Ole Miss Football: DeMarquis Gates signs with Redskins

Former Ole Miss football linebacker DeMarquis Gates worked hard during the limited time he spent in the AAF and now it has paid off.

DeMarquis Gates, a former linebacker for Ole Miss football and the Memphis Express of the now defunct AAF, has made it to the NFL. Thursday it was announced Gates had signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins. Gates is the third former AAF player signed by the Redskins since the AAF suspended operations on April 2nd. In Gates the Skins got a great linebacker.

Gates led the Rebels in tackles for three consecutive seasons and was also the leading tackler in the AAF. Thru eight games Gates recorded 55 stops and 5 forced fumbles. It was widely known throughout the AAF Gates was a vicious hitter and sure tackler who was hard to get blocks on. OHT followed Gates thru the short season and we watched his success.

Bad Can Turn Out Good

Ole Miss Rebels

What some football fans believed to be a bad April Fools joke a little late turned out to be true. While some players found out thru social media others found out at practices throughout the suddenly shutdown fledgling league. From what we gather it turned into a struggle for players.

Suddenly their pay was cut off and they were forced to pay housing expenses and travel expenses in order to return home. Players lost medical coverage with some being forced to pay their own medical bills for injuries suffered during the season.

What seemed like a great idea for younger players trying to make it to the professional level and players looking for a second chance turned into a nightmare. However, every cloud has a silver lining. In this case there are still 45 former AAF players who have signed free agent deals with NFL teams since April 2nd and we can be sure there will be others.

OHT wants to congratulate DeMarquis Gates on being rewarded for his hard work and we can be sure we will see DeMarquis have great success in the NFL. Hotty Toddy!