San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates probably could have been a successful basketball player, but elected to try his hand at the NFL instead. The Chargers took a flyer on him back in 2003 when he was an undrafted free agent, and the rest is history.
Gates was a pioneer of sorts, as he was one of the first dynamic, pass-catching tight ends to alter how the position would be played from there on out. His 6’4″, 260-pound frame allows him to outmuscle defenders in the red zone and makes him tough to bring down, but his athleticism and leaping ability help him high-point the football in the air.
He’s a special player, and special players do special things. Gates caught his 100th career touchdown pass in Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with this 12-yard grab.
History made. With this catch, @AntonioGates85 joins @TonyGonzalez88 as the only TEs with 100 TD grabs. #MNF http://t.co/sMz5r0d4u4
— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2015
Gates and Tony Gonzalez are the only tight ends in the 100-TD club. Will Jimmy Graham (53) ever join them?