Gates was widely viewed as the top LB in the USFL this spring. Gates has played for three professional football leagues. He initially joined the Browns in 2018 as an undrafted free agent but was released. He then played for Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football. Gates led the AAF with 52 tackles and five forced fumbles through eight games before the league folded. He then played in the USFL as well and he completely dominated in that league. He was widely regarded as the best defensive player in the league.