For 15 seasons, Antonio Gates defined what it meant to be a Charger.
From undrafted rookie free agent to a first-ballot lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, everything in between is the stuff of legend.
Thus, it's been an emotional few days as the team expressed deep gratitude for all his contributions on and off the field following the news that he would not return in 2018.
"Antonio is not only one of the best Chargers of all-time, but he's one of the best football players in the history of our game," said General Manager Tom Telesco Friday night after the conclusion of Day 2 of the NFL Draft. "He has meant so much to this organization – both on the field, off the field, in San Diego, in Los Angeles – and we can't say enough about the type of person he is, and player. These decisions are really, really difficult…There aren't many guys like him that come along, and I've been doing this for 20 years and have had a chance to be around some special players – some special Hall of Fame players – but nobody greater than what he did at his position."
"Antonio's contributions to our organization over the past 15 years cannot be overstated, and I want to thank him for what he has meant throughout his career to our family, his teammates, our staff and Chargers fans everywhere," said Controlling Owner and Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos. "He's the consummate professional. Humble. Kind. Giving. Thoughtful. A pillar of the community who has been a true role model to so many – both on the field and off. And while we know his story includes a trip to Canton, no matter what the next chapter holds, Antonio will always be a beloved and important member of the Chargers family. We look forward to honoring him at the appropriate time."
A once-in-a-generation talent, Gates redefined the tight end position. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro pick, number 85 is the Chargers' all-time leader in receptions (927), receiving yards (11,508) and touchdowns (114).
His 114 TD receptions are the most by a tight end in NFL history. The number also ranks sixth all-time behind only Jerry Rice (197), Randy Moss (156), Terrell Owens (153), Cris Carter (130) and Marvin Harrison (128). Gates' rapport with Philip Rivers ranks as the second-most prolific in league history as their 87 TD connections trail only Peyton Manning-to-Marvin Harrison (112). Meanwhile, his 927 receptions are the 20th-most in NFL history while his 11,508 receiving yards rank 30th. Those numbers are the third-most of any tight end behind only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten.
Gates' path to the NFL is almost as iconic as his accomplishments on the field.
The tight end signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after not playing a single down of college football. In fact, he last took to the gridiron at Detroit's Central High School. Instead, Gates played basketball, including his final two seasons at Kent State where he led the Golden Flashes to a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight of the 2002 NCAA Tournament.
Despite being away from the game for a number of years, Gates not only defied the odds to make the Chargers, but impressed right out of the chute with 24 catches for 389 yards and two scores. However, it was his second year where he truly broke out. Number 85 caught 81 passes for 964 yards and 13 touchdowns to earn his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. A year later, he posted his first 1,000-yard season (1,101) while setting what would be a career-high with 89 catches. A touchdown machine, when all was said and done, he recorded four seasons with 10-digit touchdowns and six with at least 70 receptions.
Gates' legacy will also be defined by his charitable efforts off the field. He was a spokesperson for the NFL's "No More" campaign to stop domestic violence. He hosted an annual Shop with a Charger event each Christmas, treating homeless, neglected and abused children to a special holiday season spending spree. Gates remains an active supporter of the Huntington's Disease Society, and worked closely with Promises2Kids, which is an organization dedicated to supporting the foster youth community. Most recently, he was one of eight finalists for the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes players around the league who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field.
Check out the top 85 photos from the first 15 seasons of Gates' career.
Oakland Raiders vs. the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. The Chargers won 21-14.
Denver Broncos vs. the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. The Chargers won 48-20.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday Oct. 8, 2006. The Chargers won 23-13.
San Diego Chargers vs. the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. The Chargers won 24-21.
The San Diego Chargers go on the offensive and defeat the San Francisco 49ers, 48-19 on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at Monster Park in San Francisco. SD 48 vs SF 19.
The San Diego Chargers defeat the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium on September 17, 2006. TEN 7 vs SD 40.
San Diego Chargers vs. the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007. The Packers won 31-24.
