Gates consistently provided key catches, especially on third downs, and served as a safety value for Chargers quarterbacks when plays went off script.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will welcome four new members into its exclusive fraternity this summer. Three modern-era candidates and a senior candidate will make up the 2025 Hall of Fame class that will be honored this year in Canton,

The four-person class is the first since 2005 with fewer than six inductees. Adam Vinatieri also missed out in his first chance.