Los Angeles Chargers great Antonio Gates was officially enshrined as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 class at NFL Honors. Before that much-deserved reveal, though, Gates himself found out about it in a heartwarming fashion.

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.

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