Antonio Gates Named AFC Player of the Week

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates’ impressive three-touchdown performance in Sunday’s win over the Seattle Seahawks is getting the national attention it deserves.

Gates was named the AFC’s Player of the Week after his seven-catch, 96-yard game in the upset at home.

Not surprisingly, the veteran was humble in talking about receiving the award for the first time in his illustrious career.

“Awards don’t tell the tale for what this team is about,” Gates said on Wednesday. “Anytime an individual accepts an award, you have to think about the other guys that helped put him in that place. To me, when we win something we talk about us going out together.”

He now has 90 career touchdown receptions, good for 11th all-time and second only to Tony Gonzalez among tight ends.

“It all comes down to that line protecting Philip,” Gates said, continuing to deflect the credit. “He’s constantly been believing in me over the past 11 years and that was no exception.”

Every touchdown catch on Sunday was of the highlight reel variety, but the third one stood out – not only as the game winner, but as an incredible athletic catch. His thoughts on the play:

“Don’t let 31 hit me. That big ol’ safety coming over the middle, (No. 31 Kam) Chancellor,” he said with a smile. “In our terms in the locker room, he can lay the wood. So I wanted to stay away from him as much as possible and make a play on the ball. And it was Philip was being Philip. Having tremendous confidence in me and putting the ball where no other player could get it but me.”

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