Antonio Gates catches his 100th career touchdown reception

Only eight other players have eclipsed the 100 touchdown reception mark before Antonio Gates.

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates became the ninth player in NFL history to record 100 touchdown receptions as he caught three passes on the opening drive of his season debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

Gates, 35, is just the second tight end in NFL history to reach the 100 touchdown mark after Tony Gonzalez accomplished the feat before retiring with 111 touchdown receptions.

Gates was suspended for the first four games of the year without pay for violating the NFL Policy and Program for performance-enhancing substances. Last season, Gates caught 69 passes for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Gates and Phillip Rivers have combined for 73 touchdowns with another 23 coming from Drew Brees and two from LaDainian Tomlinson and Doug Flutie respectively. 

Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals has the second most career touchdown receptions by an active player with 95.

Below is a list of the 100 touchdown reception club:

Jerry Rice (197)

Randy Moss (156)

Terrell Owens (153)

Cris Carter (130)

Marvin Harrison (128)

Tony Gonzalez (111)

Steve Largent (100)

Tim Brown (100)

Antonio Gates (100)

- Christopher Chavez