Antonio Gates has been immortalized in Canton, Ohio.

Gates was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon as he marked the occasion with an emotional speech at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Gates was presented his bust by Dean Spanos, the Chargers Owners and Chairman of the Board.

Here are five takeaways from the Gates' Hall of Fame speech:

1. Gratitude from Gates

Gates spoke for nearly 25 minutes on Saturday afternoon and hardly mentioned himself.

Instead, the Hall of Famer chose to spread a message of love and gratitude to everyone who helped him reach the stage he was standing on.

"You see football is the ultimate team game, and I didn't get here alone," Gates said. "I'm standing here today because the people who poured into to me.

"What I've learned through it all — a kid from Detroit to San Diego, living in Los Angeles right now — had it not been for sports, I probably would have never crossed paths with half of you in here," Gates continued.

"And that's why sports is such a great reminder to us as humans that we're not divided as people may think. We're more than just black or white, rich or poor," Gates added. "That's why it's important for us to keep pushing unity to make this country a better place."

Gates listed off dozens of names from his childhood to adulthood, from his hoop days to football immortality, that helped him become a Hall of Famer.

"To my coaches, my teammates, my friends and family, I carry each of you with me to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Thank you all," Gates said.

2. Tears flow with Rivers, LT

Gates mentioned numerous teammates during Saturday's speech.

But the tears flowed when he got to Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Gates first addressed Rivers, who received a standing ovation from the Bolt Fam in attendance.

"Philip Rivers, what we had on that football field was special," Gates said. "You weren't just a guy throwing the ball. You were the heartbeat on offense. Your fire, your passion, your IQ was unmatched.

"You saw the game the same way. You trusted me and I trusted you, and that trust led to some of the best moments of my career," Gates added. "I always knew where that ball was going, Phil, and I always knew it was coming with a purpose. Philip Rivers, it was absolute pleasure have played with you."

Rivers and Gates connected for 89 total touchdowns, which is the second-most by a quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history.

Rivers also become visibly emotional during Gates speech and told Chargers.com afterward that he couldn't hold back the tears.

"He did a great job. What got him emotional, and what got me emotional, was him naming all his teammates," Rivers said. "There were so many teammates and it's the people that make it all so special.

"Our friendship, the trust we built, as he alluded to, was special. I feel like this is a special ending to his story. He finally wrote the final little bit for his book," Rivers added.

Gates also carved out a special place in his speech for Tomlinson, who was on stage among the dozens of Hall of Famers.

"Of course, I've got to show love to one of the greatest to ever do it, one of the greatest football players to ever play," Gates said. "LT, sharing that field with you was like watching poetry in motion. You set the standard, LT, not just for how you played, but how you prepared.

"I learned by just watching and every Sunday, I feel lucky to be on the same side as No. 21," Gates added. "Thank you, LT, but not just because you're a Hall of Fame player, because you're a Hall of Fame teammate. I appreciate you always."

3. A message for 'Brew'

If you're unfamiliar with Tim Brewster's name, just know the former Chargers tight end coach played a pivotal role in getting Gates to the Bolts.

It was Brewster who attended Gates' first NFL workout and was the only NFL tight end coach in attendance.

Brewster coaxed Gates to try football and to sign with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State.

The rest is history.

"Tim Brewster saw something special in me. He was pretty sure I could make the team and was adamant that I'd be All-Pro in three years," Gates said. "You see the thing is, when switching sports or careers for that matter, it can be life changing. The unexpected are often the most powerful ones because it can completely redirect your life if you're ready to take advantage and you're ready for the opportunity.

"Thanks to Coach Tim Brewster and Coach Marty Schottenheimer, they gave me an opportunity to play tight end in the NFL," Gates added. "Because of you, Tim Brewster, NFL teams and NFL scouts will never look at college basketball players the same again."

Gates made the roster out of training camp and progressed as a rookie before his career exploded in 2004.

Under Brewster's tutelage, Gates caught 13 touchdown passes in 2004, a number that set a then single-season NFL record for tight ends.

4. Those Detroit roots

Gates thanked almost everyone in his life, whether it was from his time in high school or at Kent State.

But his message to the City of Detroit certainly hit home for the dozens of supporters in attendance.

"You taught me pride, you taught me how to fight through everything and never quit," Gates said. "That blue-collar spirit, the heartbeat of the city, it lives in me. It always has."

He later added: "West side of Detroit, this is for us."

Gates also recalled his basketball days at Detroit's Central High School.

"That's where my foundation was built. The school wasn't fancy, the weight room was old, but the love, the belief, that was everything," Gates said.

"You were my first real team, you had my back before anybody even knew my name," Gates later added. "I just want y'all to know that I never forgot those days, I never forgot where it all started. You helped build this Hall of Famer."

5. Family love

Gates began his speech by paying tribute to his family, including his parents.

"Mom, I watched you raise five kids and never complain. You believed in me before I could believe in myself," Gates said to his mother, Vanelia. "You gave me everything, mom. You gave me time, you gave me love, you gave me wisdom.

"Oh yeah, you gave me a lot of whoopings too, mom," Gates added with a laugh. "I just want you to know that I carried it with me every step of my career. Often I know you wonder how you were as a mom. I just want you to know, you were an unbelievable mom."

Gates then brought up his father, Henry.

"My father passed away earlier this year and I know he's smiling down, watching, bragging on his son," Gates said. "My father taught me how to be a man, he taught me strength, taught me toughness.

"Although this bust might have my name on it, make no mistake about it, it has my father's fingerprints, his legacy and his spirit," Gates added. "I am who I am today because of my father. So dad, rest in peace and I love you."

Gates then thanked his siblings and his children for all of their love and support throughout his life.

Gates was especially emotional when addressing his children, Ayala and Antonio, Jr.

"Every choice I make, everything I do, I carry you with me," Gates said. "You're my heartbeat, you taught me more about love and patience and purpose than I ever learned about playing football or a playbook.

"I just hope by watching me today, you understand that anything is possible. Not just in football, but in the game of life. Dream big, work hard and never ever forget where you come from," Gates added. "This moment, this honor is just not about me, it's about us, the Gates family. I love you more than anything in the world."