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Antonio Gates Becomes First Pro Football Hall of Famer Without College Football Experience

It crowns a 16-year career that set the tight end touchdown record, reshaping how NFL teams evaluate athletes.

Aug 2, 2025; Canton, OH, USA; Pro Football Hall of Fame-Class of 2025 enshrinee Antonio Gates gives his acceptance speech at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Aug 2, 2025; Canton, OH, USA; Pro Football Hall of Fame-Class of 2025 enshrinee Antonio Gates gives his acceptance speech at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Aug 1, 2025; Canton, OH, USA; The Class of 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates and Sterling Sharpe at the Gold Jacket Dinner at Canton Memorial Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Gates was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 in Canton, Ohio, on August 2.
  • He transitioned from a standout basketball career at Kent State University, where he helped reach the 2002 NCAA Elite Eight, to signing as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2003.
  • Across 236 games in 16 seasons with the Chargers, Gates amassed 955 receptions for 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns.
  • He earned eight consecutive Pro Bowl honors from 2005 through 2012 after catching 13 touchdown passes in his second NFL season.
  • His pioneering success has prompted NFL teams to increasingly recruit former basketball players for the tight end position.