On August 2 in Canton, Ohio, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrines four new members, placing them among the ranks of the greatest to ever play in the National Football League: Eric Allen, Jared Allen,

There have been many NFL GMs and coaches who have beaten their own chests over the Horatio Alger players, how they “discovered” talent. Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Terrell Davis went in the sixth round. Brilliant choices by Bill Belichick and Mike Shanahan, no?

Gates played 16 seasons in the NFL, 14 in San Diego and two in Los Angeles after the team relocated. That move is still a sore spot for some fans who were mum when Gates thanked Los Angeles and booed loudly when Gates thanked team owner Dean Spanos and the Spanos family.