https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-tight-end-antonio-gates-040324671.html
Former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday, announced in a four-man class that also includes Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe.
Gates spent his entire 16-year career with the Chargers, becoming an icon at his position with an NFL-leading 116 touchdown catches. After he transitioned from college basketball at Kent State, the undrafted free agent and former power forward became the Chargers’ franchise leader in receptions, yards receiving, and touchdown catches.
After coming up short last year, Gates made the cut in his second year of eligibility.
“It’s really so hard to describe in words,” Gates said during one of his numerous interviews after the announcement. “The thing I come up with most is it’s just an amazing feeling. I’m so happy. It’s like a world of weight off my shoulders. I finally made it. I finally reached the pinnacle of sports.”
Gates was introduced in New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre by his former Chargers teammate and fellow Hall of Famer, LaDainian Tomlinson. Other Hall of Famers wrapped Gates in bear hugs as he strode across the stage. Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis grasped Gates’ face with a wide grin on his face.
Read more: Philip Rivers: Antonio Gates was so good, ‘The Gates Rule’ overruled our playbook
The four-person class was the smallest in 20 years. Former Rams wide receiver Torry Holt and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning were among the finalists who did not make the cut.
When he saw Dean Spanos in the press tent before sitting for a news conference, Gates, wearing a red and blue plaid blazer with navy slacks, wrapped the Chargers owner in a hug.
“Finally,” he said.
“Enjoy it,” Spanos responded.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-tight-end-antonio-gates-040324671.html
