Saban's former athlete left college basketball to ultimately secure NFL Hall of Fame induction
Antonio Gates, a former basketball player turned NFL tight end, had an extraordinary career with the San Diego Chargers. His journey, marked by unconventional beginnings, tenacity, and sheer talent, paved the way for future stars like Travis Kelce and George Kittle.
Gates initially enrolled at Michigan State University under Coach Nick Saban, but a disagreement over giving up basketball led him to transfer to Eastern Michigan University. It was at Kent State University that Gates found his stride, achieving honorable mention All-American honors as a power forward. He only transitioned to football professionally after college, signing as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2003 [1][2][4].
Despite being undrafted, Gates received interest from 19 teams and signed a two-year deal with the Chargers worth $537,000, with only $7,000 in guarantees [3]. His first season with the team was challenging, as the Chargers finished with a 4-12 record. However, Gates' impact was undeniable, and he quickly became a dominant force in the NFL.
Gates' success as a basketball player turned NFL tight end has caused NFL teams and scouts to look at college basketball players differently. His physical traits and athleticism, which suited the NFL tight end position well, opened doors for others like Jimmy Graham, who credits Gates for paving the way for him to play in the NFL [5].
Gates' career statistics are impressive, with 955 receptions and 11,841 receiving yards, making him the Chargers' franchise leader in both categories [6]. He also holds the record for touchdown catches by a tight end with 116 [7].
Throughout his career, Gates expressed gratitude towards the city of San Diego for their support. He felt a strong connection to the city, as co-host of the Locked on Chargers podcast, David Droegemeier, noted that Gates felt like he was from San Diego [8]. Gates is also thankful to former Chargers tight ends coach Tim Brewster and Marty Schottenheimer for giving him an opportunity to play in the NFL [9].
Current Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh believes that Gates changed the tight end position for good. His unique combination of size, speed, and skill redefined the role, setting a new standard for future tight ends [10].
Despite a storied career, Gates retired in 2020 without ever having made the Super Bowl. However, his impact on the game, both on and off the field, is undeniable. His career began and ended with the Chargers, helping to usher in a new era for the franchise [11]. Gates started at the bottom and fought his way to the top, creating opportunities for future stars in the process.
- Antonio Gates' journey, beginning as a basketball player and ending as a successful NFL tight end with the San Diego Chargers, has inspired other athletes to transition to American football.
- Gates' transition from basketball to football was not traditional, but his physical traits and athleticism made him a dominant force in the NFL, opening doors for players like Jimmy Graham to follow in his footsteps.
- Despite being an undrafted free agent, Gates' career statistics with the San Diego Chargers are impressive, ranking him as the franchise leader in receptions and receiving yards, and holding the record for touchdown catches by a tight end.
- Gates was grateful for the support he received from the city of San Diego during his career, feeling a strong connection to the city as co-host of the Locked on Chargers podcast.
- Gates' impact on the game of American football goes beyond his career statistics, as he changed the role of the tight end and set a new standard for future players in the NFL.
