Antonio Ethan Gates (born June 18, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for the San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers during his entire career in the National Football League (NFL). He was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and was a six-time All-Pro selection. He retired on January 14, 2020, after 16 years with the Chargers.

Antonio Gates took one of the more unusual paths to the National Football League. The San Diego Chargers signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2003 with modest expectations, considering Gates did not play a down of college football.

Checkout the latest stats for Antonio Gates. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.

Antonio Gates. Position: Forward 6-3, 240lb (190cm, 108kg) Hometown: Detroit, MI Schools: Eastern Michigan (Men) and Kent State (Men) More player info

2025年1月1日 · The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for Antonio Gates pro football statistics, stats, transactions, awards, biographical data and more.

Gates played basketball rather than football in college. [10] [8] He originally enrolled at Michigan State University wanting to play football under then-coach Nick Saban as well as basketball under coach Tom Izzo .

2025年2月7日 · Antonio Gates went from a Kent State University basketball standout to a star tight end with the NFL's Chargers to a legend who has attained football immortality in Canton. Gates, 44, is among ...

2025年1月2日 · Antonio Gates’ journey from Kent State basketball standout to NFL greatness has moved one step closer to football immortality. The former Golden Flash has been named one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, while his fellow Kent State alumnus James Harrison did not advance from the semifinalist round.

2023年2月14日 · Antonio Gates led Detroit Central High to a basketball state title in 1998. He also played football there. He hooped in college at Eastern Michigan and Kent State, after Nick Saban only wanted him to play football at MSU. He carved out a great HOF career in the NFL at tight end. pic.twitter.com/R22BSLDvWj.

2012年9月12日 · Antonio Gates did not play football in college, but instead played for the Kent State basketball team all four years and was even part of the historic 2001 Cinderella season. After being told he would not succeed in the NBA due to his play style, he tried out for the San Diego Chargers and was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003.