The Chargers are expected to start contract talks soon with their superstar tight end.
Antonio Gates will enter the negotiations armed Hall of Fame statistics, a track record of playing through pain and one simple request: "Show me the money." If only it were that easy. If only Gates could separate business from sentiment.
"I've been a San Diegan for six years now, and I no longer bleed red," Gates told the North County Times. "I bleed powder blue. So any time you talk about something that's sincere to your heart, any time your soul gets involved in a situation, you know you don't want to leave it. I want to be here. I want to be a part of this. That's my stance."
Gates also is aware that tight end Kellen Winslow, Jr. agreed to a six-year, $36.1 million deal with Tampa Bay on Monday that includes $20.1 million in guaranteed money.
