Chargers great Antonio Gates was among 15 modern-era finalists named on Wednesday for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Gates never played college football despite initially enrolling at Michigan State with the hopes of playing basketball and football. He transferred to two schools before ending up at Kent State.
This is where he helped the Golden Flashes reach the Elite Eight of the 2002 NCAA tournament. He switched to football after graduation, signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003.
Little did many know when Gates entered the league that he would go on to be one of the best to play the sport and revolutionize the tight end position.
Gates finished his 16-year career, all with the Bolts, with 955 receptions for 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns. His 116 touchdown receptions are the most by a tight end in NFL history.
Gates was a five-time All-Pro selection and made eight Pro Bowl teams.
Gates was recently inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame.
Here are the 15 modern-era finalists:
- Eric Allen, cornerback
- Jared Allen, defensive end
- Willie Anderson, offensive tackle
- Jahri Evans, guard
- Dwight Freeney, defensive end
- Antonio Gates, tight end
- Rodney Harrison, safety
- Devin Hester, punt returner/kick returner/wide receiver
- Torry Holt, wide receiver
- Andre Johnson, wide receiver
- Julius Peppers, defensive end
- Fred Taylor, running back
- Reggie Wayne, wide receiver
- Patrick Willis, linebacker
- Darren Woodson, safety
The Class of 2024 will be unveiled before Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, NV. The class will be announced live on the “NFL Honors” telecast on February 8. They will then be enshrined in August in Canton, OH.