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History of the San Diego Chargers
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San Diego Chargers
Established 1961
Ended 2016
Played in San Diego, California
Headquartered in Chargers Park
San Diego, California
Logo Wordmark
League/conference affiliations
American Football League (1961–1969)
Western Division (1961–1969)
National Football League (1970–2016)
American Football Conference (1970–2016)
AFC West (1970–2016)
Uniform
Team colors
Navy Blue, Powder Blue, White, Gold
Fight song
San Diego Super Chargers
Personnel
Owner(s)
Barron Hilton (1961–1966)
Eugene Klein and Sam Schulman (1966–1984)
Alex Spanos (1984–2016)
General manager
Sid Gillman (1961–1970)
Harland Svare (1971–1959)
Johnny Sanders (1976–1986)
Steve Ortmayer (1987–1989)
Bobby Beathard (1990–2000)
John Butler (2001–2003)
A. J. Smith (2003–2013)
Tom Telesco (2013–2016)
Head coach
Sid Gillman (1961–1969, 1971)
Charlie Waller (1969–1970)
Harland Svare (1971 –1973)
Ron Waller (1973)
Tommy Prothro (1974–1978)
Don Coryell (1978–1986)
Al Saunders (1986–1988)
Dan Henning (1989–1991)
Bobby Ross (1992–1996)
Kevin Gilbride (1997–1998)
June Jones (1998)
Mike Riley (1999–2001)
Marty Schottenheimer (2002–2006)
Norv Turner (2007–2012)
Mike McCoy (2013–2016)
Team history
Los Angeles Chargers (1960, 2017–present)
San Diego Chargers (1961–2016)
Team nicknames
The Bolts, San Diego Super Chargers
Championships
League championships (1)
AFL Championships: (1)
1963
Conference championships (1)
AFC: 1994
Division championships (14)
AFL West: 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965
AFC West: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1992, 1994, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Playoff appearances (17)
AFL: 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965
NFL: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013
Home fields
Balboa Stadium (1961–1966)
Qualcomm Stadium (1967–2016)
This article is part of series of
Los Angeles Chargers history
Los Angeles Chargers (1960)
San Diego Chargers (1961–2016)
Los Angeles Chargers (2017–present)
List of seasons
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The professional American football team now known as the Los Angeles Chargers previously played in San Diego, California as the San Diego Chargers from 1961 to 2017 before relocating to Los Angeles where the team played their inaugural 1960 season. The Chargers franchise relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego in 1961. The Chargers' first home game in San Diego was at Balboa Stadium against the Oakland Raiders on September 17, 1961. Their last game as a San Diego-based club was played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego against the Kansas City Chiefs on January 1, 2017. They lost their last game in San Diego to the Chiefs with a final score of 30–13.[1]
Contents
[hide]
1 AFL era (1961 – 1970)
1.1 1961 – 1966
1.1.1 First Los Angeles era (1960)
1.1.2 San Diego
1.2 1967 – 1970
1.3 1970 – 1977 (Joining the NFL)
2 Air Coryell era (1978 – 1986)
2.1 1978
2.2 1979
2.3 1980
2.4 1981
2.5 1982 – 1986
3 Changing head coaches (1986 – 1993)
4 1994 – 2005
4.1 1994: AFC Champions
4.2 1996 – 2005
5 2006 – 2012
5.1 2010 – 2012
6 2013 – 2016
7 Return to Los Angeles
8 Records
8.1 Seasons
8.1.1 Footnotes
8.2 Retired numbers
8.3 Chargers members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
8.4 Chargers Hall of Fame
8.5 50th Anniversary Team
8.6 San Diego Hall of Champions
9 Franchise records
9.1 Passing
9.2 Rushing
9.3 Receiving
9.4 Special teams, defense, other
9.5 Exceptional Performances
9.6 Other career records
9.7 Team records
10 See also
11 References
AFL era (1961 – 1970)[edit]
1961 – 1966[edit]
The Chargers played in four of the first five AFL national championship games (1961, 1963, 1964, 1965) -- winning once (1963).
In the early years, the wide receiver, Lance Alworth made 543 receptions for 10,266 yards in his career of eleven AFL and NFL seasons. He made a record at ninety-six consecutive games with a reception.[2] With players such as Alworth, Paul Lowe, Keith Lincoln and John Hadl, the Chargers reached the AFL championship game four times and won it once.[3]
First Los Angeles era (1960)[edit]
In 1959, the team began as the "Los Angeles Chargers" when they entered the American Football League (AFL), joining seven other teams: the Denver Broncos, Dallas Texans, Oakland Raiders, New York Titans, Houston Oilers, Buffalo Bills, and Boston Patriots. The Chargers' first owner was Barron Hilton, the son of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton Hotels corporation.[4] Lamar Hunt, who was instrumental in organizing the AFL, said that he had asked Gene Mako for a suggestion for somebody to start a team in Los Angeles and he recommended Hilton. Hunt said that he visited Hilton for less than an hour and Hilton immediately agreed to start a team.[5]
Barron Hilton held a contest to find a name for his team. The prize was a trip to Mexico. A man from Hollywood named Gerald Courtney submitted the name "Chargers" and won.[6]:p.20 [7][8] Conrad Hilton said, "I liked [the name] because they were yelling "charge" and sounding the bugle at Dodger Stadium and at USC games".[9][10] Hunt said he thought Hilton picked the team name from the first batch of letters as publicity for his new charge account business Carte Blanche.[11]
The team's first general manager was Frank Leahy, a former University of Notre Dame football coach. The team's first head coach was Sid Gillman from the Los Angeles Rams. His strength lay in offense innovation and he was later honoured in the Hall of Fame.[12] Gillman (87-57-6) signed a contract with the team for three years. When Frank Leahy resigned due to poor health, Gillman became the general manager in addition to his coaching role.
The Chargers planned to play at the Rose Bowl, but instead signed a lease to play at the Los Angeles Coliseum.[13]
The Chargers were to host the first ever AFL national championship game at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1961 (for the 1960 season). However as its attendance for home games was falling below 10,000 league and ABC television officials fearing that showing empty seats in the 100,000+ seat Coliseum might jeopardize the entire league persuaded the Chargers to give up the advantage and move the game to Houston (where they lost).[14]
San Diego[edit]
In December 1960, reports surfaced that Chargers were considering relocation offers from San Diego, Atlanta and Seattle. Greg Gregston of the San Diego Union reported that the Chargers "have learned in one season that Los Angeles has been saturated beyond sensible proportions with sports."[15] In January 1961, the team announced the move to Balboa Stadium in Balboa Park, San Diego. Hilton was reported to have lost $900,000 in the first season. San Diego would spend $250,000 to increase stadium seating from 22,000 to 30,000; adding back rests for reserved seats; raising the scoreboard; upgrading the locker rooms; moving the football field closer to the stands and reseeding it; and improving security measures. The Junior Chamber Commerce reported that there were 10,000 firm commitments for season tickets.[16] Seating was increased even more in May 1961 with upper deck bring the total capacity to 34,000.
By then, Detroit native George Pernicano (1917–2016) had become a minor shareholder in the team.
In the 1961 season, their first in San Diego, the team's defense made forty-nine pass interceptions.[17] The term, "Fearsome Foursome" described the 1961 Chargers' defensive players' lineup.[18] The anchoring players were Earl Faison and Ernie Ladd.[19] The "Fearsome Foursome" phrase was later used by other NFL teams.[20] In 1961, the Chargers lost the championship to Houston by ten points to three with 29,556 patrons attending the game at Balboa Stadium.
In 1962, the team won four games and lost ten, including the final nine games of the season. This was mostly due to injuries.
In the 1963 season, eight Charger players scored in the final week. Paul Lowe rushed over 183 yards, scoring 2 touchdowns on 17 carries. In the championship game, the Chargers beat Denver 58 points to 20 and became the AFL West champions. The season ended a week late due to a postponement of games after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The Chargers won the 1963 AFL title when they defeated the Boston Patriots 51 points to 10. Spectators numbering 30,127 attended the game at Balboa Stadium. Keith Lincoln's effort made up 349 yards of the total offense.
In 1964, the Chargers played the New York Jets resulting in 17 points each. 50,222 spectators attended the game at Shea Stadium, New York. The game earned $46,828 in entrance fees. On Thanksgiving Day, Buffalo defeated the Chargers 27-24 at Balboa Stadium. The attendance was 34,865 spectators. The Chargers won their fourth AFL West title by defeating the Jets 38-3 before 25,753 spectators at Balboa Stadium. Lance Alworth left the game with a knee injury, and the fullback, Keith Lincoln was sidelined in the first quarter with a fractured rib. At the 1964 championship game in Buffalo, the Chargers were beaten 20-7. The AFL teams signed a five-year television contract with the National Broadcasting Company for $36 million to commence in 1965.
On December 12, 1965, San Diego (9-2-3) won their fifth AFL West title by defeating Houston 37-26. Lowe came first and Alworth second in the player chosen for AFL Player of the Year honors. Buffalo shut out the Chargers 23-0 in front of 30,361 spectators at Balboa Stadium for the AFL championship. At half time, a new automobile, the "Charger," was introduced by Chrysler officials. It would enter production made by Dodge the following year.
