Antonio Gates skipped Travis Kelce's TEU—and missed the Taylor Swift moment that had his daughter fuming
NFL Hall of Famer Antonio Gates may have revolutionized the tight end position, but when
Travis Kelce
's high-profile Tight End University came calling, he didn't show up. Gates skipped the event—and with it, a surprise appearance by
Taylor Swift
that left his daughter disappointed.
His absence raised eyebrows, especially as younger stars looked to him for inspiration. But on The Pat McAfee Show, the Chargers legend finally broke his silence.
Antonio Gates skipped TEU—but it's missing Taylor Swift that stings the most
Antonio Gates revealed that he was invited to Travis Kelce's Tight End University but hasn't attended yet. 'I was invited to it, but I haven't been yet,' he said, before laughing about missing a key moment. 'My daughter would be mad about that. My daughter loves Taylor Swift,' he admitted with a smile.
Gates' absence from the star-studded TEU drew playful teasing from Pat McAfee during the segment.
From the basketball court to NFL Glory: How Antonio Gates changed the way teams find tight ends
Long before Kelce, Gates changed the way tight ends were viewed—no college football, just elite skills. Teams now actively scout former basketball players, hoping to find the next Gates-like NFL discovery. His own path from hoops to Hall of Fame inspired a scouting blueprint still followed across the league. More than stats, his legacy lies in making tight ends dynamic, agile, and impossible to defend one-on-one.
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'That's what it's about': Antonio Gates backs TEU's game-changing mission
Despite not attending, Gates expressed admiration for what TEU is building for the next generation. 'I do like what they're doing because at the end of the day, that's really what it's about, right? It is serving a purpose and having a platform... now let's... tell you what you should do and shouldn't.' Gates stressed that sharing experience is what gives TEU meaning—and real value to young athletes.
Modern tight ends like Kelce are blurring lines between wide receivers and blockers like never before. 'And I hope, you know, now you see the generation and they constantly growing at the position,' he said. ' So I'm happy to be a part of that,' Gates added, reflecting on the role's continued transformation. Their versatility creates matchup nightmares, a reality Gates helped make possible with his unique style.
Also read:
Patrick Mahomes' mom Randi shares a tearful truth as her youngest steps into a new world
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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