In honor of his achievement, the Chargers celebrated by adopting a goat in Gates's honor. The goat, a nod to the team considering Gates the "greatest of all time" tight end, is named Gatesy after him. Gatesy resides at the San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm.

Gates consistently provided key catches, especially on third downs, and served as a safety value for Chargers quarterbacks when plays went off script.

During the NFL honors, which airs on FOX 11 at 9 p.m. PT on February 6, Gates was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Longtime teammate and fellow Bolts legend LaDainian Tomlinson helped welcome Gates into Canton, Ohio, during the Class of 2025 induction announcement.

Los Angeles Chargers great Antonio Gates gets another shot at the Hall of Fame on Thursday after being robbed of first-ballot status one year ago. Gates fell short in 2024 despite being one of the names to revolutionize the position in the NFL. It was perhaps the biggest snub for the Hall since the treatment of Terrell Owens years ago.

Antonio Gates is the GOAT when it comes to the tight end position. To mark Gates’ induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Chargers are celebrating with a goat. Yes, an actual goat. Meet 'Gatesy the Goat,' who was named after the legendary Bolts tight end.