Overview

• Gates earned election to the Class of 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame after missing the 2024 ballot.
• He will be formally enshrined in Canton as the first inductee without playing a down of college football.
• Signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003, he transitioned from Kent State basketball without any collegiate football experience.
• Over a 16-year career with San Diego and Los Angeles, Gates set the tight end touchdown record with 116 receptions, including 93 in the red zone.
• His unconventional path highlighted debates over Hall of Fame criteria and inspired teams to recruit basketball athletes for the tight end position.