Itzhak Perlman Headlines Great Neck Park District’s Summer Concert Series
3 days ago
United States Antonio Gates transitioned from a celebrated college basketball player to an NFL legend, becoming the all-time leader in receiving touchdowns for a tight end. After not playing college football, he established a distinguished 16-season career marked by consistent performance and numerous records.
Watson partnered with Antonio to craft a brand that highlighted his leadership, philanthropy, and vision for giving back to the community.
Edly Student Loans, through NILLY, officially partnered with NFL legend Antonio Gates. As a NILLY brand ambassador, Gates will help promote the platform's mission to support student-athletes navigating the complexities of NIL.
The NFL's all-time record holder for receiving touchdowns by a tight end, Antonio Gates enters his third year as Legends Ambassador for the Chargers.
Antonio Ethan Gates Jr. was born on June 18, 1980, in Detroit, Michigan. He was a prominent basketball player in high school and college, notably leading Kent State University’s men’s basketball team to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in 2002. During his junior season, he averaged 16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. In his senior year, he received honorable mention All-American honors, averaging 20.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, earning first-team All-MAC recognition. His jersey number, 44, was retired by Kent State in 2010. Despite his basketball achievements, Gates pursued a career in professional football, a sport he had not played collegiately, signing as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2003.
During his 16-year NFL career, spent entirely with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers from 2003 to 2018, Gates established himself as one of the league’s most exceptional tight ends. He quickly rose from a third-string player to a starter, making his first NFL catch in Week 4 of his rookie season and scoring his first touchdown in Week 10. By his second season in 2004, Gates had a breakthrough, recording 81 receptions for 964 yards and 13 touchdowns, tying the NFL single-season record for touchdown receptions by a tight end before breaking it. He consistently earned Pro Bowl selections, with eight total appearances, and was recognized as a First-team All-Pro three times (2004–2006) and Second-team All-Pro twice (2009, 2010).
Gates holds numerous Chargers franchise records, including career receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841), and receiving touchdowns (116). His 116 receiving touchdowns are the most all-time for a tight end in NFL history. He was also a critical component of Chargers teams that made several playoff appearances, leading the team in receiving eight times. In 2020, Gates officially announced his retirement from professional football and took on the role of Legends Ambassador for the Los Angeles Chargers. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025, a testament to his remarkable career and unique journey into the NFL.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
