the fourth tight end in NFL history to surpass 10,000 yards in career receiving yards. He finished the season with 12 touchdowns, becoming the fourth player in league history to catch 12 or more touchdowns in a season at age 34. His teammates voted him the Chargers' Offensive Player of the Year and he was invited as an alternate for the Pro Bowl, but declined. 2015 season On July 2, 2015, it was announced that Gates would be suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL's rules on performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). On October 12, 2015, in his first game back after from a four-game suspension, Gates scored his 100th and 101st career touchdown receptions. He would finish the season with 630 yards and five touchdowns on 56 receptions. On March 9, 2016, Gates signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the Chargers. 2016 season Gates played in 14 games in 2016, starting nine. He caught 53 passes for 538 yards and scored seven touchdowns. His 10.3 yards per reception and 57% completion percentage were the lowest of his career. 2017 season In Week 2, against the Miami Dolphins, he caught his 112th career touchdown pass, which set a new NFL record for most touchdowns as a tight end. Following the emergence of second-year tight end Hunter Henry as a starter, Gates only started four games and finished with 30 receptions for a career-low 316 yards and three touchdowns. On April 27, 2018, the Chargers informed Gates they would not be bringing him back for the 2018 season. 2018 season On September 2, 2018, Gates re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers following an injury to Hunter Henry. In Week 4, against the San Francisco 49ers, he scored his first receiving touchdown of the season. Retirement Gates announced his retirement on January 14, 2020. He ended his career with a record 116 touchdown catches by a tight end, including 89 thrown by Rivers for the most ever by a quarterback–tight end duo at the time. He also finished as the Chargers' franchise leader in receptions (955) and receiving yards (11,841). In 2020, Gates announced he was joining the Los Angeles Chargers front office as Legends Ambassador. Records and awards Seventh tight end with 500 career receptions. Number 44 retired by Kent State. Ninth player, and second tight end, to catch 100 career receiving touchdowns.