Antonio Gates has another chance for Canton.
Gates — who owns the record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end in NFL history (116) — is among the 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
The group was announced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday morning.
The 50-person Hall of Fame Selection Committee will now vote on the 2025 class, which will be announced in early February.
Gates, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a five-time Associated Press All-Pro selection, was also a finalist in his first year of eligibility in 2024 but did not make the cut.
An undrafted free agent who joined the Bolts in 2003, Gates spent his entire career in powder blue and finished his career with 955 receptions for 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns.
In addition to his touchdowns record, Gates' 39 touchdown receptions on third down are also the most in league history at tight end and tied with Hall of Fame WR Cris Carter for No. 3 overall. His 11,841 receiving yards are also No. 3 all-time among his position in NFL history.
Gates was a member of the NFL's All Decade Team (2000-09) and was also honored on the Chargers 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. In 2023, he became the 41st member enshrined into the Chargers Hall of Fame.
Over the course of his career, Gates registered eight seasons with eight-plus receiving touchdowns, the most ever by a tight end and tied for fifth all-time.
