Antonio Gates reflects on record-setting career ahead of 2025 NFL Hall of Fame induction

Following a historic career that included becoming the all-time leader in receiving touchdowns for a tight end, Antonio Gates will officially be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as a part of the 2025 class along with Eric Allen, Jared Allen and Sterling Sharpe!

Gates was a star for the San Diego Chargers and is considered one of the best tight ends of all time, finishing as an 8-time Pro Bowler and 5-time All-Pro. The Detroit native racked up 11,841 receiving yards and record-setting 116 receiving touchdowns.

Despite initially focusing on basketball at Kent State, Gates eventually put his attention into football and developed into the best tight end in Chargers history. Now, Gates will be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame amongst the greatest football players ever.

"You're always optimistic that things will go in the right direction," Gates said on a live broadcast of the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday. "But never in a million years did I think I would be here standing in Canton, Ohio being a Pro Football Hall of Famer."

2025 NFL Hall of Fame inductees

Eric Allen (6-time Pro Bowl cornerback)

Jared Allen (5-time Pro Bowl defensive end)

Antonio Gates (8-time Pro Bowl tight end)

Sterling Sharpe (5-time Pro Bowl wide receiver)

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