He then detailed everything that went through his mind as Tomlinson broke the news to him.
“I think it was just a surreal moment for the most part because you work so hard to reach a level in sports,” Gates said. “Then you talk about the Hall of Fame, it’s like a funnel, and you know how many people get out of the bottom of that funnel. It starts wide and gets really small.
“To be sitting in football heaven, words can’t really describe it,” Gates continued. “The presence of being in that moment, being in that situation. Like I said, for all those people that helped me along the way, thankful for those guys.
“Everything had to be right,” Gates added. “Skill level, timing, coaches, the people around you, the team. Everything had to fall into place and I’m grateful to be on the other end of it.”
Gates ranks as the Chargers all-time leader in career receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and touchdown catches (116) and is second all-time in regular season games played (220).
And he did it all after coming into the NFL with a unique journey that has been well-told over the years.
From the hardwood and helping lead Kent State to the Elite Eight to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gates’ rare journey is something he said hopes continues to inspire others.
“To me the way I see it is that I got a chance to give people hope. People could dream if they come from the inner cities, another opportunity to do something,” Gates said. “I think the biggest thing is that I’m able to impact others and it just so happened I used the platform of football to do that.
“That was always something I enjoyed doing,” Gates continued. “I’m glad I’m able to be one of those official guys that made it to the Hall of Fame.”
He later added: “Even with my kids, with their kids and generations of Gates families, they’ll always remember, my great grandfather, my grandfather, whatever it may be, ‘He’s done some special things in this world…
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