Nick Gates

BIOGRAPHY

Nick Gates is a professional football player currently playing as offensive lineman for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). An incredibly hard-working and determined player, Gates’ standing in the NFL is a testament to his resilience and commitment.

Early Life

Nick Gates was born on November 27, 1995, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Details of Gates’ early-life, his family, and education are relatively under wraps. However, it’s known that his passion for football, which would later become his career, began during his high school years at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.

High School Career

Gates attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where he played both basketball and football. His prowess in football was undeniable, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been listed by Scout.com as the 20th-best offensive guard prospect in the entire U.S. Rivals.com lauded him as the third-best player coming from Nevada. He chose to play college football at the University of Nebraska over multiple offers from other schools.

College Career

In 2014, Gates redshirted his freshman year at the University of Nebraska, however, became the Cornhuskers’ starting left tackle as just a redshirt freshman in 2015. Displaying incredible talent, Gates started ten games at left tackle and was named to ESPN.com’s Big Ten All-Freshman team. He started 12 games at left tackle and one at right tackle in his Junior year at Nebraska, earning him an honourable mention All-Big Ten. In January 2018, he decided to forgo his senior year to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

Professional Career

It was a setback when Gates, unfortunately, went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. Regardless, he signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. Gates made the Giants 53-man roster as a rookie before suffering a foot injury that landed him on injured reserve, making him miss the entire season.

The 2019 season wasn’t an immediate success for Gates, either. Despite this, he continued to work on his craft and, in December, an opportunity presented itself when an injury to right guard Kevin Zeitler moved Gates up the depth chart. He stepped into his place and excelled, proving his worthiness to the team and to the Giants coaches.

Gates’s versatility was further showcased in the 2020 season when he was transitioned to center. He started all 16 games for the team, and despite it being his first time playing this position in NFL, he proved himself as a sturdy, reliable, and consistent asset. His remarkable adaptability and noticeable improvement as the season progressed, earned him a two-year contract extension worth up to $10.325 million – a significant achievement having initially started as an undrafted free agent.

Throughout 2021, Gates continued to show development and his performance was noted across the league. However, in September 2021, he suffered a gruesome multi-part fracture in his leg during a match against Washington Football Team, abruptly ending his playing for the season.

Playing Style

Gates stands out due to his raw power and aggressive playing style. He plays through the whistle and is constantly looking to finish blocks. His footwork and hand usage have improved considerably throughout his NFL career, showcasing his commitment to personal improvement. His versatility and adaptability have been widely recognized, transitioning from guard to tackle and then to center, proving that he can be a reliable and consistent player in various positions.

Personal Life

Little is known about Gates’s personal life as he prefers to maintain a private life off the gridiron. However, it’s clear from his career, that he values hard work, commitment, and resilience. His journey from being sidelined due to injury to signing a multimillion-dollar extension contract with the Giants certainly speaks to his determination to succeed and overcome obstacles.

Conclusion

Although his career has been ridden with trials and tribulations, this has failed to deter Gates from his ambitions and love for the sport. From going undrafted to becoming a key player in the Giants’ lineup, Nick Gates’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and a solid demonstration of ‘never giving up’. His journey has made him an inspiration for many young players, showing them that commitment and determination can lead to success, even in the face of adversity.