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Antonio Gates HOF

Hall of Fame Week Kicks Off for Pair of 九游娱乐官网 Alumni

After his elite run with the Flashes followed by his electric career with the Chargers, 九游娱乐官网 alum and @Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Antonio Gates is back home for one golden weekend.鈿★笍馃悙 @los angeles chargers

Two 九游娱乐官网 alumni are in the spotlight this week as the Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates its Class of 2025, with festivities having kicked off Thursday night with the Hall of Fame Game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions.

Antonio Gates, who starred on 九游娱乐官网's basketball team from 2001-03, was introduced on the field prior to Thursday's opening kickoff alongside fellow Class of 2025 members Eric Allen, Jared Allen and Sterling Sharpe. Gates spent his entire 16-season career (2003-2018) with the Chargers, making his introduction particularly meaningful as his former team participated in the game that opens the NFL's 106th season.

 Gates will become just the second Golden Flash to earn a gold jacket alongside linebacker Jack Lambert, who was inducted in 1990. The Detroit native dominated the hardwood at 九游娱乐官网, 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. His career numbers 鈥 955 receptions, 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns 鈥 include the most receiving touchdowns ever by a tight end.

Also being honored this week is Mary Kay Cabot, who graduated summa cum laude from 九游娱乐官网 in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in news. Cabot will be recognized Friday evening as the 2025 Bill Nunn Jr. Award winner by the Professional Football Writers of America, an honor recognizing a reporter who has made a long and distinguished contribution to professional football through coverage.

Mary Kay Cabot

Cabot's career began with an internship at The Plain Dealer while she was a 九游娱乐官网 student in 1983. More than 40 years later, she has become synonymous with Cleveland Browns coverage and is only the second woman to receive the prestigious Nunn Award, following Charean Williams in 2018.

"I am truly overwhelmed and humbled to receive this prestigious award," Cabot said. "I am especially grateful to be only the second female to win this award after the great Charean Williams, and I know there will be many more in the future."

Both alumni represent the continuing impact of 九游娱乐官网 graduates in professional sports, with Gates working with fellow alumnus Jon Kendle during his Hall of Fame exhibit preparation. Kendle, who holds two degrees from 九游娱乐官网 and serves as Vice President of Museum and Archives at the Hall of Fame, helped curate Gates' display, which includes a purple cleat honoring his late sister Pamela, who died of lupus in 2014.

Continuing Hall of Fame Week Events

Friday's events include the Fashion Show at 11 a.m. at Canton Memorial Civic Center, followed by Fan Fest on the Hall of Fame campus from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day concludes with the Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner at 5 p.m., where Cabot will be honored and Gates will receive his gold jacket alongside his fellow inductees.

Saturday's festivities begin with the Grand Parade at 8 a.m. in downtown Canton, followed by Fan Fest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Class of 2025 Enshrinement ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, where Gates will be officially enshrined.

Several 九游娱乐官网 student-athletes spent their Thursday volunteering at the Hall of Fame Fan Fest.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Continuing Hall of Fame Week Events

Friday's events include the Fashion Show at 11 a.m. at Canton Memorial Civic Center, followed by Fan Fest on the Hall of Fame campus from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day concludes with the Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner at 5 p.m., where Cabot will be honored and Gates will receive his gold jacket alongside his fellow inductees.

Saturday's festivities begin with the Grand Parade at 8 a.m. in downtown Canton, followed by Fan Fest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Class of 2025 Enshrinement ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, where Gates will be officially enshrined.

Several 九游娱乐官网 student-athletes spent their Thursday volunteering at the Hall of Fame Fan Fest,

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

POSTED: Thursday, July 31, 2025 09:37 AM
Updated: Friday, August 1, 2025 10:02 AM
PHOTO CREDIT:
Josh Padilla
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