Commanders C Nick Gates on facing the Giants: ‘It’s just a football game’
Washington Commanders center Nick Gates spent the first years of his NFL career with the New York Giants. An undrafted free agent in 2018, Gates made the roster but spent his rookie season on injured reserve.
In 2019, Gates played in all 16 games, making three starts. He quickly became a fan favorite. He started all 16 games for the Giants at center in 2020, and he did not allow a sack.
In 2021, Gates was named a team captain, but unfortunately, he suffered a severe leg injury against Washington, costing him the remainder of that season. He underwent multiple surgeries and made a heroic return in 2022, appearing in 10 games with eight starts.
In March, Gates signed with the Commanders, in part because Washington wanted him to be the starting center, something that appealed to Gates.
Gates remains beloved amongst New York fans and his former teammates. On Sunday, Gates makes his return to MetLife Stadium for the first time with his new team.
Does this game have any more meaning for Gates?
“Nothing, it’s a football game, you know, it is what it is,” Gates told Scott Abraham of ABC 7 after practice this week. “It’s a business, it’s part of this league. So, you’re going to move on; you’re going to go to other teams. It’ll be nice to see my old buddies, all the old training staff. Other than that, it’s just a football game.”
Has there been any trash talk so far?
“No, not yet,” Gates said before saying he needed to call Daniel Jones, who he called a good friend.
Nick Gates returning to New York!
This is a big week for the former Giants center…facing his former teammates for the first time.
Nick told me, "it's a football game, it is what it is. The business part, it's part of this league" pic.twitter.com/Hi6SpHCird
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 18, 2023
Gates reiterated there are no emotions entering this game, saying he liked everybody in New York, holds no hard feelings toward anyone, and is happy to be in Washington now.
Gates has already proven to be a leader for Washington, stabilizing the center position after the position was decimated by injuries for the past two seasons. And if there is a scuffle on the field, you’ll probably see Gates in there somewhere, sticking up for his teammates.
