Bolts From The Blue
After falling short in his first year of eligibility, Antonio Gates has now been named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
He should not have had to wait an extra year, but one of the greatest Chargers of all time is finally Canton bound.
On Thursday night, former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was named one of the four players to make up the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. He will enter the Hall alongside defensive back Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe (senior).
After entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State, Gates quickly established himself as one of the best at his position. He played 16 seasons, starring for both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers en route to catching 116 touchdowns, the most ever by a tight end in league history. A three-time First-Team All-Pro (2004) and two-time second-team honoree (2009-2010), Gates ended his career with the most receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in Chargers franchise history. His eight seasons with eight or more receiving touchdowns is also a record for an NFL tight end.
Gates is also a member of the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team, the Chargers’ 50th Anniversary Team, and has been enshrined in the Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame.
Not bad for a guy who never played a down of football at the college level, huh?
A year from now, Gates will have the opportunity to welcome his former teammate in Rivers to the Hall of Fame who will be in his first year of eligibility in 2026.
