Social media reacts to Antonio Gates' son playing football for Michigan State: "WHO Jr.?!"

Sara Tidwell

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Social media reacts to Antonio Gates' son playing football for Michigan State: "WHO Jr.?!" image

Michigan State football held its spring game Saturday, showcasing the players who have been working to improve during the offseason.

Among those on the Spartans' roster was Antonio Gates Jr.

Yeah, junior.

The redshirt freshman wide receiver is, in fact, the son of former Chargers tight end and Kent State basketball standout Antonio Gates.

MORE: Revisiting Indiana vs. Kent State in 2002 Elite Eight: Antonio Gates, Hoosiers' 3-pointers and more

The elder Gates, now 42, retired in 2020 and joined the Chargers' front office as a "Legends Ambassador." He originally enrolled at Michigan State to play football for Nick Saban and basketball for Tom Izzo, but he transferred to pursue basketball when he learned Saban wouldn't allow him to be a two-sport athlete.

He eventually had his No. 44 retired by Kent State basketball.

MORE: Who is Tony Petitit, the soon-to-be Big Ten commissioner?

This legend now has one of his own following in his footsteps on the football field.

Does that make you feel old?

Twitter sure feels aged:

Sara Tidwell

Sara Tidwell Photo

Sara Tidwell is an editorial intern with The Sporting News. A native to Michigan's Thumb region, she received her Bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University. Previous bylines include the Detroit News, Cincinnati Enquirer, Hartford Courant and The State News.