Gates, a five-time AP All-Pro tight end who grew up in Detroit and attended Detroit Central, was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In honor of his achievement, the Chargers celebrated by adopting a goat in Gates's honor. The goat, a nod to the team considering Gates the "greatest of all time" tight end, is named Gatesy after him. Gatesy resides at the San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm.