After 2024 snub, Chargers' Antonio Gates finally inducted into Hall of Fame

Oakland Raiders v San Diego Chargers
Oakland Raiders v San Diego Chargers | Jeff Gross/GettyImages

Many expected legendary Chargers tight end Antonio Gates to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he was named a finalist in the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Yet, for reasons that are still unclear, Gates was snubbed from the honor he more than deserved.

All this did was delay Gates' trip to Canton. It did not stop it.

Voters righted last year's wrong and officially inducted Gates into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which was revealed during Thursday night's NFL Honors ceremony.

Chargers' Antonio Gates inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

Gates joins eight other legendary tight ends who are already enshrined in Canton for their efforts. One of which is fellow Chargers great Kellen Winslow, who Gates surpassed in just about every metric during his time with the Bolts.

Gates finished his 16-year career as one of the greatest players in Chargers franchise history. He finished with the most receiving yards (11,841), receptions (955) and touchdowns (116) in franchise history. Gates finished with 35 more touchdowns than second place Lance Alworth, who also is enshrined in Canton for his contributions to football.

Gates is fourth all-time in receiving yards by a tight end, trailing Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and two future Hall of Famers in Jason Witten and Travis Kelce. The same trio ranks ahead of Gates in receptions while no tight end in league history has as many touchdowns as Gates. Gonzalez finished five shy.

Kelce would have to score 10 touchdowns a season and play another four years to usurp Gates for the most touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history. He has eight touchdowns combined the last two seasons.

Gates is a true pioneer for the sport who often didn't get the recognition he deserved (hence the snub in 2024), with Gonzalez stealing the spotlight. When Gonzalez retired, the likes of Kelce and Rob Gronkowski stole the spotlight from the aging Gates.

A converted college basketball player who didn't play college football, Gates' career is a true story of determination. He went from being an undrafted free agent who nobody heard of (or thought should be in the league) to one of the greatest tight ends in league history. Gates' fingerprints are all over the modern vertical tight end.

It shouldn't have taken two years but alas, it's better late than never. Antonio Gates is officially a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is right where he belongs.

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