Antonio Gates has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, becoming the second Kent State alumnus to earn football's highest honor, joining linebacker Jack Lambert who was enshrined in 1990.
The Detroit native dominated the hardwood at Kent State from 2001-03, compiling a 52-15 record and leading the Golden Flashes to their first MAC regular-season championship. In 2001-02, he guided Kent State to a 30-6 record and a historic NCAA Tournament Elite Eight run, defeating three top-25 opponents. As a senior, Gates averaged 20.6 points per game and set a school record with 640 points, earning Associated Press honorable mention All-America honors.
Despite never playing college football, Gates signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2003, beginning one of the most extraordinary transitions in NFL history. Over 16 seasons, he revolutionized the tight end position, setting records that still stand today: 116 career receiving touchdowns (the most ever by a tight end) and an unprecedented eight seasons with eight-plus receiving touchdowns. His career numbers – 955 receptions, 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns – earned him eight straight Pro Bowl selections (2004-11), three first-team All-Pro honors (2004-06) and a place on the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
Kent State recognized Gates' impact by retiring his No. 44 and inducting him into their Varsity "K" Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, followed by his election to the MAC Hall of Fame in 2017. The Chargers inducted him into their team Hall of Fame in 2023.
Fellow Kent State alumnus James Harrison, who starred as a linebacker from 1999-2001 and joined Gates in the university's Hall of Fame Class of 2010, reached the semifinalist stage for the third consecutive year but did not advance. His NFL career included NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2008 and two Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Gates will be enshrined in Canton during ceremonies in August.
canton bound.
📺 | NFLN + FOX— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers)
Antonio Gates was surprised by LaDainian Tomlinson with the news of his Hall of Fame induction.
The moment was even more emotional, as Gates had buried his father just a week earlier. 🥹— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate)