Chargers News: Melvin Ingram Blasts Hall of Fame For Snubbing Antonio Gates

Fair?

Former three-time Pro Bowl San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram, now with the Miami Dolphins, was vocally happy upon hearing the news that the Pro Football Hall of Fame has passed over former Chargers superstar tight end Antonio Gates for inclusion in this year's class:

No gates is the craziest shit I have ever seen….

— KINGMEL (@MelvinIngram) February 9, 2024

Gates, a 6'4", 255-pound pro, spent all 16 of his pro seasons out of Kent State with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers as a defensive mainstay during the Philip Rivers era. He was named to eight Pro Bowl squads between 2004-2011, plus four All-Pro First Teams and two All-Pro Teams.

In his decorated career, Gates logged 955 total receptions for 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns, averaging 12.4 yards per. He twice surpassed the 1100-yard mark in a single season (2005 and 2009). During perhaps his best year, '09, he caught 79 receptions on 114 targets from Philip Rivers, averaging 14.6 yards per, while recording eight touchdowns.

He'll get into Canton eventually, he's got the numbers. It's just a question of how many years it'll take to wait.

Ingram played sparingly this past season for Miami, appearing in just three contests. In the last year of his Pro Bowl Chargers prime, 2019, he notched 48 tackles (39 solo, nine assisted), seven sacks, one fumble recovery, and an interception.