Gates transcended the game. He was a former college basketball star who decided to try out for football. He showed up to San Diego without playing a snap of football for Kent State. To say he wasn’t your average tight end is an understatement.
Instead, Gates was a big-bodied, athletic freak who was a nightmare to cover. He was a “rare breed,” if you will. He had the speed, the hands, the awareness, the big-play capability and the ability to box you out. When you think of elite pass-catching tight ends over the years, Gates and former Chief and Falcon Tony Gonzalez will be on the top of the list.