Gates consistently provided key catches, especially on third downs, and served as a safety value for Chargers quarterbacks when plays went off script.

Two of the four members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class announced Thursday claim the city loudly — tight end Antonio Gates, who spent 14 of his 16 seasons playing his home games at Qualcomm Stadium, and cornerback Eric Allen, a Point Loma High School alum still lives nearby in the La Playa neighborhood.

Antonio Gates, who went from being an undrafted player to one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends in NFL history, was among four selections to the