Gates, who caught 116 touchdown passes in a 16-year career spent entirely with the Chargers, is elected alongside defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe and cornerback Eric Allen.

It didn't take long for Antonio Gates to transfer his Kent State basketball dominance to the NFL. Now he's headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Antonio Gates was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday. Before it was officially announced to the public, Gates’ former teammate and Chargers great LaDainian Tomlinson surprised him with the big news. “It’s my honor to welcome you into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025,” Tomlinson said.