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

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.

Two of the four members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class announced Thursday claim the city loudly — tight end Antonio Gates, who spent 14 of his 16 seasons playing his home games at Qualcomm Stadium, and cornerback Eric Allen, a Point Loma High School alum still lives nearby in the La Playa neighborhood.