The NFL's all-time record holder for receiving touchdowns by a tight end, Antonio Gates enters his third year as Legends Ambassador for the Chargers. He spent his entire 16-year playing career with the Bolts.
As Legends Ambassador, Gates helps further the Los Angeles Chargers ongoing commitment to the community and fans through the team's expansive community engagement initiatives and public-facing events. This is not an unfamiliar role for Gates, who has a history of working off the field on behalf of charitable causes — most notably as a supporter of the Lupus Foundation of America to honor the memory of his late sister, Pamela.
Gates also served as the honorary chairman for the Shoot to Cure HD for several years, supporting the Huntington's Disease Society of America. He has also been active in causes to help stop domestic violence, support foster youth and benefit homeless, neglected and abused children.
The Detroit, Mich., native became one of the most prolific tight ends in the NFL despite never playing a down of college football. Originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Chargers in 2003, Gates ultimately helped redefine the tight end position and concluded his career with 116 touchdown catches and 21 multi-touchdown games — both the most by a tight end in NFL history. At the time of his retirement, Gates' 21 100-yard performances stood as the fourth-most by a tight end in the NFL's 100-plus year history.
An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, five-time Associated Press All-Pro and three-time Sporting News first-team All-Pro, Gates is the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns and ranks second in Chargers history with 220 regular-season games played.