San Diego vs. the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007. The Patriots won 38-14.
The Chargers had a season-high four takeaways Sunday which resulted in 28 points and they held Kansas City to 284 total yards in a 43-14 San Diego victory on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium.
The Chargers had a season-high four takeaways Sunday which resulted in 28 points and they held Kansas City to 284 total yards in a 43-14 San Diego victory on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium.
The same attributes that carried the Chargers to a 13-3 season failed them Sunday as they dropped a 17-14 decision to the New York Jets in a Divisional Playoff game at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, January 17, 2010.
Miami Dolphins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. The Dolphins won 19-17.
Miami Dolphins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. The Dolphins won 19-17.
Miami Dolphins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. The Dolphins won 19-17.
The Chargers did plenty of things well in a 38-13 win against Jacksonville in the home opener at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 19, 2010.
The San Diego Chargers fell for the first time this season at the hands of the unbeaten Atlanta Falcons, 27-3 on Sunday, September 23, 2012.
Five turnovers and two special teams plays doomed San Diego to another road loss after a pair of late drives stopped just shy of the goal line as the Chargers fall to the Seahawks, 27-20 on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at Qwest Field.
Sunday, Sep. 29, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Cowboys 30-21.
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores a touchdown on Sunday, Sep. 29, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Cowboys 30-21.
San Diego's defense blanketed Arizona's quarterbacks and forced three turnovers as the Chargers cruised to a big win over the Cardinals at home, 41-10 on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego's defense blanketed Arizona's quarterbacks and forced three turnovers as the Chargers cruised to a big win over the Cardinals at home, 41-10 on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium.
It was a tale of two halves. The Chargers dominated the first 30 minutes to take a 24-0 lead only to see the Broncos put up a furious rally and ultimately steal a 35-24 victory at Qualcomm Stadium on Monday, October 15, 2012.
Tennessee Titans vs San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, October 31, 2010. Titans 25 - Chargers 33.
Buffalo Bills vs. the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. The Chargers won 48-10.
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 at Arrow Head Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Chiefs 41-38.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Giants 37-14.
Sunday, Dec. 23, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 26-13.
San Diego couldn�t overcome a large early deficit as Oakland drained the clock in the second half to break the Chargers� four-game win streak and lose 28-13 to the Raiders on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates gets above the Kansas City Chiefs' defense to catch an 18 yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game won by the Chiefs 28-24 Sunday Nov. 30, 2003 in San Diego. (AP photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates dunks the ball over the goal post following his second touchdown catch during the Chargers 42-14 victory over the Oakalnd Raiders Sunday Oct. 31, 2004 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees, left, congratulates teammate Antonio Gates after the first of their three touchdown passes in the Chargers 28-20 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates, right, fights for the ball with Denver Broncos' Dre Bly as he makes a pass reception during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 24, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates #85 during an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Diego Chargers Sunday September 19, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego Ca.. The San Diego Chargers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34 - 13 in regular season week two action. (Ap Photo/ Bill Nichols)
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Carson, Calif. The Dolphins defeated the Chargers, 19-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers stretches out for a reception against the Jacksonville Jaguears during a game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on October 10, 2004. San Diego won 34-21. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) salutes after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, in San Diego. Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd smiles at left. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
San Diego Chargers Antonio Gates (85) celebrates his late fourth-quarter touchdown to set-up the tying point after against the New York Jets in the AFC wild-card game in San Diego Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005. Chargers Lorenzo Neal (41) and Justin Peelle (84) and Jets David Barrett (36) came in on the play. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers holds his hands in the air after scoring a touchdown on a 27 yard pass while defended by Jabari Greer #33 of the Buffalo Bills on November 20, 2005 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Bills 48-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) jokes with running back LaDainian Tomlinson during the Chargers' football training camp in San Diego, Saturday, July 29, 2006. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates catches a pass from quarterback Philip Rivers in front of Oakland Raiders' Michael Huff in the second quarter of their NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 11, 2006 in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates scores on a 22-yard pass in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers, during their NFL football game in San Diego, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates urges the crowd's cheers after he scored on a 19-yard touchdown pass from LaDainian Tomlinson during the fourth quarter of the Chargers' 21-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders in San Diego, Calif. