Antonio Gates is one of the best tight ends in NFL history. He is a red zone threat, using his size and skills to beat out smaller defenders and grab an enormous amount of TDs throughout his career. In Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, Gates needed one more touchdown to break his tie with fellow tight end great Tony Gonzalez' record for touchdown receptions for a tight end. He was able to get that touchdown, putting him in the record books, and only solidify his place as one of the games greatest talents.
Historic Game
Gates' game against the Dolphins was a very historic one.
In the first half, he caught his 900th reception of his career, which makes him the third tight end to reach that mark in NFL history. Gates, who is 37-years old, still looks like he has a lot of game left in him. It would be very interesting to see if Gates will be able to get to the 1,000 reception mark. That would be a great milestone for Gates, who didn't even play college football and came into the league as an undrafted free agent,
Gates made history in the third quarter when he caught a 7-yard pass from longtime QB Phillip Rivers. Gates now stands alone in history, having 112 touchdown passes. Gates was greeted by his teammates who piled on top of him in the end zone. It was a tough moment for San Diego fans, as they were probably watching but not happy that Gates broke the record as an L.A Charger.
Everyone in the stadium could appreciate Gates' greatness, as he has been the most consistent tight in history.
Unique Story
Gates didn't take the conventional road to the NFL history books. Gates was a basketball star at Kent State and never played a down of football during his time there. He joined the Chargers in 2003 and has been scoring touchdowns there ever since.
Phillip Rivers has relied on Gates so many times and Gates hasn't let him down. He has been in the league for such a long time, many forget about how he was mainly a basketball player turned tight end. Gates has started that trend as many tight ends in the game today come from a basketball background in college.
Gates isn't only one of the greatest tight ends in history, but also one of the greatest receivers overall.
He sits sixth in total reception touchdowns behind Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, and Marvin Harrison. He has an entire season to gain ground on these great receivers, but even if he doesn't catch another pass in his career, Gates will go down in history as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history.
