Wednesday, July 23, 1997

Bill Bates, the Cowboys eternal flame, is back again

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

AUSTIN (AP) - Old Bill Bates chuckles at the very thought he could be playing for the Dallas Cowboys another 15 years.

"My kids want me to play as long as possible," said Bates, sweat pouring off his oak-hard 213-pound frame following a long workout at St. Edward's University. "Hopefully when they're out of college and running kickoffs, I'll be running down there with them."

The 36-year-old Bates was kidding about still playing football a decade from now.

Or was he?

How humorous would it be to see the elder Bates alongside a younger Bates running downfield on a kickoff team?

He has been bent, broken and battered as the Cowboys special teams ace. He's been on the potential cut list at every training camp since he made the team as a free-agent rookie in 1983.

But the fiery Bates, who has played for every coach the Cowboys have had, always win a job with his hustle and determination. He leads the NFL in concussions and special team tackles. He's had a fractured left wrist and a damaged knee, all the same season.

But Bates, who has twice been named NFL special teams player of the year, takes the hits and keeps on playing.

"He's an example of what hard work can accomplish," said Dallas coach Barry Switzer. "He's a leader by example."

Once again Bates is playing for the NFL veteran minimum of $275,000 and happy as a lark to be doing it. No current NFL players have been with their team as long as Bates and offensive lineman Mark Tuinei (also 15 years) have been with the Cowboys.

"I love football," Bates said. "I even love training camp. I can't imagine what I'd be doing without it. I'm a throwback to a time when players almost played for free. If I didn't have a family, I'd probably do it."

Bates, who owns a ranch, could ranch, but would rather not. Several years ago, he tried the restaurant business but got out of it.

Football is what he does best. That and having children. There are triplets in the Bates clan.

Bates said in the off-season that this year would probably be his last. He's already recanted this retirement.

"In the last four or five years, I came into camp saying it could be my last one," Bates said. "I'm at the point where I can't play forever. Toward the end of the season, we'll see if I still want to play next year and they still want me. It would be tough on me to leave the game."

Bates has hinted that when he retired he could come back immediately as a coach.

"I'd really miss the game," he said.

Bates, who played in his 200th game last Thanksgiving, missed two games last year with a groin injury.

He looks fit and ready to go again, except for a little hair loss.

But Bates has that figured out, too.

"When I wear a ball cap, I look as young as ever," Bates said.

And he does.