Antonio Gates looks good in gold.
And when the moment hit him, he couldn’t hold back the tears.
The Chargers tight end and the rest of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 were honored Friday night at the Gold Jacket Dinner, where the four enshrinees donned the iconic jackets for the very first time.
Gates was recognized at the Canton Memorial Civic Center in a celebration that included a dinner and then a ceremony that was emceed by Steve Wyche of NFL Network.
Gates’ longtime teammate and fellow Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson helped Gates put on his Gold Jacket for the first time.
Gates drew a massive round of applause before the realization hit him as he wiped away tears from a few minutes.
Gates is the Chargers all-time franchise leader in receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and touchdown catches (116).