In 1966, Hilton sold the Chargers to a 21-member group of business executives for $10 million. The leading investors were Eugene V. Klein and Sam Schulman. The Chargers finished third in the AFL West that season, 7-6-1.[21] During the sale process, a then-23 year old Jerry Jones (who would go on to become the owner of the Dallas Cowboys) offered $5.8 million for the team, but backed off after his father disapproved of his plans.[22]
In 1967, the Chargers and the Rams played three preseason games at the new San Diego Stadium. The AFL and the NFL announced plans to merge for the 1970 season.
1967 – 1970[edit]
In August 1967, the Chargers moved to the newly-completed San Diego Stadium (now SDCCU Stadium). In 1967, the Chargers played the NFL's Detroit Lions in a pre-season game with 45,988 spectators in attendance. Detroit defeated the Chargers 38-17.[4] In the fifth week of the season, Leslie "Speedy" Duncan had 203 yards in returns, 35 yards on a fumble recovery for a touchdown, 68 yards on four kickoff returns, and 100 yards for a touchdown. In the Charger's game against Kansas City, the team won 45-31. In this game, the team's combined effort was 897 yards offense and 622 yards in returns. In the eleventh week, the Chargers were defeated by Oakland 41-21 with 52,661 spectators at the game. In addition, 2,018 viewers watched the game on closed-circuit television in the San Diego Sports Arena.
In 1968, the Chargers played a first pre-season game at the San Diego Stadium against the NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers won 30-18, before 39,553 spectators. "Speedy" Duncan set an AFL record with a 95 yard punt return for a touchdown in a game where the Chargers were defeated by the New York Jets 37-15. The Chargers came third in the West Division, with a 9-5 record. Quarterback John Hadl led the AFL that year with 440 pass attempts, 208 completions, 3,473 yards taken and 27 touchdown passes. He also led in passes intercepted, with 32.[23]
In the 1969 season, the Chargers lost their first two games. They then defeated the Jets in an at home game with 54,042 spectators. Joe Namath played for the Jets.[4] Hadl and Alworth played for the Chargers. Hadl made a professional record with a pass reception in his ninety-sixth consecutive game. The Chargers won the next three games and then lost four. Their last game was against Buffalo where they won 45-6. The team finished with an 8-6 record and out of the playoffs. Charlie Waller, the offensive backfield coach was named head coach. Gillman had resigned after the season's ninth game due to illness but continued as the team's general manager.[4]
1970 – 1977 (Joining the NFL)[edit]
In 1970, the San Diego Chargers settled into the AFC West division following the NFL merger with the AFL. The years after the merger were difficult for the Chargers. Charlie Waller took over as the head coach, but after finishing 5-6-3, he stepped down, and Gillman returned to the job. Gillman resigned midway through the 1971 season, which ended with six wins and eight losses.
In 1972, Duane Thomas and Deacon Jones joined the team, which finished with a 4-9-1 record. In 1973, veteran quarterback Johnny Unitas, formerly from the Baltimore Colts joined the Chargers. Unitas was almost 40 and had chronic injuries. He played three games and then was replaced by the rookie Dan Fouts. The Chargers finished with a 2-11-1 record.
In the 1974 season, Fouts was named the new the starting quarterback. Don Woods also joined the team. Woods ran for over 1,000 yards but the team had a 5-9 record. However, in 1975, Woods and Fouts underperformed and the team finished 2-12.
In 1976, the Chargers began with a three-game win streak but finished with a 6-8 record. In 1977, the Chargers again began strongly. However, the team lost four out of five games. Fouts was removed and the team finished 7-7.
Air Coryell era (1978 – 1986)[edit]
Hall of Fame Charger Kellen Winslow, who played with San Diego from 1979-1987, is considered to be one NFL's all-time tight ends.[24]
San Diego hired head coach Don Coryell in 1978, who would coach the team unti 1986. Coryell developed a pass-heavy offensive scheme and philosophy known as Air Coryell, also known as the "Coryell offense" or the "vertical offense". With Dan Fouts as quarterback, the San Diego Chargers' offense was among the greatest and most exciting passing offenses in National Football League history, [25] setting league and individual offensive records. The Chargers led the league in passing yards an NFL record six consecutive years from 1978 to 1983[26] and again in 1985. They also led the league in total yards in offense 1978–83 and 1985. Under the tutelage of Coryell, Dan Fouts, wide receiver Charlie Joiner, and tight end Kellen Winslow blossomed on the field and would all be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Chargers earned four consecutive playoff appearances (1979-82) during the Air Coryell era, including three AFC West division championships (1979-81).
1978[edit]
Main article: 1978 San Diego Chargers season
In 1978, the NFL increased the season schedule to sixteen games. The rules were changed so that wide receivers could no longer block defensive backs more than five yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
In the opening game of the season, the Chargers beat Seattle 24-20. On September 10, 1978, the second game was played against the Oakland Raiders at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego. The game became known as the "Holy Roller" game, or, the "Immaculate Deception" because the Raiders made a game winning play.[27] With 10 seconds left in the game, the Raiders had possession of the ball at the Chargers' 14-yard line. The Chargers were ahead 20-14. The Raiders quarterback, Ken Stabler, took the snap but was about to be sacked by the Chargers' line-backer, Woodrow Lowe on the 24-yard line. Stabler fumbled the ball forward, and it rolled forward towards the San Diego goal line. Running back, Pete Banaszak, tried to recover the ball on the 12-yard line, but could not keep his footing, and the ball was pushed even closer to the end zone. The Raiders' tight end, Dave Casper, was the next player to reach the ball but he also could not get a hand on it. He batted and kicked the ball into the end zone, where he fell on it for the game-tying touchdown as time ran out. With the ensuing extra point by kicker, Errol Mann, the Raiders won 21-20.[27]
The Chargers' fans saw the fumble as an incomplete pass or an intentional grounding. In the remaining minutes of the game, the teams battled for the ball towards the end zone where the Raiders ultimately recovered it for a touchdown .[27]
The Chargers lost their third game to Denver then in week four, the Chargers played the Green Bay Packers in an interconference match in San Diego. At the kickoff, the temperature was around 102 °F (38 °C). The Packers won 24-3. After this loss, the Chargers' head coach, Tommy Prothro was dismissed. He was replaced by Don Coryell of the St. Louis Cardinals.
In New England, the Chargers won their first game under Coryell's coaching. When they returned, San Diego was still recovering from the recent PSA Flight 182. The Chargers' defeating Denver in San Diego was morale boosting for the city. Coryell coached the team in his "Air Coryell" offense: Fouts threw to a trio of receivers (Charlie Joiner, John Jefferson and tight end Kellen Winslow). The Chargers won nine games and lost seven, thus missing the playoffs.
1979[edit]
Main article: 1979 San Diego Chargers season
The Chargers attempting to rush the ball through the Oilers' defensive line during the 1979 AFC Divisional Playoff Game.
In 1979, The Sporting News named the Chargers' team general manager, John Sanders, the NFL Executive of the Year.[28] Fouts set an NFL record by playing four consecutive 300-yard passing games. His achievement was established in a game in which he threw over 303 yards against the Oakland Raiders. The Chargers defeated the New Orleans Saints 35 points to nil and proceeded to the playoffs, the first time in fourteen years. On December 17, 1979, the Chargers won their first AFC West division title by defeating the Denver Broncos 17-7 before a national Monday Night Football television audience and their home crowd. In the divisional round, the Houston Oilers defeated the Chargers 17-14. Ron Mix became the second AFL player and second Charger to be nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The announcement was made during the half-time of the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl.[29]
1980[edit]
Main article: 1980 San Diego Chargers season
In 1980, running back Chuck Muncie was traded to the team from the New Orleans Saints. Fouts set a club record with 444 yards passing in the Chargers' 44-7 defeat of the New York Giants.[30] Kellen Winslow caught 10 passes for 171 yards. The Chargers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-17, winning their second straight AFC West title. They finished the season with 11-5 losses, a record for the team.
Jefferson (1,340), Winslow (1,290), and Joiner (1,132) became the first three players on the same team to have 1,000 yards receiving in a season. The Chargers' defense led the NFL in sacks (60). The defensive front line included the 1975 Chargers' draftees Fred Dean, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson and Louie Kelcher. Together with Leroy Jones, these players were known as the "Bruise Brothers".
In the playoffs, the Chargers defeated the Buffalo Bills 20-14. However, their season ended in the AFC Championship Game at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders 34-27.
1981[edit]
Main article: 1981 San Diego Chargers season
In 1981, the Chargers won their third straight AFC West title with a 10-6 record. After the division titles of the 1979 and 1980 seasons, contract disputes arose. Klein, the team owner, refused to renegotiate players' contracts. The Chargers' owner traded the wide receiver, John Jefferson, to the Green Bay Packers after a salary raise could not be agreed upon. Jefferson was replaced by Wes Chandler. Defensive end, Dean was traded to the 49ers again after a pay dispute.[31] Dean said his wage was similar to that of his brother, a truck driver.[32] After playing eleven games of the season, Dean went on to become the UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year. In 1980 and 1981, without Jefferson, the Chargers no longer had the most passing yards in the NFL.[33][34]
Dan Fouts led the Chargers to several postseason runs from 1979-1982 , including the famous "Epic in Miami" 1981 AFC Divisional Playoff game.
"I can't say how much it [Dean's leaving] affected us, because we did make it to the AFC championship game", said Johnson on the loss of fellow lineman Dean. "But I could say if we had more pass rush from the corner, it might've been different."[35]
In the 1981 playoffs divisional round, the Chargers defeated the Miami Dolphins 41-38 at the Miami Orange Bowl where the temperature on the humid day was 85 °F (29.4 °C). The game became known as "The Epic in Miami". ESPN journalists named the epic the best game in NFL history.[36] Both teams showed strong offense. The Chargers were led by Fouts [37] who made an NFL single season record of 4,802 yards and 33 touchdowns.[38]
This game set records for the most points scored in a playoff game (79 points);[39] the greatest total yards by both teams (1,036 yards);[39] and the most passing yards by both teams (809 yards).[39]
The Chargers placekicker, Rolf Benirschke kicked the winning 29-yard field goal after 13 minutes and 52 seconds overtime. The tight end, Kellen Winslow, made 13 receptions for 166 yards, a touchdown and one blocked field goal. He became exhausted and was assisted from the field by his team mates.[40] The win sent the Charers to their second consecutive AFC Championship Game.
At the championship game in Cincinnati, the Bengals defeated the Chargers 27 -7. The game became known as the "Freezer Bowl". The temperature was a record low −9° with a wind-chill factor of −59°.[41]
1982 – 1986[edit]
During the strike-shortened 1982 season, Fouts averaged 320 yards passing per game. At that time, that average was a record.[42] The Chargers defeated San Francisco 41 points to 37 and Cincinnati 50 points to 34. In each game, Fouts threw for over 400 yards.[43] In the game against Cincinnati on December 20, 1982, the Chargers' made 501 yards passing and 175 yards rushing.[44] Chandler set a record of 129 yards receiving per game.[45] The Chargers reached the playoffs for the fourth straight year, finishing 5th in the AFC (divisional standings were disregarded due to the abbreviated schedule). The team upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh 31-28, but the Dolphins would exact revenge from their loss the previous year the next week 34-17.
In 1984, Klein decreased salaries in preparation for the team's sale. The defensive linemen, Johnson and Kelcher, left for San Francisco.[31] On August 1, 1984, Alex Spanos purchased a majority interest in the Chargers. Benirschke was named "Miller Man of the Year". Joiner set an NFL record with his 650th pass reception in the fourth quarter of the game at Pittsburgh.[30]
In 1985 offensive guard Ed White set an NFL record by playing in 241 NFL games. Lionel "Little Train" James, a 5'6", 171 pound running back, set an NFL record of 2,535 all-purpose yards and of 1,027 receiving yards by a running back.[46]
Changing head coaches (1986 – 1993)[edit]
The Chargers hosting a pre-season game at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium in 1987.
During the 1986 San Diego Chargers season, following the resignation of Coryell, Al Saunders was named head coach.[30] The team finished 4-12 that year.
In 1987, Joiner retired to become the Chargers' receivers' coach. The team finished the season 8-7 including losses in the last six games. In 1988 Fouts retired after a 15 year career. He set seven NFL records and 42 club records, and became the NFL's second most prolific passer of all time with 43,040 yards. Fouts's jersey, the number 14, was retired at halftime at the "Dan Fouts Day" game in San Diego.[30]
In the 1989 season, Dan Henning, a former Chargers' quarterback, Washington Redskins assistant, and Atlanta Falcons head coach, became the Chargers' head coach.[30] A first year running back, Marion Butts, set a club record with 39 carries and a team rookie record of 176 yards in the Chargers' 20 points to 13 win against Kansas City.[30] Steve Ortmayer, the director of football operations for the past three years, left and was replaced by Bobby Beathard.[30] The team would post double-digit losses between 1988 and 1991.
In the 1992 season, Bobby Ross became the Chargers' head coach. The quarterback, Stan Humphries was obtained in a trade with the Washington Redskins.[47] The Chargers finished the season 11-5 and won the AFC West title, making their first playoff appearance in a decade. Ross was named AFC Coach of the Year.[47][48] In the Wild Card Round, the Chargers shut out the Kansas City Chiefs 17-0. Then, they were shut out by the Miami Dolphins in the divisional round, 31-0.
In 1993, the Chargers finished 8-8, finishing fourth in the division.
1994 – 2005[edit]
1994: AFC Champions[edit]
Main article: 1994 San Diego Chargers season
In the 1994 season, the Chargers won 11-5. Quarterback Stan Humphries and wide receiver Tony Martin, worked together to make a 99-yard touchdown completion. The players contributing to the Chargers' 1994 AFC West Division championship included linebacker, Junior Seau, defensive tackles Reuben Davis and Shawn Lee and defensive end, Leslie O'Neal, and running back Natrone Means, Humphries and Martin who made offensive moves. In the playoffs, the Chargers unexpectedly defeated the Dolphins 22-21 in the divisional round and the Steelers 17-13 in the AFC Championship Game. The Chargers were defeated by the 49ers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX.
Despite the Super Bowl loss, Beathard, who was responsible for the team line-up and the choice of coach, was named the "NFL's Smartest Man" by Sports Illustrated.[49][50][51]
The Chargers' 1995 season was less successful. The team reached the playoffs with a 9-7 record then were defeated by the Indianapolis Colts 35-20.[52]
1996 – 2005[edit]
LaDainian Tomlinson in 2008
During the 1996 season, running back Rodney Culver was killed in the crash of ValuJet Flight 592 in the Florida Everglades. Linebacker David Griggs had been killed in a single motor vehicle accident in Davie, Florida, eleven months earlier.[47]
In the 1997 season, Beathard dismissed Ross.[47] Kevin Gilbride became the Chargers' new head coach.[47] Gilbride encouraged a more open passing attack, a major change in offensive style.[53] After trades of players and draft choices to the Arizona Cardinals, Beathard selected quarterback Ryan Leaf with his second pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. However, due to his poor play and attitude, Leaf was released after the 2000 season. Jim Harbaugh, who was acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional draft choice in 2000, became the Chargers' starting quarterback.
In the 1998 season, the Chargers went 5-11. Rodney Harrison said, "If I had to go through another year like that, I'd probably quit playing."[54] Humphries suffered several concussions due to a lack of pass protection and retired.[55] When Gilbride left, he was replaced by an interim head coach, June Jones, a member of the Chargers' staff.[47] Jones left the team at the end of the 1998 season to coach at the University of Hawaii. The Chargers' new head coach was Mike Riley from the Oregon State University.[47]
Beathard retired in April 2000 and was replaced in January 2001 by John Butler, former general manager of the Bills.[56] From 1996 to 2003, the Chargers had eight consecutive seasons where they finished with just as many, if not more losses than wins.[57]
In 2001, Riley chose Norv Turner, the former head coach of the Redskins, as his offensive coordinator.[56] Turner coached an offense method which he had employed at the Dallas Cowboys.[58] The Chargers signed the former Bills' quarterback, Doug Flutie. They also traded the team's first overall selection in the 2001 NFL Draft to the Atlanta Falcons in return for the first-round selection (fifth overall) and third-round selection in the same draft. In addition the Chargers obtained the wide receiver-kick returner, Tim Dwight, and the Falcons' second-round draft selection in the 2002 NFL Draft. The Chargers used those selections in the 2001 draft to select the Texas Christian University running back LaDainian Tomlinson and the Purdue University quarterback Drew Brees.[56]
For the 2002 season, Marty Schottenheimer replaced Riley. Under Schottenheimer, the Chargers won their first four games.[56] Butler would succumb to cancer after a nine-month struggle in April 2003.[56] Butler was replaced by A. J. Smith, who was named the Executive Vice President and General Manager.[59]
In 2003, the Chargers traded Seau to the Dolphins for a draft pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Before he left, Seau's teammates awarded him the Emil Karas Award for the team's Most Inspirational Player.[60] Tomlinson accumulated 195 total yards from scrimmage in a late season game against the Packers to raise his season total to 2,011. He became the first Chargers player and the eighth player in NFL history to record consecutive 2,000-yard seasons.[56] Tomlinson also became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes in the same season.[56] The Chargers were the host team for the Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXVII.
The 2004 season saw the Chargers win their first divisional title since 1994 with 12-4 record. They quickly were eliminated by the New York Jets in the first round of the playoffs, 20-17 in overtime.
During the 2005 NFL Draft, the Chargers drafted key rookies who would help carry the momentum from the team's 2004 season. The Chargers used their first pick to gain Shawne Merriman from the University of Maryland. Their next picks included Luis Castillo from Northwestern University, Vincent Jackson from Northern Colorado, Darren Sproles from Kansas State, Wesley Britt from Alabama University, Wes Sims from Oklahoma University, and the center, Scott Mruczkowski from Bowling Green State.
The Chargers lost their first game of the 2005 season to the Dallas Cowboys at home 28-24, and their second game 20-17 in Denver against the Broncos. Through Tomlinson's efforts, the Chargers won their third game, which was a home game against the New York Giants. Tomlinson took 220 yards in total, 3 rushing touchdowns, and threw for a touchdown helping the team to win 45-23. The Chargers then defeated the defending Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots 41-17. At their fifth game, which was against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chargers wore their throwback uniforms. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 24-22 after Jeff Reed made a 40-yard field goal. The Chargers won the sixth game against the Oakland Raiders, 27-14. In the seventh game, against the Eagles in Philadelphia, the Chargers were leading 17-13 until late in the game. Then, the Chargers' field goal was blocked and returned 65 yards by Matt Ware. This led to the game winning touchdown for the Eagles 20-17.
After winning three games and losing four, the Chargers won the following five games. These included an at home game against the Kansas City Chiefs won 28-20 and an away game against the New York Jets 31-26. The tenth week was a bye. Next, the Chargers won at home in their throwback uniforms against the Buffalo Bills, 48-10. Then, the team won against the Washington Redskins, 23-17 in overtime and the next week against the Oakland Raiders at home, 34-10.
The Chargers were defeated 23-21 by the Miami Dolphins. On December 18, 2005, the Chargers defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 26-17 who had won their previous 13 games. The Kansas City Chiefs then defeated the Chargers 20-7, and the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Chargers lost their final game of the season 23-7 to the Denver Broncos. The Chargers completed the 2005 season with a 9-7 record.
2006 – 2012[edit]
In the 2006 season, the Chargers lost two games, one to the Ravens and the other to the Chiefs. They finished the season 14-2, their best record ever. They were seeded first in the AFC playoffs. In the divisional round, the Chargers were defeated by the Patriots 24-21. After the season, Schottenheimer left and Norv Turner became the head coach.
In the 2007 season, the Chargers went 11-5. In the playoffs, the Chargers defeated the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts. In the AFC championship game, the Chargers were defeated by the Patriots.
In the 2008 season, the Chargers posted an 8-8 record. Despite that, they won the AFC West title over a weak field. The Chargers defeated the Colts in the wild card round then lost their game against the Steelers in the divisional round.
In the 2009 season the Chargers first won two games and lost three. For the rest of the season the Chargers won each game, including those against the NFC East teams. Having lost a game against the Broncos, the Chargers defeated them in the eleventh week, 32-3. In the twelfth week, the Chargers defeated the Cleveland Browns 30-23. In this game, LaDainian Tomlinson broke Jim Brown's rushing record and was congratulated by him. The Chargers secured another division title and became the AFC second seed. The Chargers then played and lost 17-14 to the Jets at home on January 17, 2010.
2010 – 2012[edit]
Main article: 2010 San Diego Chargers season
Main article: 2011 San Diego Chargers season
Main article: 2012 San Diego Chargers season
Prior to the 2010 season Tomlinson departed. He was aging and an expensive contract. The Chargers lost the first game to Kansas City, 21-14. The second game was at home was a win against the Jaguars. However, low ticket sales resulted in a blackout. The third game, an away game, was a 27-20 loss against Seattle. The fourth game was a win for the Chargers against the Cardinals, 41-10 at home. There was blackout during the game. Then in the next game, after many wins against the Raiders, the Chargers were defeated by them.[61] The Chargers won the next four games then again were defeated by the Raiders at home, 28 points to 13.[62] After a game where they tied with the Raiders, the Chargers were defeated by the Bengals 34-20 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. The Chargers defeated Denver and ended the season with a 9-7 record.
The Chargers finished the season as the eighth team in NFL history to rank first in overall offense (395.6 yards/game), and overall defense (271.6 yards/game). Despite these statistics, the team did not make the playoffs, a situation only shared with the 1953 Eagles team.[63] The Chargers ended the season second to the Colts in passing yards per game (282.4), second to the Patriots in points scored per game (27.6), first in passing yards allowed per game (177.8), fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (93.8), and tied for second in sacks (47). In contrast, the Chargers gave up the most punt return yards per game (18.9) and gave 29 turnovers.[64] Rivers had a career highlight of 4,710 yards, 294 yards passing per game, 66 percent completion; 30 TDs, 13 INTs and a 101.8 passer rating. Tolbert made 11 rushing TDs and Gates made 10 receiving TDs. Phillips made 11 sacks.[65]
The Chargers started the 2011 season 4-1 before losing to the Patriots. They went on to lose to the Jets, Chiefs, Packers, Raiders, the Bears and Broncos. The team was fraught with injuries. On December 5, 2011, the Chargers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars. Three wins followed including a solid defeat of the Ravens. The Chargers were then defeated 38-10 by the Detroit Lions. After a 38-26 win against the Raiders in the seventeenth week, the Chargers finished the season with an 8-8 record. The Chargers, Broncos and Raiders all finished 8-8, but the Broncos won the AFC West by virtue of tiebreakers.
During a game on October 21, 2012, a line judge saw what he thought was a suspicious substance, such as a banned adhesive, on hand towels used by the Charger's players.[66] However, on November 7, the NFL announced that the Chargers did not cheat. Even so, the team was fined $20,000.[67] After the 2012 season where the Chargers again failed to reach the payoffs, Smith and Turner were dismissed.[68]
2013 – 2016[edit]
Main article: 2013 San Diego Chargers season
Main article: 2014 San Diego Chargers season
Main article: 2015 San Diego Chargers season
Main article: 2016 San Diego Chargers season
On January 9, 2013, the Chargers announced that Tom Telesco, former Vice President of Football Operations for the Indianapolis Colts, would become the Chargers' General Manager. On January 15, 2013, Broncos offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, was hired as the Chargers' new head coach and Ken Whisenhunt as offensive coordinator. D. J. Fluker, Manti Te'o, and Keenan Allen were selected in the first three rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft.[69]
Under McCoy, the Chargers won two and lost three games. The team then defeated Indianapolis in the Monday Night Football and then Jacksonville. After a bye, the Chargers won four of the next five games. They then won all the remaining regular season games. The team finished 9-7, and made the playoffs as a Wild Card team. On the 50th anniversary of the 1963 AFL Championship, the Chargers beat Cincinnati 27-10. In the wild card payoff, Denver defeated the Chargers 24-17.
On January 13, 2014, Ken Whisenhunt left the team to join the Titans. On January 14, 2014, the Chargers announced Frank Reich, the quarterback coach, would replace Whisenhunt as the team's offensive coordinator. The Chargers also brought back Donald Butler, Chad Rinehart, and Darrell Stuckey; dismissed Derek Cox; and engaged the running back Donald Brown. The Chargers selected Jason Verrett, Jeremiah Attaochu, and Chris Watt in the first three rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft.
In September and October 2014, the Chargers won five games after losing their first game of the season and then lost a further three games. Some players sustained injuries and the team finished the season with nine wins and seven losses. The Chargers did not qualify to enter the playoffs. In three of their last four games, and five of their last eight, the Chargers did not score more than one touchdown. Compared to 2013, the offense dropped in points (from 12th in the league to 17th), yards (5th to 18th), first downs (3rd to 15th), net yards per pass (2nd to 8th), rushing yards (13th to 30th) and yards per rush (21st to 31st). It was the second time in three years the team had finished second-to-last in yards per carry. In the AFC West division the Chargers finished the season with two wins and four losses.
In the 2015 NFL draft, the Chargers selected Melvin Gordon, Denzel Perryman, and Craig Mager in the first three rounds. The season started off with a win against the Detroit Lions at home. The Chargers lost to the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings in away games before defeating the Cleveland Browns on a last second field goal. Following their 2 wins and two losses, the Chargers lost their next six games to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, the Chicago Bears, and the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chargers then won against the Jaguars in an away game and week 14, defeated the Miami Dolphins, 30-14. The Chargers finished the season in last place in the AFC West and third-last ahead of the Titans and the Browns in the American Football Conference with a 4-12 record.
The Chargers drafted defensive end Joey Bosa in the third overall pick of the 2016 draft. Other selections included Hunter Henry, Max Tuerk, Joshua Perry, Jatavis Brown, Drew Kaser, Derek Watt, and Donavon Clark.
The Chargers started their 2016 season in Kansas City, playing against the Chiefs and at half time, held a lead of 21-3. The Chiefs rallied in the second half, defeating the Chargers 33-27. In San Diego, the Chargers defeated the Jaguars 38-14. Running back Danny Woodhead did not play due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The Chargers then lost to the Colts, the Saints and the Raiders before winning against the Broncos 21-13 and the Falcons, 22 points to 30. There were further losses including to the Dolphins, 31-24; to Kansas City, 37-27 in San Diego; and to the Browns in week 16.
Return to Los Angeles[edit]
See also: San Diego Chargers stadium proposals
The owner of the Chargers, Dean Spanos advocated for many years for the city of San Diego to build a new stadium. With no success, the Chargers, in association with the Raiders, planned to construct a new stadium in Carson, California.[70]
Immediately after the conclusion of the 2015 season, the Chargers, Rams, and Raiders all filed applications to relocate to Los Angeles.[71] On January 12, 2016, the NFL owners voted 30-2 to allow the Rams to return to Los Angeles, approving their Inglewood stadium project. The Chargers, however, were given an approval to relocate in one year's time, under the condition they negotiate a lease or partnership agreement with the Rams.[72] The Chargers registered the trademark, "Los Angeles Chargers".[73] They submitted to the City of Santa Ana the grading and landscape plans for a five acre parcel of land which would serve as an interim headquarters and training facility.[74] The Chargers and Rams came to an agreement in principle on sharing the planned City of Champions Stadium to commence on January 29, 2016. The Chargers would contribute a $200 million stadium loan from the NFL and personal seat license fees to the construction costs, and they would pay $1 per year in rent to the Rams.[75]
The NFL then encouraged the Chargers to stay in San Diego by offering the team $100 million if they were to enter into an agreement with the city of San Diego.[72] On January 29, 2016, Spanos, the Chargers' chief executive officer, announced that the team would remain in San Diego for the season.[76] The Chargers continued to seek public approval of a new stadium in San Diego.[75] On February 23, 2016, the Chargers announced that their preferred location for a new stadium was the East Village, in Downtown San Diego. The funds for the stadium would come from the team, the NFL and the City of San Diego. Even though it was a more economical proposal, the Chargers dismissed the City's alternative plan for a stadium in Mission Valley. Between April 21 and June 10, 2016, the Chargers collected 110,786 signatures in support of a new Downtown stadium.
On July 9, 2016, the San Diego city clerk received the signatures and on July 18, 2016, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to put the Downtown Stadium plan to a public ballot. On July 28, 2016, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its support of the Chargers' Downtown stadium proposal, and on October 3, 2016, Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced his support. However, on November 8, 2016, the proposal (Measure C) failed to receive support at public ballot (57 percent for and 43 percent against).
In December 2016, the NFL owners approved the terms of a lease agreement between the Chargers and the Rams and the Chargers debt ceiling. On December 23, 2016, the Chargers leased a property of approximately 3 acres in Costa Mesa for offices, practice fields, and training facilities.
On January 12, 2017, Spanos announced the Chargers would move to Los Angeles for the 2017 season. The team would play in the StubHub Center in Carson, California, and eventually, share with the Rams the Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park.[77]
In 2017, when the Chargers moved their practice facility to Orange County, the Chargers removed all references to the city of San Diego from their website and merchandise.[78]
Records[edit]
Qualcomm Stadium, where the Chargers played their home games from 1967 to 2016.
Seasons[edit]
AFL Champions (1960–1969) Conference Champions Division Champions Wild Card Berth
Season
Team
League
Conference
Division
Regular season
Post-season results
Awards
Head coaches
Finish
Wins
Losses
Ties
San Diego Chargers
1961
1961 AFL West 1st 12 2 0 Lost AFL Championship (Oilers) 10–3 Sid Gillman
1962
1962 AFL West 3rd 4 10 0 Earl Faison (ASG MVP) Sid Gillman
1963
1963 AFL West 1st 11 3 0 Won AFL Championship (1) (Patriots) 51–10 Lance Alworth (MVP)
Keith Lincoln (ASG MVP) Sid Gillman
1964
1964 AFL West 1st 8 5 1 Lost AFL Championship (Bills) 20–7 Keith Lincoln (ASG MVP) Sid Gillman
1965
1965 AFL West 1st 9 2 3 Lost AFL Championship (Bills) 23–0 Frank Buncom (ASG MVP) Sid Gillman
1966
1966 AFL West 3rd 7 6 1 Sid Gillman
1967
1967 AFL West 3rd 8 5 1 Speedy Duncan (ASG MVP) Sid Gillman
1968
1968 AFL West 3rd 9 5 0 Sid Gillman
1969
1969 AFL West 3rd 8 6 0 John Hadl (ASG MVP) Charlie Waller
1970[A]
1970 NFL AFC West 3rd 5 6 3 Charlie Waller
1971
1971 NFL AFC West 3rd 6 8 0 Harland Svare (2–2)
Sid Gillman (4–6)
1972
1972 NFL AFC West 4th 4 9 1 Harland Svare
1973
1973 NFL AFC West 4th 2 11 1 Harland Svare (1–6–1)
Ron Waller (1–5)
1974
1974 NFL AFC West 3rd 5 9 0 Don Woods (OROY) Tommy Prothro
1975
1975 NFL AFC West 4th 2 12 0 Tommy Prothro
1976
1976 NFL AFC West 3rd 6 8 0 Tommy Prothro
1977
1977 NFL AFC West 3rd 7 7 0 Tommy Prothro
1978
1978[B] NFL AFC West 3rd 9 7 0 Tommy Prothro (1–3)
Don Coryell (8–4)
1979
1979 NFL AFC West 1st 12 4 0 Lost Divisional Playoffs (Oilers) 17–14 Don Coryell
1980
1980 NFL AFC West 1st[C] 11 5 0 Won Divisional Playoffs (Bills) 20–14
Lost Conference Championship (Raiders) 34–27 Don Coryell
1981
1981 NFL AFC West 1st[D] 10 6 0 Won Divisional Playoffs (Dolphins) 41–38 (OT)[E]
Lost Conference Championship (Bengals)[F] 27–7 Kellen Winslow (PB MVP) Don Coryell
1982[G]
1982 NFL AFC 6th 6 3 0 Won First-Round Playoffs (Steelers) 31–28
Lost Second-Round Playoffs (Dolphins) 34–13 Dan Fouts (OPOY,
PB MVP) Don Coryell
1983
1983 NFL AFC West 5th 6 10 0 Don Coryell
1984
1984 NFL AFC West 5th 7 9 0 Don Coryell
1985
1985 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Don Coryell
1986
1986 NFL AFC West 5th 4 12 0 Leslie O'Neal (DROY) Don Coryell (1–7)
Al Saunders (3–5)
1987[H]
1987 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 7 0 Al Saunders
1988
1988 NFL AFC West 4th 6 10 0 Al Saunders
1989
1989 NFL AFC West 5th 6 10 0 Dan Henning
1990
1990 NFL AFC West 4th 6 10 0 Bobby Ross
1991
1991 NFL AFC West 5th 4 12 0 Bobby Ross
1992
1992 NFL AFC West 1st 11 5 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs (Chiefs) 17–0
Lost Divisional Playoffs (Dolphins) 31–0 Bobby Ross
1993
1993 NFL AFC West 4th 8 8 0 Bobby Ross
1994
1994 NFL AFC West 1st 11 5 0 Won Divisional Playoffs (Dolphins) 22–21
Won Conference Championship (Steelers) 17–13
Lost Super Bowl XXIX (49ers) 49–26 Bobby Ross
1995
1995 NFL AFC West 2nd 9 7 0 Lost Wild Card Playoffs (Colts) 35–20 Bobby Ross
1996
1996 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Bobby Ross
1997
1997 NFL AFC West 5th 4 12 0 Kevin Gilbride
1998
1998 NFL AFC West 5th 5 11 0 Kevin Gilbride (2–4)
June Jones (3–7)
1999
1999 NFL AFC West 4th 8 8 0 Mike Riley
2000
2000 NFL AFC West 5th 1 15 0 Mike Riley
2001
2001 NFL AFC West 5th 5 11 0 Mike Riley
2002
2002 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Marty Schottenheimer
2003
2003 NFL AFC West 4th 4 12 0 Marty Schottenheimer
2004
2004 NFL AFC West 1st 12 4 0 Lost Wild Card Playoffs (Jets) 20–17 (OT) Marty Schottenheimer (COY)
Drew Brees (CBPOY) Marty Schottenheimer
2005
2005 NFL AFC West 3rd 9 7 0 Shawne Merriman (DROY) Marty Schottenheimer
2006
2006 NFL AFC West 1st 14 2 0 Lost Divisional Playoffs (Patriots) 24–21 LaDainian Tomlinson (MVP, OPOY) Marty Schottenheimer
2007
2007 NFL AFC West 1st 11 5 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs (Titans) 17–6
Won Divisional Playoffs (Colts) 28–24
Lost Conference Championship (Patriots) 21–12 Norv Turner
2008
2008 NFL AFC West 1st 8 8 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs (Colts) 23–17 (OT)
Lost Divisional Playoffs (Steelers) 35–24 Norv Turner
2009
2009 NFL AFC West 1st 13 3 0 Lost Divisional Playoffs (Jets) 17–14 Norv Turner
2010
2010 NFL AFC West 2nd 9 7 0 Norv Turner
2011
2011 NFL AFC West 2nd 8 8 0 Norv Turner
2012
2012 NFL AFC West 2nd 7 9 0 Norv Turner
2013
2013 NFL AFC West 3rd 9 7 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs (Bengals) 27–10
Lost Divisional Playoffs (Broncos) 24–17 Philip Rivers (CBPOY) Mike McCoy
2014
2014 NFL AFC West 3rd 9 7 0 Mike McCoy
2015
2015 NFL AFC West 4th 4 12 0 Mike McCoy
2016
2016 NFL AFC West 4th 5 11 0 Mike McCoy
Total
416
421
5
(1961–2016, Regular season only)
11
16
0
(1961–2016, Post-season games only)
427
437
5
(1961–2016, Total for all games; 1 AFL Championship, 3 NFL Titles)
Footnotes[edit]
A As a result of the AFL–NFL merger, the league was broken into two conferences; the AFL teams moved into the American Football Conference.
B This season included the Holy Roller game.
C The Chargers finished ahead of Oakland in the AFC West based on better net points in division games.
D The Chargers finished ahead of the Denver Broncos based on better divisional record.
E This game is known as The Epic in Miami.
F This game was known as the Freezer Bowl.
G The 1982 season was shortened by a strike, so the league was divided up into two conferences instead of its normal divisional alignment.
H The strike of 1987 reduced the regular season schedule from 16 to 15 games.
Retired numbers[edit]
Main article: Los Angeles Chargers retired numbers
San Diego Chargers retired numbers
No.
Player
Position
Tenure
14 Dan Fouts QB 1973–1987
19 Lance Alworth WR 1962–1970
21 LaDainian Tomlinson RB 2001–2009
55 Junior Seau LB 1990–2002
Chargers members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame[edit]
San Diego Chargers in Pro Football Hall of Fame
No.
Player
Position
Tenure
Inducted
19 Lance Alworth WR 1962–1970 1978
74 Ron Mix* OT 1960–1969 1979
19 Johnny Unitas QB 1973 1979
75 Deacon Jones DE 1972–1973 1980
— Sid Gillman* Head coach 1960–1971 1983
89 John Mackey TE 1972 1992
14 Dan Fouts QB 1973–1987 1993
72 Little, LarryLarry Little OG 1967–1968 1993
80 Kellen Winslow TE 1979–1987 1995
18 Charlie Joiner WR 1976–1986 1996
71 Fred Dean DE 1975–1981 2008
55 Junior Seau LB 1990–2002 2015
21 LaDanian Tomlinson RB 2001-2009 2017
(*) Indicates Player or Coach began his tenure in Los Angeles
Chargers Hall of Fame[edit]
Main article: Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame
The San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame was founded in 1976.[79] The members of the Hall of Fame are honored at the Chargers' "Ring of Honor", founded in 2000.[80][81] Eligible candidates must have been retired for at least four seasons.[82] Selections for admission to the Hall of Fame are made by a five-member committee chaired by Spanos.[82] The Chargers in 2012 allowed fans to vote for the newest member.[83]
50th Anniversary Team[edit]
Main article: San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
See also: San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team
in 2009, the Chargers announced their 50th Anniversary Team. It honored the top players and coaches in the team's history.[84] The team included 53 players and coaches selected from 103 nominees.[85][86][87][87] Online voting accounted for fifty percent (400,000 votes) of the results. The remainder were from members of the Chargers Hall of Fame and five members of the local media. Dan Fouts and LaDainian Tomlinson were the most popular players.[86][88] The resulting team included seven members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and eleven players from the 2009 Chargers' team.[89][90]
San Diego Hall of Champions[edit]
The San Diego Hall of Champions includes Lance Alworth, Ron Mix, John Hadl, Charlie Joiner, Don Coryell, Sid Gillman, Gary Garrison, Dan Fouts, Ed White, Kellen Winslow, Earl Faison, Rolf Benirschke, Keith Lincoln, Russ Washington, Stan Humphries, Ernie Ladd, and Doug Wilkerson. The Hall of Champions admits athletes from the San Diego area as well as those who have played for San Diego-based professional and collegiate teams.
Franchise records[edit]
Passing[edit]
Regular Season
Playoffs
Rookie
Statistic
Career
Season
Game
Career
Season
Game
Season
Game
Passes Completed 3,811
Philip Rivers 437
Philip Rivers
2015 38
Philip Rivers
10/25/15 OAK 164
Philip Rivers 63
Stan Humphries
1994 33
Dan Fouts
1/2/82 @MIA 118
Craig Whelihan
1997 25
Ryan Leaf
10/25/98 SEA
Pass Attempts 5,917
Philip Rivers 661
Philip Rivers
2015 58
Mark Herrmann
12/22/85 @KAN
Philip Rivers
10/25/15 OAK 286
Dan Fouts 114
Stan Humphries
1994 53
Dan Fouts
1/2/82 @MIA 260
John Hadl
1962 52
Ryan Leaf
10/25/98 SEA
Passing Yds 45,833
Philip Rivers 4,802
Dan Fouts
1981 503
Philip Rivers
10/18/15 @GB 2,165
Philip Rivers 767
Philip Rivers
2007 433
Dan Fouts
1/2/82 @MIA 1,632
John Hadl
1962 350
Billy Joe Tolliver
12/10/89 @WAS
Passing TD 314
Philip Rivers 34
Philip Rivers
2008 6
Dan Fouts
11/22/81 @OAK 12
Dan Fouts 4
Dan Fouts
1980, 1981, 1982
Stan Humphries
1994
Philip Rivers
2007 3
Dan Fouts
1/2/82 @MIA
1/9/83 @PIT
Philip Rivers
1/13/08 @IND
1/11/09 @PIT 15
John Hadl
1962 3
John Hadl
9/30/62 @OAK
11/25/62 @HOU
Passer Rating 94.7+
Philip Rivers 105.5
Philip Rivers
2013 158.3*
Dan Fouts
9/26/76 STL 85.2#
Philip Rivers 145.3*
Tobin Rote
1963 145.3*
Tobin Rote
1/5/64 BOS 58.3#
Craig Whelihan
1997 122.9*
Rick Neuheisel
10/11/87 @TAM
Passes Intercepted 242
Dan Fouts 26
John Hadl
1972 5
Dan Fouts
9/14/80 @OAK 16
Dan Fouts 5
Dan Fouts
1979, 1982
Stan Humphries
1994 5
Dan Fouts
1/16/83 @MIA 24
John Hadl
1962 5
John Hadl
12/16/62 @DTX
Marty Domres
11/09/69 @KAN
Sacked 361
Philip Rivers 49
Philip Rivers
2012 7
Stan Humphries
09/14/97 CAR
Philip Rivers
10/17/10 @STL
12/28/14 @KAN 20
Philip Rivers 8
Philip Rivers
2008 4
Philip Rivers
1/11/09 @MIA
1/12/14 @DEN 22
Ryan Leaf 6
Rick Neuheisel
10/18/87 @RAI
Ryan Leaf
10/18/98 PHI
Yds/Pass Att 7.75+
Philip Rivers 8.75#
Philip Rivers
2009 15.8*
Dan Fouts
11/3/74 CLE 7.96#
Philip Rivers 11.53*
Tobin Rote
1963 13.9*
Philip Rivers
1/13/08 @IND 6.6#
Jesse Freitas
1974 11.8*
Marty Domres
11/23/69 DEN
Pass Yds/Game 253.22+
Philip Rivers 320.33
Dan Fouts
1982 - 303.57#
Dan Fouts 333*
Dan Fouts
1979 - 219.4
Billy Joe Tolliver
1989 -
∗ = minimum 15 attempts, # = min. 100 attempts, + = min. 500 attempts
Rushing[edit]
Regular Season
Playoffs
Rookie
Statistic
Career
Season
Game
Career
Season
Game
Season
Game
Rushing Att 2,880
LaDainian Tomlinson 372
LaDainian Tomlinson
2002 39
LaDainian Tomlinson
10/20/02 @OAK
Marion Butts
12/17/89 @KAN 110
Chuck Muncie 57
Natrone Means
1994 26
LaDainian Tomlinson
1/8/05 NYJ 339
LaDainian Tomlinson
2001 39
Marion Butts
12/17/89 @KAN
Rushing Yds 12,490
LaDainian Tomlinson 1,815
LaDainian Tomlinson
2006 243
LaDainian Tomlinson
12/28/03 OAK 516
Chuck Muncie 241
Natrone Means
1994 206
Keith Lincoln
1/5/64 @BOS 1,236
LaDainian Tomlinson
2001 189
Brad Hubbert
12/24/67 NYJ
Rushing TD 138
LaDainian Tomlinson 28
LaDainian Tomlinson
2006 4
LaDainian Tomlinson
10/14/07 OAK
11/12/06 @CIN
Chuck Muncie
11/29/81 DEN
Clarence Williams
9/16/79 BUF 4
LaDainian Tomlinson 2
Natrone Means
1994
LaDainian Tomlinson
2006
Darren Sproles
2008 2
LaDainian Tomlinson
1/14/07 NWE
Darren Sproles
1/3/09 IND 10
Tim Spencer
1985
LaDainian Tomlinson
2001 3
Natrone Means
12/27/93 MIA
LaDainian Tomlinson
9/30/01 CIN
Ryan Mathews
1/2/11 @DEN
Yds/Rushing Att 4.9+
Paul Lowe 6.45#
Keith Lincoln
1963 12.6*
Brad Hubbert
12/24/67 NYJ 12.0*
Keith Lincoln 7.86*
Paul Lowe
1960 7.93*
Marion Butts
1/2/93 KAN 6.29#
Paul Lowe
1960 12.6*
Brad Hubbert
12/24/67 NYJ
Rushing Yds/Game 88.6+
LaDainian Tomlinson 113.4#
LaDainian Tomlinson
2006 - 86.0*
Chuck Muncie 165*
Paul Lowe
1960 - 96.8#
Don Woods
1974 -
∗ = minimum 15 attempts, # = min. 100 attempts, + = min. 500 attempts
Receiving[edit]
Regular Season
Playoffs
Rookie
Statistic
Career
Season
Game
Career
Season
Game
Season
Game
Receptions 897
Antonio Gates 102
Keenan Allen
2017 15
Kellen Winslow
10/7/84 @GNB
Keenan Allen
9/13/15 DET 42
Antonio Gates 18
Vincent Jackson
2007 13
Kellen Winslow
1/2/82 @MIA 71
Keenan Allen
2013 13
LaDainian Tomlinson
11/25/01 ARI
Receiving Yds 11,192
Antonio Gates 1602
Lance Alworth
1965 260
Wes Chandler
12/20/82 CIN 539
Charlie Joiner 300
Vincent Jackson
2007 166
Kellen Winslow
1/2/82 @MIA 1,046
Keenan Allen
2013 155
John Jefferson
12/4/78 CHI
Receiving TD 111
Antonio Gates 14
Lance Alworth
1965
Tony Martin
1996 5
Kellen Winslow
11/22/81 @OAK 4
Charlie Joiner
Kellen Winslow 3
Charlie Joiner
1980 2
Charlie Joiner
1/11/81 OAK
James Brooks
1/2/82 @MIA
Kellen Winslow
1/9/83 @PIT
Keenan Allen
1/12/14 @DEN 13
John Jefferson
1978 2
(8 players)
Yds/Reception 19.44+
Lance Alworth 28.6#
Bobby Duckworth
1984 46.25*
Lance Alworth
11/26/64 BUF 17.97#
Charlie Joiner 31.5*
Ron Smith
1980 23.67*
Keenan Allen
1/12/14 @DEN 18.62#
Jerry Robinson
1962 35.5*
Harrison Davis
11/3/74 CLE
Receiving Yds/Game 86.3+
Lance Alworth 129#
Wes Chandler
1982 - 86.75#
Wes Chandler 133*
Ronnie Harmon
1995 - 71.5
John Jefferson
1978 -
∗ = minimum 4 receptions, # = min. 20 receptions, + = min. 200 receptions
Special teams, defense, other[edit]
Regular Season
Playoffs
Statistic
Career
Season
Game
Career
Season
Game
Rushing/Receiving TD 153
LaDainian Tomlinson 31
LaDainian Tomlinson
2006 5
Kellen Winslow
11/22/81 @OAK 4
Charlie Joiner
Darren Sproles
LaDainian Tomlinson
Kellen Winslow 3
Charlie Joiner
1980
Darren Sproles
2008 2
(9 players)
Yds From Scrimmage 16,445
LaDainian Tomlinson 2,370
LaDainian Tomlinson
2003 271
LaDainian Tomlinson
12/1/02 DEN 644
Chuck Muncie 329
Keith Lincoln
1963 329
Keith Lincoln
1/5/64 BOS
Returning
Kick Returns 258
Darren Sproles 67
Ronney Jenkins
2000 8
Andre Coleman
10/27/96 @SEA
Ronney Jenkins
10/1/00 @STL
12/3/00 SFO
Darren Sproles
10/26/08 @NOR 21
Darren Sproles 13
Andre Coleman
1994 8
Andre Coleman
1/29/95 N SFO
Kick Return Yds 6,469
Darren Sproles 1,541
Ronney Jenkins
2001 250
Ronney Jenkins
11/18/01 @OAK 537
Darren Sproles 350
Andre Coleman
1994 244
Andre Coleman
1/29/95 N SFO
Kick Return TD 4
Andre Coleman 2
Andre Coleman
1994, 1995
Ronney Jenkins
2001 1
(8 games) 1
Andre Coleman 1
Andre Coleman
1994 1
Andre Coleman
1/29/95 N SFO
Yds/Kick Return 27.56*
Richard Goodman 27.95*
Speedy Duncan
1969 46.67+
Darren Sproles
12/30/07 @OAK 41.8#
Speedy Duncan 30.0#
Darren Sproles
2008 49.0+
Speedy Duncan
12/26/64 @BUF
Punt Returns 212
Mike Fuller 46
Mike Fuller
1979 8
Mike Fuller
9/19/76 @TAM
Phil McConkey
11/26/89 @IND
Latario Rachal
10/11/98 @OAK
Leon Johnson
12/7/03 @DET 12
Darren Sproles 6
Darrien Gordon
1994 5
Eric Parker
1/14/07 NWE
Punt Return Yds 2,388
Mike Fuller 537
Darrien Gordon
1996 168
Eric Metcalf
11/2/97 @CIN 107
Darren Sproles 76
Darren Sproles
2008 72
Darren Sproles
1/3/09 IND
Punt Return TD 3
Eric Metcalf
Darrien Gordon 3
Eric Metcalf
1997 2
Eric Metcalf
11/2/97 @CIN 1
Wes Chandler 1
Wes Chandler
1981 1
Wes Chandler
1/2/82 @MIA
Yds/Punt Return 13.7*
Keith Lincoln 21.43#
Keith Lincoln
1961 42.0+
Eric Metcalf
11/2/97 @CIN 12.38#
Mike Fuller 15.2#
Darren Sproles
2008 24.0+
Darren Sproles
1/3/09 IND
Kick & Punt Return Yds 7,404
Darren Sproles 1,737
Andre Coleman
1995 282
Speedy Duncan
11/24/68 NYJ 644
Darren Sproles 364
Andre Coleman
1994 244
Andre Coleman
1/29/95 N SFO
All-Purpose Yds 16,445
LaDainian Tomlinson 2,535
Lionel James
1985 345
Lionel James
11/10/85 RAI 1,059
Darren Sproles 602
Darren Sproles
2008 329
Keith Lincoln
1/5/64 BOS
Kicking
Regular Season
Playoffs
Statistic
Career
Season
Game
Career
Season
Game
Extra Pts 349
Nate Kaeding 58
Nate Kaeding
2006 6
(6 games) 18
Nate Kaeding 6
George Blair
1963
Rolf Benirschke
1981
Nate Kaeding
2007 6
George Blair
1/5/64 BOS
Field Goals 261
John Carney 34
Nick Novak
2013 6
Greg Davis
10/5/97 @OAK
John Carney
9/5/93 SEA
9/19/93 HOU 8
Nate Kaeding 5
Nate Kaeding
2007 4
Nate Kaeding
1/20/08 @NWE
Punts 771
Darren Bennett 95
Darren Bennett
1998 11
(5 games) 52
Mike Scifres 13
John Kidd
1992 7
John Kidd
1/10/93 @MIA
Mike Scifres
1/14/07 NWE
Punt Yds 34,152
Mike Scifres 4,248
Darren Bennett
2000 522
Darren Bennett
10/11/98 @OAK 2,330
Mike Scifres 599
Mike Scifres
2008 324
John Kidd
1/10/93 @MIA
Defensive Records
Regular Season
Playoffs
Statistic
Career
Season
Game
Career
Season
Game
Interceptions 42
Gill Byrd 10
Antonio Cromartie
2007 3
(11 games) 3
Glen Edwards
Drayton Florence 2
(6 seasons)
Interception return yards 546
Gill Byrd 349
Charlie McNeil
1961 177
Charlie McNeil
9/24/61 HOU 62
Glen Edwards 45
Bud Whitehead
1961
Interception return TDs 5
Dick Harris
Kenny Graham 3
Dick Harris
1961 1
(108 games) 0
Sacks (since 1982) 105.5
Leslie O'Neal 17
Leslie O'Neal
1992
Shawne Merriman
2006 5
Leslie O'Neal
11/16/86 DAL 4
Gary Johnson 2.5
Fred Dean
1980
Leroy Jones
1980
Burt Grossman
1992 2.5
Burt Grossman
1/2/93 KAN
∗ = minimum 20; # = min. 5; + = min. 3
Exceptional Performances[edit]
Statistic
Career
Season
Playoff Games
Rookie Games
Games with 300+ passing yards 51
Dan Fouts
Philip Rivers 8
Dan Fouts
1980
Philip Rivers
2015 5
Dan Fouts 2
Billy Joe Tolliver
Games with 100+ rushing yards 46
LaDainian Tomlinson 10
LaDainian Tomlinson
2006 2
Chuck Muncie 7
Don Woods
Games with 100+ receiving yards 41
Lance Alworth 9
Lance Alworth
1965 2
Wes Chandler
Vincent Jackson
Charlie Joiner
Kellen Winslow 5
Keenan Allen
Games with 1+ TD scored 93
LaDainian Tomlinson 14
LaDainian Tomlinson
2004 3
Vincent Jackson
Charlie Joiner
Chuck Muncie
Darren Sproles
LaDainian Tomlinson
Kellen Winslow 9
Paul Lowe
1960
Games with 2+ TD scored 42
LaDainian Tomlinson 10
LaDainian Tomlinson
2006 1
(7 players) 5
John Jefferson
Games with 3+ TD scored 13
LaDainian Tomlinson 6
LaDainian Tomlinson
2006 - 1
Ryan Mathews
Natrone Means
Dickie Post
LaDainian Tomlinson
Other career records[edit]
Games Played 204 (Antonio Gates)
Long pass 99 (Tony Martin from Stan Humphries, 9/18/94 @SEA)
Long rush 87 (Paul Lowe, 9/10/61 @DTX)
Long punt return 95 (Speedy Duncan, 11/24/68 NYJ)
Long kickoff return 105 (Richard Goodman, 1/1/12 @OAK)
Long interception return 103 (Vencie Glenn, 11/29/87 DEN)
Long field goal return 109 (Antonio Cromartie, 11/4/07 @MIN)
Long FG 62 (Ray Wersching, 9/22/74 @CIN)
Seasons with 4000+ pass yards 8 (Philip Rivers)
Seasons with 1000+ rush yards 8 (LaDainian Tomlinson)
Seasons with 1000+ receiving yards 7 (Lance Alworth)
Team records[edit]
Most points scored 58, 12/22/63 DEN
Most points allowed 57, 10/1/00 @STL
Largest margin of victory 46, 11/2/63 @NYJ
Largest margin of defeat 43, 12/13/64 KAN
Most yards allowed 614, 10/1/00 @STL
Fewest yards allowed 58, 10/22/61 @OAK
Shutouts 17
See also[edit]
History of the National Football League in Los Angeles
History of the Los Angeles Chargers
References[edit]
Jump up ^ SB Nation https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/12/16/16774404/chiefs-chargers-2017-live-score-results-highlights. Retrieved 2/7/18. Check date values in: |access-date= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
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Jump up ^ Chargers Hall of Fame Chargers.com. Accessed July 29, 2007. Archived March 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
^ Jump up to: a b c d "History". San Diego Chargers. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
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Jump up ^ The American Football League McFarland 1997 ISBN 0786486600
Jump up ^ "Barron Hilton's Chargers turned short stay into long-term success".
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Jump up ^ Pierson, Don (4 January 2003). "Sid Gillman 1911-2003". Chicago Tribune.
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Jump up ^ Florence, Mal (September 16, 1985). "Remembering the Fearsome Foursome". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 13, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
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Jump up ^ TSN Award Winners: NFL Executive of the Year Sporting News. Accessed July 1, 2007. Archived December 3, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
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^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Chronology 1980–1989 Chargers. com. Accessed July 29, 2007. Archived March 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
^ Jump up to: a b Say it ain't so: San Diego Chargers Sports Illustrated. Accessed August 4, 2007. Archived August 4, 2004, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ Wilson, Bernie (July 31, 2008). "Charger-turned-Niner Fred Dean answers Hall's call". USA Today. Retrieved November 3, 2008.
