NEW ORLEANS — Former Chargers tight finish Antonio Gates was elected to the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame on Thursday, introduced in a four-man class that additionally consists of Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe.
Gates spent his whole 16-year profession with the Chargers, turning into an icon at his place with an NFL-leading 116 receiving touchdowns. After he transitioned from school basketball at Kent State, the undrafted free agent and former energy ahead turned the Chargers’ franchise chief in receptions, yards receiving, and receiving touchdowns.
“Collectively, it’s actually so laborious to explain in phrases,” Gates mentioned throughout one in all his quite a few interviews after the announcement. “The factor I give you most is it’s simply an incredible feeling. I’m so blissful. It’s like a world of weight off my shoulders. I lastly made it. I lastly reached the top of sports activities.”
In his second 12 months of eligibility, Gates was launched on stage in New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre by his former Chargers teammate and fellow Corridor of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. Present Corridor of Famers wrapped Gates in bear hugs as he strode throughout the stage. Former Baltimore Raven linebacker Ray Lewis grasped either side of Gates’ face with a large grin on his face.
The four-person class was the smallest in 20 years. Former Rams star large receiver Torry Holt and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning have been among the many finalists who didn’t make the lower.
When he noticed Dean Spanos within the press tent earlier than sitting for a information convention, Gates, sporting a pink and blue plaid blazer with navy slacks, wrapped the Chargers proprietor in a hug.
“Lastly,” he mentioned.
“Get pleasure from it,” Spanos responded.