Gates, who caught 116 touchdown passes in a 16-year career spent entirely with the Chargers, is elected alongside defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe and cornerback Eric Allen.

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 was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday. Before it was officially announced to the public, Gates’ former teammate and Chargers great LaDainian Tomlinson surprised him with the big news. “It’s my honor to welcome you into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025,” Tomlinson said.