Education
Cates attended California University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2001 without ever missing a game in his four-year career.
Cates attended California University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2001 without ever missing a game in his four-year career.
He had 5,647 total yards, a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) record, on 937 carries, 63 rushing touchdowns and 386 total points, all school records. He was an All-American for the last two years of his college career and he led the PSAC in rushing for three of his four seasons. A 1999 and 2001 All-American, Cates was drafted into the university"s Athletic Hall of Fame in his first eligible year.
Cates made his professional debut in 2006 after signing a contract with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.
He dressed for 17 of the Stampeders" 18 regular season games, but he did not get much playing time. He finished the season with only 25 rushing attempts for 181 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching 21 passes for 286 yards and one touchdown.
Just before the 2007 season began, Cates was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Cates immediately turned into a fan favourite and a hero to many with his speed and determination.
He ran for 866 yards on 153 carries, caught 45 passes for 452 yards and scored five touchdowns.
In 2008, Cates rushed for 1229 yards, amassed 451 receiving yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Prior to the 2009 Canadian Football League season, Cates underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and had been considered questionable to start the 2009 Saskatchewan Roughriders season. In February 2012, after 6 Canadian Football League seasons, Cates was not offered a new contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
2006 – Signed as a free agent by the Calgary Stampeders
2007 – Traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for Rob Lazeo and a conditional draft pick.