Jan 6, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) runs after the catch during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Shawne Merriman Goes Off on Antonio Gates Not Making HoF

Originally posted on FanNation Charger Report
By James Brizuela | Last updated 2/9/24

Former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is never afraid to speak his mind, and he did just that after the results of the 2024 Hall of Fame class were announced.

Surprisingly, tight end Antonio Gates was left out of the 2024 Hall of Fame Class, speaking many responses from Merriman on X.

It’s truly sickening https://t.co/Nw2mnkeIxP
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) February 9, 2024

Ridiculous https://t.co/q0bP8c9NQk
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) February 9, 2024

Antonio Gates not being a first ballot is an absolute embarrassment, they should be ashamed.
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) February 9, 2024

While some might view Merriman's response to Gates being snubbed as a bit dramatic, its not all that unwarranted. Gates is arguably the greatest tight end to ever play the game.

In fact, Gates leads the NFL in touchdowns for a tight end with 116. That is better than Tony Gonzalez, Jimmy Graham, and Rob Gronkowski.

Where Gates does not lead is in all-time receiving yards, as he currently has 11,841, which is good for #3. He is behind Jason Witten with 13,046, and Gonzalez is #1 with 15,127.

Despite Gates not having the most yards for a tight end, he is arguably the greatest to ever play the position. Many pundits and fans expected Gates to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he will have to wait another year to make it in.

While there are plenty of amazing players who have had to wait a few years or so, we expect Gates might make it in sooner rather than later. He is one of the most dynamic tight ends the NFL has ever seen, and Merriman is not wrong in being perturbed by Gates being snubbed.

"There is always next year," as the saying goes.

This article first appeared on FanNation Charger Report and was syndicated with permission.

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