Antonio Gates

Gates success in the NFL is surprising due to the fact that before his rookie season he had not played organized football since his senior year in high school. Basketball was his favorite sport and he was offered a full athletics scholarship at Kent State University to play on the men's basketball team. Gates became the teams top scorer and rebounder and was a key factor in Kent State's surprise trip to the Elite Eight in 2002. After being told by NBA scouts that he was too much of a "tweener" to make the NBA Gates arranged a workout in front of NFL scouts. Although he had not played football in 4 years, San Diego recognized his potential and signed him to a contract. In his second season Gates became quarterback Drew Brees's favorite target and lead all NFL tight ends in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

On December 19, 2004, Gates had tied the NFL season record for touchdowns by a tight end with a total of 12, in a 21-0 win over the Cleveland Browns. Gates broke the single season record for touchdowns by a tight end in an overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts on December 26, 2004.