College After graduating from high school, Yates attended
Texas A&M University beginning in 1999. He was a reserve offensive lineman in his first two seasons, but started 20 games over his junior and senior seasons in 2001 and 2002.
National Football League Miami Dolphins Yates was signed as an
undrafted free agent after the
2003 NFL draft by the
Miami Dolphins. He made the Dolphins' 53-man roster out of training camp and saw action in three games as a reserve in 2003. He was waived by the Dolphins on September 5, 2004.
New England Patriots Yates was signed to the
practice squad of the
New England Patriots on September 11, 2004, where he spent the remainder of the regular season and playoffs until being activated for
Super Bowl XXXIX. He also began the
2005 season on the Patriots' practice squad before being activated on November 12 following the loss of starting center
Dan Koppen for the season. He was a reserve offensive lineman for the remainder of the season and playoffs, while also seeing time on kickoff coverage units. He was released on September 4, 2009.
Cleveland Browns Yates was signed by the
Cleveland Browns on September 16, 2009. He played in seven games during his first season with the Browns, but started none. In 2010 he played in nine games, starting three.
Retirement On August 15, 2011, Yates announced his intent to retire from football. ==Coaching career==