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Jack Smith)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a pass over New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas (96) in the third quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates goes up for a 27-yard reception in front of the Kansas City Chiefs bench during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates (85) celebrates his touchdown with teammates LaDainian Tomlinson, left, and Vincent Jackson during the first half of their NFL Football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates reacts as he scores as Houston Texans' Von Hutchins walks away during the first half of their NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Diego Chargers' receiver Antonio Gates tries for the catch in the end zone as Indianapolis Colts' Gary Brackett, right, and Bob Sanders move in to break up the play during the Chargers' 23-21 victory in their football game Sunday Nov. 11, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrates a touchdown catch during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Nov. 25, 2007 in San Diego. San Diego won 32-14. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Diego Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson (21) celebrates his 31-yard touchdown run with Kris Dielman (68) and Antonio Gates during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chargers won 24-10. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates cuts back during a football game Sunday Dec. 16, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park)
Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers catches a 6 yard pass for a second quarter touchdown to give the Chargers a 31-14 lead while covered by rookie cornerback Dwight Lowery #34 of the New York Jets at Qualcomm Stadium on September 22, 2008 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Jets 48-29. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (86) and San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrate during an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Diego Chargers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. The Chargers won 41-24. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) tries to ward off Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu after a catch in an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Monday, Sept. 14, 2009 in Oakland. The Chargers won the game, 24-20. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) slips away from New York Giants' Aaron Rouse (26) on his way to a first down in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in San Diego. The Chargers won the game, 31-23. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates (85) is stopped during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, left, celebrates a touchdown Arizona Cardinals during first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85)celebrates a touchdown during during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates breaks free from Tennessee Titans linebacker Will Witherspoon for a 48 yard touchdown reception in the Chargers' 33-25 victory in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) runs upfield with a reception during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on December 5, 2010. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) and tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrate during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, hugs tight end Antonio Gates after Rivers threw a touchdown pass to running back Ryan Mathews during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores on a 13 yard reception during third quarter action as Denver Broncos safety Shiloh Keo (33) defends on the play in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. January 3, 2016. (Eric Bakke via AP)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates hauls in a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) during an NFL regular season game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014 in Denver. The Broncos won the game, 35-21. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a pass for a 12-yard touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015.(AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
ADVANCED FOR RELEASE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015 FILE - This Dec. 13, 2015 file photo shows San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. The San Diego Chargers will play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in what could be the Chargers final game at Qualcomm Stadium. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, file)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) has a laugh as he feigns boxing on the sideline during the NFL week 9 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 in San Diego. The Chargers won the game 31-13. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) runs from Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) after a pass reception during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) makes a pass reception between Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) and strong safety Brandian Ross (29) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) attempts to bring down San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates hugs quarterback Philip Rivers after the Chargers made the playoffs with a 27-24 overtime victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi )
Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers catches a touchdown pass thrown by Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 during the game against the Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium on September 9, 2007 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Bears 14-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, top, celebrates with teammates Kevin Haslam (70), Jeromey Clary (66) and Danario Alexander (84) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
San Diego Chargers tight end (85) Antonio Gates takes the field during player introductions before a game against the Dallas Cowboys played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/John Cordes)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) greets teammate wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) after Gates scored a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores on a touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Chargers lose 27-37 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, above, scores a touchdown over Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in San Diego. The touchdown, his 111th, ties an NFL record for touchdowns by a tight end. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, right, scores past Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Carson, Calif. The Dolphins defeated the Chargers, 19-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
The San Diego Chargers made their final road game of the season a memorable one, coming into the Meadowlands and dominating the Jets for a 27-17 victory on Sunday, December 23, 2012.
