Antonio Gates spent 14 of his 16 NFL seasons in America’s Finest City. Honestly, it doesn’t matter where he ended his career. San Diego football fans have something to celebrate.
Gates is a Pro Football Hall of Famer. During the NFL’s annual Honors event on Thursday night, Gates was officially announced as a member of the Class of 2025. Why it took him two years to get in is the subject of some debate.
His wait was much shorter than Eric Allen’s, but on Thursday the Point Loma grad finally got the call. The former Eagles and Raiders cornerback had 54 interceptions over a 14-year career that ended in 2001.
Allen made six Pro Bowls and was first team All-Pro after picking eight passes for the Eagles in 1989.
No tight end in league history has caught as many touchdown passes (116) as Gates, who still ranks in the top-5 at the position in every meaningful statistic. In 2023 he was inducted to the Chargers Hall of Fame and, during the ceremony, thanked the City of San Diego, causing a massive roar from the crowd at SoFi Stadium.
When he gets his bronze bust in Canton, it will not surprise anyone if most of the people on planes to Ohio to celebrate will be leaving from Lindbergh Field.
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Gates and Allen are joined in the 2025 class by former Vikings defensive lineman Jared Allen and former Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe.
In a momentous celebration of football excellence, Antonio Gates and Eric Allen have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. Their inductions honor not only their individual achievements but also their enduring impact on the game.
Antonio Gates: From Undrafted to Unstoppable
Antonio Gates’ journey to Canton is a testament to perseverance and talent. Born on June 18, 1980, in Detroit, Michigan, Gates initially pursued basketball at Kent State University, where he excelled on the court. Despite not playing college football, his athletic prowess caught the attention of NFL scouts. In 2003, the San Diego Chargers signed him as an undrafted free agent, a decision that would redefine the tight end position.
Over 16 seasons and 236 games, Gates amassed 116 touchdown receptions, the most by a tight end in NFL history. His unique combination of size, agility, and basketball-informed footwork made him a nightmare for defenders and a favorite target for quarterbacks. Gates earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
His induction into the Hall of Fame marks him as the second Kent State alumnus to receive this honor, joining linebacker Jack Lambert. Gates’ story continues to inspire aspiring athletes, demonstrating that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success.
Eric Allen: A Defensive Dynamo
Eric Allen’s election to the Hall of Fame recognizes a career defined by consistency, leadership, and playmaking ability. Born on November 22, 1965, in San Diego, California, Allen starred at Point Loma High School before playing college football at Arizona State University. Drafted in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, he quickly established himself as a premier cornerback.
Throughout his 14-season career, Allen played 217 games, recording 54 interceptions and returning eight for touchdowns. His tenure included stints with the Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders, where he consistently led his teams’ secondary units. Allen’s ability to read offenses and make crucial plays earned him six Pro Bowl selections and a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders of his era.
Allen’s induction is particularly poignant, as it comes after 19 years of eligibility, highlighting the enduring respect and admiration for his contributions to the game. His legacy serves as a benchmark for excellence in defensive play.
Celebrating the Class of 2025
Gates and Allen are joined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 by defensive end Jared Allen and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe. Sharpe’s induction is especially notable, as he and his brother, Shannon Sharpe, become the first siblings both enshrined in the Hall, underscoring the family’s significant impact on the sport.
The enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for August 2 in Canton, Ohio, where fans and peers will celebrate the careers of these outstanding athletes. Their stories of determination, skill, and resilience continue to inspire future generations of football players and enthusiasts alike.
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