Tom Gatewood


Thomas Gatewood, Jr. is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 1972 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.

College career

While at Notre Dame, Gatewood set many receiving records, many of which were not broken until at least 30 years later. During his career he had 157 receptions for 2,283 yards and 19 touchdowns. In 1970, he was an consensus All-American after recording a then school record 77 receptions for 1,123 yards. The record was broken in 2006 by Jeff Samardzija who had 78. His 157 career receptions were also a record until 2006 when both Samardzija and Rhema McKnight broke it. He still holds the record for the most catches per game in a season with 7.7.

Professional career

Gatewood was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 1972 NFL Draft. He was unable to match the success he had in college and played in only 17 games over two seasons, recording no receptions.

College Football Hall of Fame

On January 9, 2015, The National Football Foundation announced that Gatewood would be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame later that year.