He played college football at Texas A&M and was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2003.

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 was a reserve offensive lineman for the remainder of the season and playoffs, while also seeing time on kickoff coverage units.

Yates was released by the team on February 17, 2009, only to be re-signed two days later in a salary cap-related move.

[4] In 2017, Yates was hired by Bowling Green State University as their head strength and conditioning coach.

[1] On January 7, 2020, Yates was hired by the Detroit Lions as their assistant offensive line coach.