Bolts From The Blue
Antonio Gates will look to make it the second time around after being the biggest snub in 2024.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame just announced their 25 semifinalists for the Class of 2025 and two former Chargers have made the cut.
First is safety Rodney Harrison who played for the Chargers from 1994 to 2002. He ended his career with the Patriots where he played from 2003 to 2008. During his time in San Diego, Harrison racked up 760 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, 46 pass breakups, 26 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries. Harrison was named a First-Team All-Pro in 1998 and a Pro Bowl selection in both 1998 and 2001. He was later named to the Chargers’ 50th Anniversary Team.
Antonio Gates began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State University. He played zero snaps of football in college and still managed to become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He played for the Chargers from 2003 to 2018 where he was a First-Team All-Pro selection from 2004-2007. He was also named a Second-Team All-Pro in both 2009 and 2010. Unsurprisingly, he was named to the NFL’s All-2000s Team.
When his career was all said and done, Gates had amassed 955 receptions, 11,841 receiving yards, and 116 touchdowns, the latter being the most by a tight end in NFL history.
Gates was arguably the biggest snub from the 2024 finalists a year ago and it was an absolute travesty that someone with his resume and impact on the history of the NFL was not given the distinction of being a first ballot Hall of Famer. If Gates somehow is not selected this year either, we riot.
I don’t make the rules.
