What does it mean to be great?
Sacrifice, dedication, hard work. All are synonymous words that a majority of NFL players have come to live by. But let’s take it one step further.
What does it mean to be an icon?
Sure many of the same words apply to those who strive to be great, but an icon personifies a figure that goes above and beyond a person’s own accomplishments. An Icon is defined as a person or thing regarded as a symbol of a belief, nation, community, or cultural movement (Dictionary.com)
Under this definition, you’ll find an example of an icon. You’ll find a picture of Chargers tight end, Antonio Gates. There is no question, that Gates name will be uttered in Canton, Ohio, five years after his playing time is finished in the National Football League. To Charger fans in San Diego, Gates is an entity that signifies something more than a gold jacket or unveiled bust ever will.
Gates path to the NFL has been well documented. As an undrafted free agent in 2003, he quickly became a focal point of the Chargers offense in his rookie season. Flashing his athleticism as a basketball player at Kent State, Gates was overlooked by 31 other teams due to lack of football experience. While The Chargers ultimately took a swing on a “raw basketball product” , they hit a home run with a player that continues to pay dividends for the team twelve years later.
Even with all of the stats, touchdowns, highlight reels and record breaking seasons, there is one thing that is undeniable…Gates has revolutionized the tight end position in football.
Like future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, Gates brought skills to the gridiron that had never before been seen by players that forged the tight end position before him. Gates basketball background has allowed him the ability to utilize his speed, quickness, first step reaction and ball handling skills that makes him a mismatch for the opposition. Size also matters, as a bigger bodied tight end, Gates uses his 6’4, 255 pound frame to box out and overpower defenders for receptions.
Today, Jimmy Graham (Saints) and Julius Thomas (Broncos) are the new breed of tight ends cut from the old prototype cloth that brought Gates and Gonzalez to the NFL.
Gates impact on the field can never go unappreciated. Even now in the twilight of his career, he still contributing on the field in ways people did not expect. However it’s his unwavering desire to give back to community that has made Gates a fan favorite amongst the people of San Diego.
For the past seven years, Gates has held his annual “Shop with a Charger” event, where he and a group of his teammates provide a $100 shopping spree to 50 unprivileged children.
“Being able to come and buy toys for Christmas, it gives them hope. That’s my whole message. Give them hope. … Keep dreaming. That’s big for kids to dream and have these thoughts of wanting to be something in life. Those are the things you can control.” (Gehlken)
Participating in other charity events such as “Shoot to Cure HD” or The Chargers annual Blood Drive Gates even extends his reach across the country to his hometown in Detroit. There, dedicating his time to help children as well, he sponsors a free annual football camp.
Gates charitable persona is an extension of his heart, character and passion for the game of football as well as the community of people that show him endless support.
Perhaps the real source of Gates’ giving character began with his younger sister Pamela. Even at a young age, Gates father would send him to the store to purchase candy and juices that his sister desired. “I would buy her everything she wanted,” Gates said. (Farmer)That bond continued growing up. When Pam was old enough to drive, Gates purchased her a car and later a truck. The admiration and support of their sibling relationship became unbreakable.
Professional or personal, every NFL player deals with trials and tribulations. This past July, Pamela lost a three-year battle with Lupus, an incident that rocked Gates to his core and brought him to a crossroads in his career. Missing a portion of offseason workouts, Gates was at his family’s side, mourning, grieving and even contemplating retirement.
“It definitely crossed my mind,” he said. “It wasn’t like I wanted to be done with football. But football was not the most important thing in my life at that point. I just felt like being there for my family was more important.” (Farmer)
As time has passed since the tragedy, Gates has engulfed his play this season with the spirt of his sister in the back of his mind.
“I try to put myself in a place where I would know what she’d want me to do” (Farmer)
When many believed Gates was on his last leg of his football career, he has turned back the clock in 2014 and reemerged looking, feeling and playing like the “Gates of old”. Either as a player or person of the community, Gates has a gift that has transcended and transformed those who have had the pleasure and honor to be in his company.
History books may not write it. Canton, Ohio may never realize it. But the Chargers and the city of San Diego have recognized the star tight end for what he has become to the team and community alike.
Gates has become an icon.
