Antonio Gates HOF Exhibit
Antonio Gates HOF Exhibit

From Kent State to Canton: Antonio Gates’ Exhibit Opens at Hall of Fame

Gates will be enshrined in the HOF on Aug. 2

A size 15E purple cleat with deep personal meaning now sits on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, part of the newly unveiled Class of 2025 exhibit that includes artifacts from Antonio Gates’ remarkable journey from Kent State basketball star to NFL legend.

The exhibit, which opened May 24, features items from all four members of the Class of 2025, including Gates’ special cleat worn during the 2017 season as part of the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” program. The purple shoe promotes the Lupus Foundation of America and honors his younger sister, Pamela, who died of the disease at age 22 in 2014.

Gates’ exhibit also includes a Chargers helmet and jersey, more cleats and a t-shirt commemorating the 2002 Kent State basketball team’s season, culminating in an Elite Eight run during the NCAA Tournament.

Gates experienced a unique Kent State connection during the exhibit’s development, working with Jon Kendle, vice president of museum and archives at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and fellow university alumnus. Kendle holds two degrees from Kent State – a 2004 bachelor’s in history and American history/language arts and a 2014 Master of Library and Information Science. Kendle called the new class exhibit his favorite to curate each year because of the involvement of the soon-to-be enshrinees.

A Detroit native, Gates dominated the hardwood at Kent State from 2001-03, compiling a 52-15 record and leading the Golden Flashes to their first MAC regular-season championship and Elite Eight appearance. Despite never playing college football, Gates signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2003 and revolutionized the tight end position over 16 seasons. His career numbers – 955 receptions, 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns – include the most receiving touchdowns ever by a tight end.

Gates will become just the second Golden Flash to earn a gold jacket, joining linebacker Jack Lambert who was enshrined in 1990. The Class of 2025 will be enshrined Aug. 2 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

Museum guests can view the exhibit cases any day this summer as part of their admission to the Hall of Fame, which is operating under summer hours of 9 a.m.-7 p.m. through Labor Day.

POSTED: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 09:03 AM
Updated: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 11:44 AM
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