Bates (born December 4, 1975 in Augusta, Georgia) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League.
Bates played three seasons with the Chicago Bears (1999-2001) and two with the Minnesota Vikings (2002-2003).
Bates is best known for his achievements as a collegiate player at Northwestern University where he played for Big Ten Championship teams in 1995 and 1996.
Bates was a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten performer (1996 and 1998) and still holds a majority of the NU season and career receiving records.
He is currently the athletic director at Glenbard East High School in Lombard, Illinois.