Travis Kelce’s record sparks an Antonio Gates debate

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is one of the greatest to ever play the position, not that it stopped the Hall of Fame from inexplicably denying him first-ballot status.

Gates, beyond commenting on that, doesn’t come up often in headlines these days. But Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce recently surpassed Tony Gonzalez in Chiefs franchise history by scoring his 77th touchdown.

Naturally, the rival Chargers fanbase had some thoughts on the matter. Many fans were quick to point out that Gates impressively scored 116 over the course of his legendary career.

If nothing else, the debate is an interesting one and pretty fun to read about from all angles as fans dug deep:

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Travis Kelce is not better than Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzales…

He just so happens to be the only option Pat Mahomes has ever had https://t.co/BzO1xOqaab
— 🍊Elgin Barrett Eugene Smith lll🍊 (@Southside_Gunn) December 26, 2024

Congrats to Travis Kelce great accomplishment, but Antonio Gates is by far still the greatest TE to ever play in the NFL.
— ACB⚡️ (@UnkleZero) December 26, 2024

i can’t believe i’m seeing travis kelce and antonio gates debates on the timeline

travis kelce is so much better and it’s not even close
— tag! (@taggartkent) December 26, 2024

Travis Kelce nowhere near Antonio Gates level btw
— DUFFY ♒️ (@DuffyBag5) December 25, 2024

Just to show you how good Antonio Gates was, Travis Kelce just scored his 75th TD with a stellar career. Gates have 116. He will never catch Gates if he played another 3 years.
— Leon Scott (@leon_scott20012) December 25, 2024