5 most likely first-year 2024 Pro Football HOF inductees

2. Antonio Gates

Gates is one of two locks for the upcoming 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame after an illustrious 16-year career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. The eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro racked up nearly 12,000 receiving yards in his career and was the safety blanket for long-time starter Philip Rivers throughout his time with the team. Gates finished third all-time amongst tight ends in receiving yards and tops the list of touchdowns by players at the position since retiring. Gates concluded his long NFL run on the 2000s All-Decade Team.