The phrase GOAT gets thrown around a lot these days.

But when it comes to Antonio Gates, you are legitimately talking about the literal Greatest of All Time.

"He's the GOAT," Melvin Gordon said, repeating himself for emphasis. "He is the GOAT! That man is worldwide! I tell him that all the time. His name carries weight around the whole world. Everybody knows who Antonio Gates is. Not everybody knows Melvin Gordon. Not everybody knows who Melvin Ingram or Keenan Allen are. But Antonio Gates; man, I knew about him when I was little and didn't even know football that well. You just know Antonio Gates. He's someone who (transcends) the game. That's Antonio Gates. Chargers. Tight End. Baller. Legend."

Gates understands the status he's achieved after tying Tony Gonzalez's record for most career touchdown catches by a tight end in NFL history with 111. His first TD catch of 2017 will set uncharted territory, which is why he is the legitimate greatest of all time at his position.

Still, it's a concept the legend has trouble fully grasping.

"I haven't quite wrapped my head around it all to be quite honest with you," he said in a humble whisper. "I look at everything I've done and where I'm at; it's hard to put into words. One thing I can say when it comes to these types of accomplishments is most importantly, my teammates trusted and believed in me. A lot of individuals' accomplishments come from the team trusting you. Guys making sacrifices for you to be able to do certain things. I think that's overlooked."

The number of teammates Gates has shared a locker room with since entering the NFL is well into the hundreds. In fact, it's probably closer to 1,000. These days, he's surrounded by players who grew up idolizing number 85.

"I've been playing since some of these dudes were in elementary school," he laughed, acknowledging the younger players get wide-eyed when they see him in the locker room. "I think it's funny. (It) lets me know I'm getting older. It's funny, because it's so many guys that are 22, 23."

Still, it's impossible to deny the stature Gates has earned over 14 years of dominance. Mention his name in the locker room and the reactions are all the same.