D'Wayne Bates

During spring practice of Bates' freshman year, injuries rendered a position move from quarterback to receiver to add depth to the scout team after injuries.[3] Bates' collegiate debut came during an away game against Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium, a memorable experience for Bates, who grew up idolizing Rocket Ismail and the Fighting Irish.[2] Entering the game, Bates and the Wildcats were 28-point underdogs to the ninth-ranked Fighting Irish. In the third quarter, Bates caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Steve Schnur stretching the NU lead to 17-9. Northwestern would hold on to win and stun Notre Dame, 17-15.[4] Bates continued to excel throughout his freshman campaign, helping lead Northwestern to the 1996 Rose Bowl, where he had seven receptions for 145 yards in a losing effort. Bates finished 1995 with 49 catches and 889 receiving yards, both Northwestern and Big Ten Freshman Records. For his efforts, he was named second-team All-Big Ten.[5]

In his sophomore year, Bates continued his strong performance, proving that his freshman season was no fluke. Bates recorded 75 receptions, 1,196 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns, as Northwestern won their second consecutive Big Ten Championship. The 1,196 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns set Northwestern team records, and following the season he was named First-team All-Big Ten.[5]

Expectations for Bates were high entering his Junior season, as he was named to the prestigious preseason Playboy All-American team. However, Bates suffered a broken ankle and fibula during the first game of the season against Oklahoma Sooners football, ending his season.[6]

Bates returned for his senior season at Northwestern, where he established career highs with 83 catches and 1,245 receiving yards. He also recorded 9 receiving touchdowns. For the second consecutive year, Bates was named First-team All-Big Ten.[2]

At the time, Bates' career receptions (210) and career yardage (3,370) marks were good for second all-time among Big Ten receivers. Currently in the Big Ten record books, Bates ranks sixth in career receptions and seventh in career receiving yardage.[7] Bates' reception and receiving yardage marks set Northwestern football records, which are still intact. Bates' achievements are more impressive, when one considers that he only played three full seasons.

During the 1999 NFL Draft, Bates was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third Round as the 71st overall pick.[8][9] With the Bears, Bates was used mostly on special teams or as a backup receiver during his three seasons in Chicago (1999–2001).

Bates became a restricted free agent in 2002.[10] The Minnesota Vikings offered Bates a three year $2.85 million deal, which the Bears matched on April 3, 2002.[10] However, the Bears waived Bates the following day after failing to renegotiate his contract or trade him to another team.[10] Bates signed with the Vikings the following week.[11]

2002 was Bates' best season in the NFL, as he caught 50 passes for 689 yards and four touchdowns, more than triple of the 15 receptions Bates had as a member of the Bears. However, in 2003, Bates' production diminished as he only caught 15 passes for 151 yards.[9] During the off-season, he was sent to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was cut after just one month.[6] Following his stint in Tampa, Bates returned to Evanston to train and wait for NFL free agent offers. He retired from professional football in 2005.[2]