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Jump up ^ Thomas, Jim (July 30, 2008). "Fred Dean: Situational pass-rusher made most of his opportunities". The State Journal-Register. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016.
Jump up ^ 76: Winslow helped off field after Chargers' OT win ESPN.com. Accessed July 29, 2007.
Jump up ^ Daniel Fouts Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed July 29, 2007.
Jump up ^ Dan Fouts statistics Pro Football Reference. Accessed July 29, 2007.
^ Jump up to: a b c 1981 Chargers/Dolphins Playoff Game Honored Chargers Stats. Accessed July 29, 2007. Archived March 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ Kellen Winslow Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed July 29, 2007.
Jump up ^ Freezer Bowl Referee. Accessed July 29, 2007. Archived September 27, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
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Jump up ^ "Single-season receiving yards per game leaders". Retrieved October 22, 2008.
Jump up ^ Neville, David (March 31, 2003). "Little Big Man". chargers.com. San Diego Chargers. Archived from the original on February 3, 2011. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Chronology 1990-1999 Chargers.com. Accessed July 29, 2007. Archived January 6, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ Pro Football Weekly NFL Coach of the Year Answers.com. Accessed July 1, 2007.
Jump up ^ San Diego Chargers 1994 roster Chargers Stats. Accessed July 29, 2007. Archived September 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ Will history repeat in San Diego? Archived 2007-10-19 at the Wayback Machine. CBS Sportsline. Accessed August 4, 2007.
Jump up ^ Super Bowl recipe requires many ingredients USA Today. Accessed August 4, 2007.
Jump up ^ San Diego Chargers 1995 roster. Chargers-Stats. Accessed August 4, 2007. Archived April 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ Chargers are passing on a run for success The Sporting News. Accessed August 6, 2007.
Jump up ^ Silver, Michael (August 30, 1999). "San Diego Chargers – After a season of discontent there's reason to be upbeat". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on June 13, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
Jump up ^ With new coaching staff, Chargers tackling change San Diego Union-Tribune. Accessed August 6, 2007.
^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Chronology 2000– Chargers.com. Accessed July 29, 2007. Archived March 27, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ Chargers teams by years Chargers-Stats. Accessed August 4, 2007. Archived March 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ Transcript: Troy Aikman's Hall of Fame speech Dallas Morning News. Accessed August 6, 2007. Archived January 25, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ A. J. Smith Chargers.com. Accessed August 9, 2007. Archived January 10, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
Jump up ^ Junior Seau #55 NFLPlayers.com. Accessed August 9, 2007.
Jump up ^ San Diego Chargers 2003 schedule espn.com Accessed January 17, 2011.
Jump up ^ Playoff box score espn.com Accessed January 17, 2011.
Jump up ^ Chargers have become the NFL's star of statistics, not standings sportsillustrated.cnn.com Accessed January 17, 2011.
Jump up ^ 2010 NFL stats espn.com Accessed January 17, 2011.
Jump up ^ 2010 NFL player stats espn.com Accessed January 17, 2011.
Jump up ^ "NFL investigating Chargers". ESPN. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
Jump up ^ "Chargers fined $20K by NFL for concealing towel usage". National Football League. November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
Jump up ^ "Norv Turner, A.J. Smith fired". ESPN.com. January 1, 2013. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013.
Jump up ^ "Chargers hire Mike McCoy". ESPN.com. January 16, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
Jump up ^ Farmer, Sam (February 20, 2015). "Chargers, Raiders will jointly pursue an NFL stadium in Carson". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
Jump up ^ Bien, Louis (January 4, 2016). "Rams, Raiders and Chargers file for relocation to Los Angeles". SB Nation. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
^ Jump up to: a b Hanzus, Dan (January 12, 2016). "Rams to relocate to L.A.; Chargers first option to join". NFL.com. National Football League. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
Jump up ^ Daly, Thomas J. (January 22, 2016). "Are the San Diego Chargers Moving to Los Angeles?". The National Law Review. Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
Jump up ^ Acee, Kevin (January 28, 2016). "Chargers submit plans for O.C. facility". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
^ Jump up to: a b Acee, Kevin; Garrick, David; Wilkens, John (January 29, 2016). "Chargers here for a year -- then what?". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
Jump up ^ Wesseling, Chris (January 29, 2016). "Chargers announce they will stay in San Diego for 2016". National Football League. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
Jump up ^ Schrotenboer, Brent (January 12, 2017). "What we know about Chargers' move to Los Angeles". USA Today. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
Jump up ^ "Chargers to Relocate to Los Angeles". Los Angeles Chargers. January 12, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
Jump up ^ Hood, Lindsay (October 21, 2010). "Chargers Fun Fact: Team Hall of Fame". NBCSanDiego.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2012.
Jump up ^ Trotter, Jim (February 3, 2000). "Chargers' future will honor players, uniforms of the past". The San Diego Union Tribune. Sports section. Retrieved March 5, 2012. (subscription required)
Jump up ^ "San Diego Chargers A–Z Fan Guide" (PDF). San Diego Chargers. 2011. p. 19. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 5, 2012.
^ Jump up to: a b Judge, Clark (November 29, 1992). "With week to go, Raiders blackout likely". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Sports section.
Jump up ^ Gehlken, Michael (July 16, 2012). "Fans to decide next Chargers Hall of Famer". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012.
Jump up ^ "Celebration announced for 50th season of Chargers football". Chargers.com. The San Diego Chargers. Archived from the original on October 13, 2011.
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Jump up ^ Bigelow, Bill (November 28, 2009). "Fouts chosen as all-time 'Greatest Charger'". The Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012.
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Jump up ^ "Fouts, Tomlinson top vote-getters for All-Time Greatest Chargers". Chargers.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012.
[show]
v
t
e
Los Angeles Chargers
Founded in 1960
Played in San Diego (1961–2016)
Based in Carson, California
Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California
Franchise
Franchise
History
in San Diego
Seasons
Retired numbers
14
19
21
55
Hall of Fame
Anniversary teams
40th
50th
First-round draft picks
Starting quarterbacks
Coaches
History
Broadcasters
Stadiums
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Balboa Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego stadium proposals
StubHub Center
Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park (under construction)
Culture
Fearsome Foursome
Air Coryell
"San Diego Super Chargers"
Bruise Brothers
Marty Ball
San Diego sports curse
Los Angeles Charger Girls
Rivalries
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland Raiders
Lore
Holy Roller
Epic in Miami
Freezer Bowl
Wild card berths (2)
1995
2013
Division championships (15)
1960
1961
1963
1964
1965
1979
1980
1981
1992
1994
2004
2006
2007
2008
2009
Conference championships (1)
1994
League championships (1)
1963
Current league affiliations
League: National Football League (1970–present)
Conference: American Football Conference
Division: West Division
Former league affiliation
League: American Football League (1960–1969)
Seasons (59)
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Championship seasons in bold
[show]
v
t
e
San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers seasons
Los Angeles
1960
San Diego
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Los Angeles
2017
2018
Bold indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) victory
Italics indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) appearance
[show]
v
t
e
San Diego Chargers 1963 AFL champions
18 Tobin Rote
19 Lance Alworth
20 Gerry McDougall
21 John Hadl
22 Keith Lincoln
23 Paul Lowe
24 Keith Kinderman
25 Dick Westmoreland
27 Charlie McNeil
29 Jerry Robinson
36 Dick Harris
38 Jacque MacKinnon
39 George Blair
40 Bobby Jackson
43 Gary Glick
47 Bud Whitehead
50 Chuck Allen
52 Don Rogers
55 Frank Buncom
56 Emil Karas
57 Bobby Lane
60 Sam DeLuca
61 Ernie Park
64 Pat Shea
65 Sam Gruneisen
74 Ron Mix
75 Ernie Wright
76 Henry Schmidt
77 Ernie Ladd
78 Walt Sweeney
79 George Gross
82 Bob Mitinger
83 Dave Kocourek
84 Paul Maguire
85 Bob Petrich
86 Earl Faison
88 Don Norton
89 Reggie Carolan
Head coach Sid Gillman
Coaches
Walt Hackett
Joe Madro
Chuck Noll
Bones Taylor
[show]
v
t
e
Sports teams based in and around San Diego
Australian rules football
USAFL
San Diego Lions

Baseball
MLB
San Diego Padres
Basketball
ABA
San Diego Surf
Football
WFA
San Diego Surge
IWFL
North County Stars
Ice hockey
AHL
San Diego Gulls
WSHL
San Diego Sabers
Soccer
USL
San Diego 1904 FC (2019)
PDL
San Diego Zest FC
NPSL
ASC San Diego
WPSL
San Diego WFC SeaLions
MASL
San Diego Sockers
PASL-Premier
San Diego Sockers Reserves
Roller derby
WFTDA
SoCal Derby
RDCL
San Diego Derby Dolls
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MLR
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RSL
OMBAC
Tennis
WTT
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Ultimate
AUDL
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Lacrosse
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College athletics
San Diego State Aztecs
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Defunct
San Diego Buds
San Diego Chargers
San Diego Clippers
San Diego Flash
San Diego Friars
San Diego Rockets
San Diego Sockers (1978–96)
San Diego Spirit
Related
San Diego sports curse
San Diego Chicken
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