Chargers News: Bolts Legend To Enter Team's Hall of Fame

Following a remarkable career with the franchise, former Charger tight end Antonio Gates will join the team's Hall of Fame later this year.

Announced for December, the pass catcher will be inducted among many other team legends after a spectacular prolonged career for the Bolts.

Former Chargers’ TE Antonio Gates, the NFL’s all-time leader in TD receptions from a tight end, will be inducted into the Chargers’ Hall of Fame on Sunday, December 10, during halftime of the Chargers-Broncos divisional matchup at SoFi Stadium.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 16, 2023

Known for redefining the conventions of his position, Gates was initially a basketball player for Kent State before signing with the Chargers to play a sport he never had in college to that point.

To his credit Gates quickly learned how to dominate in a new sport, racking up three straight first-team All-Pro selections from 2004-2006.

Towering over his competition from smaller safeties and slower linebackers, Gates racked up over 950 catches and nearly 12,000 receiving yards from his remarkable career.

Forming one of the best duos between any quarterback and pass catcher in NFL history, Philip Rivers could always rely on Gates as either a safety valve or his number 1 red zone option.

The pair combined for 116 scores in their brilliant careers, good for third all-time between any passer and pass catcher for touchdown connections.

A Pro Bowler in every single season from 2004-2011, Gates added two Second Team All-Pro nods to his three first-team selections later in his career for the 2009 and 2010 campaigns.

Pivotal to many playoff contenders, Gates' involvement with the Charger teams of both the 2000s and 2010s will forever be remembered by not just fans in San Diego or Los Angeles but across the league.

Last playing in 2019, Gates will be honored alongside fellow tight end legend Kellen Winslow and recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee former Bolts coach Don Coryell among many names in Charger history.

Congratulations to one of the best players, not just for his position but of all time in football history, for this honor!