When Philadelphia Eagles center Nick Gates suffered a devastating leg injury four years ago, many assumed his career was over. Doctors told him as much, warning that he might never step on a football field again.
Fast forward to today, and not only is Gates back, but he’s doing so on the biggest stage possible: the Super Bowl. As the Eagles prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl 57, Gates’ presence is a testament to perseverance, grit, and an unrelenting drive to prove people wrong.
Doctors Told Nick Gates He’d Never Play Again
For Gates, the road to recovery was anything but easy. In a PFN exclusive interview, he opened up about just how difficult the journey was and how close he came to never playing again.
When asked what it’s been like rebounding from the bad injury he had a couple of years ago, Gates responded, “Yeah, it was tough to get back from. For a little bit, I had doctors telling me I probably wasn’t going to be able to play football again. It was tough to hear… but I persevered through that and worked my butt off to get back to where I was.
“I really wouldn’t be back here without my guy Mike (athletic trainer Mike Baum, currently with the New England Patriots) in New York. He played a big, huge part in me getting back. He was there every day with me, working his butt off to get me better. I really wouldn’t be able to see how I’d be here without him.”
Hearing those words from doctors would’ve been enough for many players to question if it was time to hang up their cleats. A severe leg injury, doubts from medical professionals, and the grueling rehab process — it’s the kind of situation that can break a player mentally and physically. Yet, Gates refused to let it define him.
From Career Uncertainty to Super Bowl Media Day
Not only did Gates make it back to the field, but he fought his way into a vital role with one of the best teams in the NFL. Now, as he prepares to play in his first Super Bowl, the moment isn’t lost on him.
Reporter: “So four years ago, you suffered that injury. They tell you you’re never going to play again. Tonight, you’re at the Super Bowl media day. What’s that feel like?”
Gates: “I can’t even put it into words. It’s been pretty cool. I’ve been trying to take each and every day in and at a time and try not to get too high or too low. We’re here to win a football game at the end of the day. That’s where I’m trying to focus on.”
It’s a surreal moment for Gates and one that wouldn’t have seemed possible just a few years ago. His story isn’t just about making it back; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity and never giving up.
A Super Bowl 57 Rematch
As inspiring as Gates’ journey has been, he and the Eagles have business to take care of. Super Bowl 59 presents a familiar challenge as Philadelphia once again meets Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
The last time these two teams met on this stage, Mahomes led a dramatic second-half comeback to secure the Chiefs’ second title in four years. The Eagles have had that loss on their minds ever since, and now, they have a shot at revenge in the coldest way possible…preventing a three-peat.
For Gates, the journey back to football has already been a victory in itself. But now, with a Super Bowl ring on the line, he has a chance to add one more incredible chapter to his comeback story and immortalize himself in NFL history.
