Nick Gates has left the Philadelphia Eagles after he was released by the Super Bowl victors - despite being hailed by fans for his antics during the team's homecoming parade.
The 29-year-old spent just a single season at Lincoln Financial Field, making nine appearances in total, with just one of these outings coming from the start. Prior to this, Gates served as New York Giants captain before a season-ending lower-leg break brought his campaign to a close in 2021.
Following his recovery, he eventually joined the Washington Commanders in 2023 before his release saw him join Philadelphia as a free agent the following year. After being placed on the Eagles' injured reserve list as a result of a groin issue, he missed the Super Bowl as his teammates defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans.
Following on from the team's success at Caesars Superdome, it has now been announced that fan favorite Gates has departed following just a single season in Pennsylvania. A statement from the Eagles read: "The Eagles released offensive lineman Nick Gates on Tuesday.
"Gates was signed by the Eagles during Training Camp as a veteran insurance option with 41 career regular-season and playoff starts across four of the five starting offensive line positions before arriving in Philadelphia. He originally entered the league as a rookie free agent with the Giants in 2018 and joined the Commanders for the 2023 campaign.
"He suited up in nine games for the Eagles this season, starting the regular-season finale at center. Gates suffered a groin injury in the prep for the Super Bowl and was placed on Injured Reserve."
The center caught the eye during the Eagles' triumphant homecoming parade in the days following their historic Super Bowl win. Pictured shirtless, while enjoying pizza and cans of beer upon the team's return to Philadelphia, it was clear that Gates was in the mood to celebrate the team's success despite missing the Big Game.
After being snapped making the most of the the festivities, one well-wisher commented: "Nick Gates will be remembered forever in Philadelphia for two things: 1) Negating Will Shipley’s epic first rushing TD of his NFL career with a holding penalty 2) Going shirtless for the Super Bowl LIX victory parade."
A second fan said: "Nick Gates!! A legend in the Cold! 32 degrees out and Greeting fans without his shirt, as a third fan praised the team's cult hero, saying: Nick Gates is the man lol no shirt on the whole parade in 30 degrees. He had a blast. Played one game and got a ring. Good on him."
Meanwhile, a fourth fan remarked: "We will always have eating pizza and being shirtless at the parade," as a fifth fan then added: "Thank you Nick Gates for your contributions to our success this season. Go be great!!"
