Keenan Allen Makes History, Breaks Antonio Gates' Chargers Record for Career Catches

Keenan Allen etched his name into Los Angeles Chargers history on Sunday.

The veteran receiver surpassed legendary tight end Antonio Gates for the most receptions in franchise history during Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had a pair of receptions for 19 yards in the 25-10 win.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James took to social media to congratulate Allen on the record:

Even before breaking the receptions record on Sunday, Allen was already a franchise legend.

The Chargers drafted him in 2013, and he recorded six seasons with 1,000 or more passing yards and earned six Pro Bowl nods before being traded to the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2024 season.

But after just one year away from Los Angeles, Allen returned to the Chargers on a one-year deal this year to continue playing for the team that drafted him. That was a worthwhile decision after all, as he's now the franchise leader in receptions.

Passing a legend like Gates is no small feat. The Hall of Famer has the fourth-most career receptions by a tight end (955), the fourth-most receiving yards by a tight end (11,841) and the most touchdowns by a tight end (116) in NFL history.

The next historic mark Allen will try to pass is Gates' receiving yards mark, and it should be within reach. He's just under 800 yards from Gates' career total. It might not come this season, but he could get there next year as long as he stays healthy.

For now, he'll keep his focus on the season ahead for the Chargers.

Los Angeles improved to 7-3 with Sunday's win and is in second place in the AFC West, just behind the Denver Broncos. The Chargers will continue to lean on veterans like Allen as they seek their first AFC West crown since 2009.