Unbeknownst to his parents, who emphasized academics, he played football in high school at Baltimore City College where he started as a sophomore on a junior varsity that was undefeated and unscored upon.
He was coached by George Young, who later became the General Manager of the New York Giants.
[1] While at Notre Dame, Gatewood set many receiving records, many of which were not broken until at least 30 years later.
[4] Gatewood was selected by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 1972 NFL draft.
[6][7] His grandson, A. J. Dillon, is an American football running back for the Green Bay Packers.