Gates consistently provided key catches, especially on third downs, and served as a safety value for Chargers quarterbacks when plays went off script.

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.

Gates, who caught 116 touchdown passes in a 16-year career spent entirely with the Chargers, is elected alongside defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe and cornerback Eric Allen.

Antonio Gates is the GOAT when it comes to the tight end position. To mark Gates’ induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Chargers are celebrating with a goat. Yes, an actual goat. Meet 'Gatesy the Goat,' who was named after the legendary Bolts tight end.

Los Angeles Chargers great Antonio Gates gets another shot at the Hall of Fame on Thursday after being robbed of first-ballot status one year ago. Gates fell short in 2024 despite being one of the names to revolutionize the position in the NFL. It was perhaps the biggest snub for the Hall since the treatment of Terrell Owens years ago.

It didn't take long for Antonio Gates to transfer his Kent State basketball dominance to the NFL. Now he's headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

During the NFL honors, which airs on FOX 11 at 9 p.m. PT on February 6, Gates was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Longtime teammate and fellow Bolts legend LaDainian Tomlinson helped welcome Gates into Canton, Ohio, during the Class of 2025 induction announcement.

Los Angeles Chargers legend Antonio Gates was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 this week. Gates, one of the best to ever play his position in the NFL, was first eligible one year ago and headlined a smaller,