Antonio Gates at HOF

Kent State Alumnus Antonio Gates Takes First Steps Toward Enshrinement

The Golden Flashes legend met with a Kent State graduate, who will play a crucial role in developing his Hall of Fame exhibit

Kent State University alumnus Antonio Gates has begun his journey to football immortality, recently visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, to meet with officials and begin preparations for his enshrinement. The former basketball standout at Kent State will become just the second Golden Flash to earn a gold jacket, joining linebacker Jack Lambert who was enshrined in 1990.

During his Canton visit, Gates experienced a unique Kent State connection, meeting with Jon Kendle, vice president of museum and archives at the Hall of Fame and fellow university alumnus. Kendle holds two degrees from Kent State: a 2004 bachelor’s in history and American history/language arts and a 2014 master’s in library and information science.

Kendle will play a crucial role in developing Gates’ Hall of Fame exhibit, drawing on his expertise in archival management and museum curation to tell the story of the tight end’s remarkable career – from Mid-American Conference (MAC) basketball star to one of the NFL’s greatest pass catchers.

Gates, a Detroit native, dominated the hardwood at Kent State from 2001-03, compiling a 52-15 record and leading the Golden Flashes to their first MAC regular-season championship. In 2001-02, he guided Kent State to a 30-6 record and a historic NCAA Tournament Elite Eight run, defeating three top-25 opponents. As a senior, Gates averaged 20.6 points per game and set a school record with 640 points, earning Associated Press honorable mention All-America honors.

Despite never playing college football, Gates signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2003, beginning one of the most extraordinary transitions in NFL history. Over 16 seasons, he revolutionized the tight end position, setting records that still stand today: 116 career receiving touchdowns (the most ever by a tight end) and an unprecedented eight seasons with eight-plus receiving touchdowns. His career numbers – 955 receptions, 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns – earned him eight straight Pro Bowl selections (2004-11), three first-team All-Pro honors (2004-06) and a place on the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s.

Kent State recognized Gates’ impact by retiring his No. 44 and inducting him into its Varsity “K” Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. He was then elected to the MAC Hall of Fame in 2017. The Chargers inducted him into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2023.

Gates, and the rest of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, will be enshrined Aug. 2 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

POSTED: Thursday, March 13, 2025 08:48 AM
Updated: Thursday, March 13, 2025 11:57 AM
PHOTO CREDIT:
Bob Christy

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