Not too long ago, Antonio Gates made his name as one of the better tight ends in NFL history.
For 16 seasons, he was a reliable playmaker and something of a security blanket for the Los Angeles Chargers, and he was one of former quarterback Philip Rivers’ favorite targets.
Recently, he was a special guest at Chargers training camp, and after he spoke to their current players, he was surprised to learn that he had been inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame.
the flood gates are open fr 🥹
welcome to the chargers hof, antonio pic.twitter.com/y0iPabrAPo
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 16, 2023
Gates ended his career with 11,841 receiving yards and 116 touchdowns while making the Pro Bowl eight times and the All-Pro First-Team three times.
But at one point in his life, it looked like he was going to end up starring in a different sport.
He exclusively played basketball in college, and at Kent State University he developed into a standout power forward despite standing just 6-foot-4.
He won All-American honors while leading the school to the 2002 Elite Eight, and in his senior season, he averaged 20.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists a game.
Lacking the height to play power forward in the NBA, Gates decided to give football, a sport he last played in high school, another try, and the Chargers saw enough potential in him to take him as an undrafted free agent in 2003.
He quickly became a star, not to mention a mainstay of the Bolts for many years.
Gates last played during the 2018 season, and very soon he will be eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a place that many feel he belongs in.
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