against the Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium on September 9, 2007 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Bears 14-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, top, celebrates with teammates Kevin Haslam (70), Jeromey Clary (66) and Danario Alexander (84) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
San Diego Chargers tight end (85) Antonio Gates takes the field during player introductions before a game against the Dallas Cowboys played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/John Cordes)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) greets teammate wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) after Gates scored a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores on a touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Chargers lose 27-37 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, above, scores a touchdown over Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in San Diego. The touchdown, his 111th, ties an NFL record for touchdowns by a tight end. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, right, scores past Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Carson, Calif. The Dolphins defeated the Chargers, 19-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
The San Diego Chargers made their final road game of the season a memorable one, coming into the Meadowlands and dominating the Jets for a 27-17 victory on Sunday, December 23, 2012.
