The butterflies are building for Antonio Gates.
The legendary Chargers tight end is on the scene in Canton, Ohio and has a jam-packed schedule ahead of Saturday's induction ceremony.
While he'll officially get his Gold Jacket on Friday night, Gates and the rest of the Class of 2025 held a press conference Thursday afternoon.
"I've been doing pretty well but I woke up today and started feeling that surreal moment, like a game," Gates said. "I hadn't felt those emotions up to this point but they have finally came to life."
Here are the top three takeaways from Gates' media availability:
1. A lifelong Charger
Gates wore a Chargers T-shirt during his press conference, a small symbol to show his love for the team he spent his entire 16-year career with.
Gates is the Bolts franchise leader in numerous categories, including receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and touchdown catches (116).
He also ranks second all-time with 236 career games played.
Gates on Thursday said that he never envisioned playing with just one team during his NFL career, especially early on when he transitioned from basketball to football.
But the bond between the player and team grew over time, leading Gates to cement himself as one of the best players in franchise history.
"I played 16 years but it was always one year at a time," Gates said. "I was very fortunate and lucky ... but it was like building a house brick by brick.
"One year at a time. I never let my past distract me from my present and my future affect my present," Gates continued. "Every year I had to make the team and every year I had to be the best version of Antonio Gates and improve.
"Ultimately, I ended up tallying up the years," Gates added. "It was just the respect the organization had for myself and the respect for the sacrifices I was able to make."
2. Pays homage to Detroit roots
The Chargers will play the Lions in Thursday night's Hall of Fame Game, which is a unique twist in Gates' journey.
After all, Gates hails from Detroit and said the tough lessons he learned in the Motor City helped shape his NFL career.
The mission, Gates noted, was to outwork and outlast everyone else, even when he was tired or things weren't going well.
"The city taught me a lot and gave me my competitive edge," Gates said. "There's a lot of things I learned from the city itself. You can't change your will and have to fight when times get tough.
"Detroit is a blue-collar city and we work for everything we get. That's our motto," Gates added. "I get that from seeing people go to work every day and strive to perfection. That's the motto I had going into the NFL."
3. Love from other Hall of Famers
The Class of 2025 also features cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe.
It's safe to say they are astounded about Gates' incredible journey from the Kent State hardwood to football immortality.
Sharpe and Eric Allen both raved about Gates' ability to play (and thrive) in a sport that he did not play in college.
"For him to go from basketball into football, at that level ... and then end up in the Hall of Fame ... I can't imagine it," Sharpe said.
Eric Allen added: "Me being a San Diego native, I know how much of a tremendous, tremendous asset he was to them. He was a big reason why their offense was so productive."
Gates will give his Hall of Fame speech on Saturday afternoon in Canton.
