John Bates
Washington Commanders · Tight end (TE) · #87
Born Nov 6, 1997 (age 28) · College: Boise State
Drafted 2021, round 4, 124th overall by WAS at 23
Still Waters, Solid Ground
A Scorpio Sun turns pressure into fuel. Doubt him in public and he settles it on the field, quietly, and remembers it longer than you do. The Moon crossed from Capricorn into Aquarius on his birthday. Old school or new school, and both stay detached under pressure. Venus conjunct Mars. Charisma with an edge. People are drawn to him, and opponents feel him. He runs on feel, but he's anchored. Emotional range up top, a solid floor below.
- Ox energy means grinding strength. Hard to tire out, harder to move off his spot. Yin Fire is the candle, not the bonfire: focused heat that lasts.
- A life path 7 trusts what he's studied more than what he's told.
- Between the lines: dependable with a feel for the game. The kind of player coaches trust in big spots.
▸ Full chart read
- Mars in Sagittarius gives him a high-risk, high-reward style. He'll take the shot.
- Born under a first quarter Moon. A crisis-tested competitor who thrives on decisive action.
- North Node in Virgo points him toward craft and daily discipline.
- Cardinal and fixed share his chart. He starts things and sees them through.
Placements
- Fire 20%
- Earth 40%
- Air 0%
- Water 40%
- Cardinal 40%
- Fixed 40%
- Mutable 20%
Aspects in the chart
- Venus conjunction Mars
The 2026 season
He's in his Saturn return, the astrological coming of age: more responsibility, harder questions, and a clearer sense of who he is. The Rams on Sun, Nov 8, two days into his new solar year. First game of a fresh personal cycle.
- Saturn returnMay 8 to Oct 22
- Jupiter square natal SunAug 21 to Sep 18
- Birthday game: vs Los Angeles Rams, Nov 8 (2 days after his birthday)
Transits use a 3° orb (5° for returns). Listed ones are in range at some point during the regular season; exact dates are within the season.