Antonio Gates
Inducted:
2025
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
255 lb (116 kg)
Born:
June 18, 1980
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Position:
Tight End
College:
Eastern Michigan (1999–2000)
Kent State (2001–2003)
Antonio Gates went from undrafted college basketball player to one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Signed by the San Diego Chargers in 2003 without playing a down of college football, Gates quickly became a dominant offensive weapon. His combination of size, agility, and basketball-style body control made him nearly impossible to defend in the red zone.
Over his 16-season career (2003–2018, all with the Chargers), he recorded 955 receptions, 11,841 receiving yards, and 116 touchdowns — the most career TDs by a tight end in NFL history when he retired. Gates was an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, redefining the tight end position. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, his impact was undeniable.
A surefire future Hall of Famer, Gates' legacy is cemented as one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends the game has ever seen.
Gates's Awards and Honors
- 3× First-team Associated Press All-Pro (2004, 2005, 2006)
- 2× Second-team Associated Press All-Pro (2009, 2010)
- 8× Pro Bowl (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team (2009)
NFL Records
- Most career receptions: 955
- Most career receiving yards: 11,841
- Most career receiving touchdowns: 116
- Seventh tight end with 500+ career receptions[114]
- Kent State Golden Flashes men's basketball No. 44 retired
- Ninth player, and second tight end, to catch 100+ career receiving touchdowns
- Most career receiving touchdowns by a tight end: 116
NFL Teams
San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (2003–2018)
NFL Draft:
2003: undrafted
Number Worn:
85
NFL Stats
Seasons:
16 (2003–2018)
Games Played:
236
Games Started:
190
Receptions:
955
Receiving Yards:
11,841
Receiving Touchdowns:
116
Fumbles Recoveries:
8