Antonio Gates Had Heartbreaking Message After Hall-Of-Fame Snub

Gates, a pioneer that paved the way for modern-day tight ends, was widely expected to be a part of the list. The 43-year-old couldn’t hide his disappointment when he was left off it.

Former Los Angeles Chargers Great Antonio Gates Felt Like He Let His Support System Down

Gates spoke to Josh Peter of USA Today while in Las Vegas to discuss feeling let down by the Hall of Fame selection committee. But Gates highlighted that the bigger letdown was him letting down the the names and faces that supported him throughout his 16-year journey.

“I feel like I let the people who went through the journey with me down,’’ Gates said, via USA Today. “You know, like your family. The people who understands what’s beneath the surface, all the work you put in, the coaching staffs, the players who played with you. They’re like, ‘What?’ So I think that’s one of those things where you think, man, in due time we’ll get there, man.’’

Antonio Gates’ Impact On The Tight End Position Cannot Be Denied

Gates helped revolutionize the tight end position with his play. From 2004 to 2011, the former Chargers star tallied eight straight seasons with at least 700 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of those seasons.

Gates’ influence will arguably be on full display on Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers face off at Super Bowl LVIII. Gates and a few other tight ends of his time walked so that guys like Travis Kelce and George Kittle could run, spread their wings even, and date world-famous pop stars.

Gates’ first-ballot case may have been hurt by the 4-game suspension he served for PEDs during the 2015 season. But given Gates’ body of work over nearly two decades of quality football, he’s almost a lock to make it sooner rather than later.