As athletically gifted as he’s been, Antonio Gates hasn’t been particularly defined.
But as he realizes he’s closer to the end of his career than the beginning, the Chargers tight end has changed his body this offseason to compensate.
According to Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego, and as was mentioned in the one-liners this morning, Gates has gone to a gluten-free diet, and looks leaner than at any point in his previous 10 seasons.
“I’m actually keeping my weight,” Gates said, “but it looks different.”
He hopes the new frame is going to help him stay healthier, as he’s battled foot injuries, and missed 10 games the last three seasons, going along with a dip in his statistics. That’s why he made a decision to change himself.
“It’s the motivation, man,” Gates said. “Just hearing people talk. I know you’re not supposed to listen to what people say, but there’s some collective things that got me motivated.”
The Chargers need Gates more than ever, changing offenses as they try to get quarterback Philip Rivers to the a standard he’s fallen short of in recent years as well.