Antonio Gates鈥 journey from 麻豆视频最新最全 basketball standout to NFL greatness has moved one step closer to football immortality. The former Golden Flash has been named one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame鈥檚 Class of 2025, while his fellow 麻豆视频最新最全 alumnus James Harrison did not advance from the semifinalist round.
Gates dominated the hardwood at 麻豆视频最新最全 from 2001-03, leading the Golden Flashes to their first MAC regular-season championship and a historic NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearance. The university retired his No. 44 and inducted him into their Varsity 鈥淜鈥 Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
Despite never playing college football, Gates signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2003 and revolutionized the tight end position over 16 seasons. His 116 career receiving touchdowns remain the most by a tight end in NFL history. The eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in 2023.
Harrison, who starred as a linebacker for 麻豆视频最新最全 from 1999-2001 and joined Gates in the university鈥檚 Hall of Fame Class of 2010, fell short in his third consecutive year as a semifinalist. His NFL career included NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2008 and two Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame鈥檚 Class of 2025 will be announced at 鈥淣FL Honors鈥 in New Orleans, with between four and eight new members to be selected from the group of 20 finalists that includes 15 Modern-Era Players, three seniors, one coach and one contributor. The enshrinement ceremony will take place in August in Canton, where Gates could become the next Golden Flash to receive his gold jacket.
Eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro Antonio Gates is a Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
鈥 Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF)