When the Giants took the field on Sept. 16, 2021, for a Thursday Night Football contest in Landover, Maryland, Nick Gates never imagined what the ensuing 410 days would bring.
The team's starting center suffered a compound fracture of his left tibia that night and endured seven surgeries before he next saw game action.
"This last year has been a journey," he answered when asked to recap the experience in one word.
When Gates went down in the first quarter at Washington, he immediately knew that something serious had happened: His lower leg was bent at a 90-degree angle. As someone whose mindset was to weather the pain and exit the field under his own power, this particular injury was unlike anything he'd persevered.
The on-field medical staff applied an air cast and carted Gates to the locker room, where he was immediately transported to a local hospital. Twelve hours later, Gates underwent his first surgery to install four screws into his left tibia.
Dr. David Helfet of Orthopedic Trauma Service at Hospital for Special Surgery described the fracture as a "high energy" injury.
"It takes a lot of force to break a big guy like that's leg at that age," he added.
With the hardware in place, Gates next withstood a complication that threated his leg altogether.
He underwent a fasciotomy to remove compartment-syndrome swelling, and he remained in a Virginia hospital for two weeks with an open wound. Every few days, he reentered the operating rooms for doctors to clean the wound and ultimately conduct a skin graft.
Gates returned to New Jersey to begin his recovery, but his path back to the football field was far from linear.
"Everybody always counted me out from day one," Gates said. "Everyone said, 'I don't know if he's ever going to play again.' First of all, I didn't even know if I was going to keep my leg or not. So, just proving to everybody that I could do it again."
Despite the encouraging X-rays, Gates still experienced pain through February, nearly five months post-injury. Doctors discovered a tibia infection, and Gates went in for a final operation to replace the rod in his leg.
He pleaded with doctors to clear him for training camp that July, but his responsibilities as a lineman were particularly strenuous against the magnitude of his injury.
Dr. Helfet lauded Gates' determination: "To get back to the elite level really would take an aggressive athlete who wanted to do that."
Gates slowly ramped up his workload, and he was positioned to make his debut in Week 8 at Lumen Field.
"I get the chills just thinking about it," he admitted.
Just before halftime, Gates did the unthinkable. He returned as a jumbo tight end and blocked for a Saquon Barkley touchdown to tie the game. As a traditionally even-keeled guy, Gates celebrated in unusual fashion.
"I'm on the ground just kicking and punching air," he said. "There's a lot of emotions going through (my head). I looked like a little child throwing a tantrum on the ground. … [The biggest takeaway is] don't look too far down the road and don't look behind you. Just control what you can control and keep taking that next step forward, putting that foot in front of the other."
View photos of offensive lineman Nick Gates.
New York Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates (65) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday Sept. 8, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 35-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates works out works out during NFL football training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) between plays during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 23-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates (65) blocks during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) blocks on a field goal attempt during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Giants 19-14. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) blocks on a field goal attempt during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Giants 19-14. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) looks on from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Giants 19-14. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates stands on the field during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday December 22nd, 2019 in Landover, Md (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday December 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants center Evan Brown (67) and New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) during an NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 32-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) runs during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 25-23. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates (65) rests during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates (65) blocks during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) and Kevin Zeitler (70) block New York Jets' Henry Anderson (96) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) signals at the line during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Bears 32-13. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates is seen during pregame of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants center Evan Brown (67) and New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) during an NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 32-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) blocks during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Bears 32-13. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) signals at the line during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Bears 32-13. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) blocks during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Bears 32-13. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) during a preseason week 2 game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, August 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65), center Evan Brown (67) prepare for the snap during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants center Spencer Pulley (77), Evan Brown (67) and offensive guard Nick Gates (65) block during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) looks to block during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) gets set prior to the snap during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Jets, 31-22. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) in action against New York Jets linebacker Jachai Polite (56) during an NFL preseason football game on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Jets, 31-22. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) in action during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Jets, 31-22. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants center Jon Halapio (75), James O'Hagan (60), Nick Gates (65)and Jon Halapio (75) during drills at the NFL football team's training camp Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) during OTA practice on Tuesday May 28, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates participates in the 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates participates in the 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (OL12) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (OL12) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates runs during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (OL12) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (OL12) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (OL12) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Nebraska offensive lineman Dwayne Johnson Jr., left, and offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) perform a drill during NCAA college football spring practice in Lincoln, Neb., Tuesday, March 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Rutgers defensive back Kiy Hester (2) watches as Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) hoists wide receiver JD Spielman, who caught a touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska running back Tre Bryant (18) is hoisted by offensive lineman Nick Gates after Bryant scored a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. Nebraska won 43-36. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) arrives to the first day of preseason football practice, in Lincoln, Neb., Sunday, July 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp (1) is hoisted by offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) after he caught a touchdown pass against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) talks to offensive lineman Christian Gaylord (56) between drills during NCAA college football spring practice in Lincoln, Neb., Tuesday, March 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) arrives to the first day of preseason practice, in Lincoln, Neb., Sunday, July 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska running back Tre Bryant (18) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) performs a drill during NCAA college football spring practice in Lincoln, Neb., Tuesday, March 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Red Team quarterback Zack Darlington (2) throws as offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) blocks White Team defensive lineman Dylan Owen (76) during Nebraska's annual NCAA college football Red-White spring game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, April 11, 2015. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) and offensive lineman Christian Gaylord (56) go through a drill during NCAA college football spring practice in Lincoln, Neb., Tuesday, March 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) and offensive lineman Christian Gaylord (56) go through a drill during NCAA college football spring practice in Lincoln, Neb., Tuesday, March 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska offensive lineman Dwayne Johnson Jr. (76) works with offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) during NCAA college football spring practice in Lincoln, Neb., Tuesday, March 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) participates in a drill on the first day of NCAA college football spring practice in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, March 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) during a week 17 regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants G Kevin Zeitler (70) and OL Nick Gates (65) during a regular season week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Offensive Line helps at the Food Bank for NYC in Harlem, New York
New York Giants Offensive Line helps at the Food Bank for NYC in Harlem, New York
Offensive Line
OLB Nick Gates (65) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
QB Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
LB Oshane Ximines (53)
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