Antonio Ethan Gates (born June 18, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for the San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers during his entire career in the National Football League (NFL). He was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and was a six-time All-Pro selection. He retired on January 14, 2020, after 16 years with the Chargers.

Antonio Gates took one of the more unusual paths to the National Football League. The San Diego Chargers signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2003 with modest expectations, considering Gates did not play a down of college football.

2 days ago · Antonio Gates has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, becoming the second Kent State alumnus to earn football's highest honor, joining linebacker Jack Lambert who was enshrined in 1990. ... Despite never playing college football, Gates signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2003, beginning ...

21 hours ago · Antonio Gates went from a Kent State University basketball standout to a star tight end with the NFL's Chargers to a legend who has attained football immortality in Canton. Gates, 44, is among ...

Checkout the latest stats for Antonio Gates. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.

Antonio Gates. Position: Forward 6-3, 240lb (190cm, 108kg) Hometown: Detroit, MI Schools: Eastern Michigan (Men) and Kent State (Men) More player info

20 hours ago · Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe were voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the smallest induction class in 20 years. ... After he transitioned from college ...

21 hours ago · Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe have been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the smallest induction class in 20 years following offseason rule changes meant to make it harder to get inducted. ... He played only basketball in college before turning into one of the NFL’s top tight ends after being drafted by ...

Jan 2, 2025 · Antonio Gates’ journey from Kent State basketball standout to NFL greatness has moved one step closer to football immortality. The former Golden Flash has been named one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, while his fellow Kent State alumnus James Harrison did not advance from the semifinalist round.

Gates played basketball rather than football in college. [10] [8] He originally enrolled at Michigan State University wanting to play football under then-coach Nick Saban as well as basketball under coach Tom Izzo .