Kent State’s very own Antonio Gates was one of four members selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame class this year. He is one of four members that had their name called.

Gates was a 16-year tight end in the NFL, making eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro nods.

His entire career was spent with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, where he amassed 116 touchdowns in his career and is the franchise leader in receptions (955) and receiving yards (11,841).

Gates made the transition from college basketball to the NFL after playing his junior and senior years on the Kent State men’s basketball team (2001-2003).

In 2002, the Flashes went to the Elite Eight round of March Madness, the furthest they’ve ever made it in the tournament. Gates also made All-Mid-American Conference Second-Team after averaging 16 points and eight rebounds per game that season.

In the 2003 season, Gates got First-Team conference honors when he boosted his scoring averages up to over 20 a night.

Those teams also reached milestones like winning its first MAC regular season title in school history.

On Feb. 27, 2010, Kent State retired the number 44 that Gates wore as a member of the Flashes.

Gates revolutionized the jump from college basketball to the NFL and shocked many on how effective he was in both sports.

Joined by linebacker Jack Lambert, Gates is the only other Kent State member in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“What an honor it is to be able to celebrate Antonio’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” said Kent State Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randale Richmond. “One of the most elite offensive players of all time and truly a trailblazer of the tight end position. Antonio really solidified the pipeline potential of dominant college basketball student-athletes successfully transitioning to the NFL. It’s an honor for Kent State Athletics to be associated with that level of greatness and accomplishment.”

Andrew Gold is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].