When he is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates will officially become the first player ever to make the Hall of Fame without playing college football.

The 2025 NFL Hall of Fame member Antonio Gates is introduced prior to the National Football League preseason game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions on July 31, 2025, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH.

Defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, cornerback Eric Allen, and tight end Antonio Gates will be enshrined to the Pro Football Hall of Fame this week. The Hall of Fame honors were a long time coming for both Sharpe and Eric Allen, while Gates and Jared Allen didn't have to wait as long.