Former San Diego Chargers and Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time this year. He found himself as a finalist.
Most figured that one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game would be selected Thursday night. In absolutely shocking fashion, it did not come to fruition. Gates was held out from induction for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, per TMZ Sports.
This represents one of the most-astonishing snubs in the modern history of the Hall. Voters should be absolutely ashamed for leaving him off the ballot.
An undrafted free agent of the Chargers out of Kent State back in 2003, Gates played 16 seasons in the NFL — all with the Chargers. He earned eight Pro Bowl appearances and was named an All-Pro six times during that span.
Gates crossed the 70-reception threshold a total of six times. He recorded north of 900 receiving yards five times and double-digit touchdowns four times.
One of the greatest players in Chargers franchise history finished his career with the third-most receiving yards in NFL history behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten — both of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also finished third behind those two in career receptions. To make matters even more stunning, Gates is No. 1 in NFL history among tight ends in touchdown catches.
- Antonio Gates stats: 955 receptions, 11,841 yards, 116 TD
Related: Should The Los Angeles Chargers Draft A Running Back With Pick 5?
NFL World Reacts To Antonio Gates Being Snubbed For Hall Of Fame
A former teammate with Gates in Southern California, Shawne Merriman was not happy about Gates’ snub.
Others followed suit.