The Los Angeles Chargers have a very distinctive history in professional football. Founded in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League, the Chargers began play in Los Angeles in 1960, moved to San Diego in 1961, and returned to Los Angeles in 2017. The franchise has produced Hall of Fame players, innovative coaches, record-setting quarterbacks and one of the most influential offensive systems in NFL history. The Birth of the Chargers The Chargers were awarded to Los Angeles on August 14, 1959, as one of the eight original AFL franchises. They began their first season in 1960. The team’s founding owner was Barron Hilton, who purchased the franchise rights for $25,000. Hilton also held a contest to select the team’s name, with “Chargers” ultimately being chosen. The Chargers immediately became one of the AFL’s most competitive teams under head coach Sid Gillman. They won five division titles during their first six seasons and captured the 1963 AFL Championship. Chargers Owners The franchise has had several ownership eras. Barron Hilton — 1960–1966 Hilton was the Chargers’ founding owner and the person who brought the franchise into existence. His Chargers won the 1963 AFL Championship and helped establish the club as one of the AFL’s strongest organizations. Eugene V. Klein and the ownership group — 1966–1984 In 1966, Hilton sold the Chargers to a group headed by Eugene V. Klein and Sam Schulman. Klein became the club’s principal owner. The Klein era eventually produced the famous “Air Coryell” Chargers. Klein hired Don Coryell during the 1978 season, and the Chargers became one of the NFL’s premier offensive teams. Alex Spanos — 1984–2018 Alex Spanos purchased controlling interest in the Chargers from Klein in 1984. He subsequently acquired additional shares and became the dominant owner of the franchise. Spanos’ ownership included the team’s 1994 AFC championship and its appearance in Super Bowl XXIX following the 1994 season. Dean Spanos — Controlling owner Alex Spanos turned day-to-day control of the organization over to his son Dean Spanos in the 1990s. Dean became the team’s controlling owner and chairman and led the franchise through its move back to Los Angeles in 2017. The Chargers remain a Spanos family-owned franchise. Every Stadium the Chargers Have Called Home The Chargers have had an unusually varied stadium history because of their move from Los Angeles to San Diego and eventually back to Los Angeles. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — 1960 The original Los Angeles Chargers played their inaugural 1960 season at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. That first season established the Chargers as an exciting AFL franchise before the team relocated to San Diego. Balboa Stadium — San Diego — 1961–1966 The Chargers moved to San Diego for the 1961 season and played at Balboa Stadium. This became the franchise’s first San Diego home. San Diego Stadium — 1967–2016 The Chargers moved into the newly constructed San Diego Stadium in 1967. The facility subsequently carried several names: San Diego Stadium Jack Murphy Stadium Qualcomm Stadium The Chargers spent nearly five decades playing their home games at the facility. There was one unusual exception in 2003, when a Chargers home game was played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, because of the Cedar Fire in San Diego. Dignity Health Sports Park — Carson — 2017–2019 When the franchise returned to Los Angeles in 2017, the Chargers initially played at the small Carson venue then known as StubHub Center. It was renamed Dignity Health Sports Park in 2019. The Chargers played there through the 2019 season while their permanent Los Angeles stadium was being constructed. SoFi Stadium — Inglewood — 2020–present The Chargers moved into SoFi Stadium in 2020. They share the stadium with the Los Angeles Rams, making SoFi Stadium the current home of both Los Angeles NFL franchises. The Chargers’ first season at the facility began a new chapter in the franchise’s history. Chargers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame There is an important distinction in discussing Chargers Hall of Famers. The Pro Football Hall of Fame identifies 16 franchise members associated with the Chargers through the 2025 season. However, some of those individuals earned their Hall of Fame recognition largely or partly through careers with other organizations. For this article, the focus is on players and coaches whose Chargers careers are central to their Chargers legacy. Lance Alworth Position: Wide receiver Chargers: 1962–1970 Hall of Fame: 1978 Alworth was the first Chargers player elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He became one of the AFL’s great deep threats and was a centerpiece of the Chargers’ championship-era teams. Ron Mix Position: Offensive tackle Chargers: 1960–1969 Hall of Fame: 1979 Mix was one of the dominant offensive linemen of the AFL era and played a major role in protecting Chargers quarterbacks during the club’s early success. Sid Gillman Position: Head coach Chargers: 1960–1971 Hall of Fame: 1983 Gillman helped establish the Chargers as an offensive innovator. His coaching philosophy emphasized sophisticated passing concepts and helped influence generations of NFL coaches. Dan Fouts Position: Quarterback Chargers: 1973–1987 Hall of Fame: 1993 Fouts became the defining quarterback of the Air Coryell era. His combination of arm strength, accuracy and aggressive downfield passing made him one of the NFL’s most prolific quarterbacks. Kellen Winslow Position: Tight end Chargers: 1979–1987 Hall of Fame: 1995 Winslow revolutionized the possibilities of the tight end position. His receiving ability made him a critical component of the Chargers’ high-powered offense. Charlie Joiner Position: Wide receiver Chargers: 1976–1986 Hall of Fame: 1996 Joiner was one of the key members of the Chargers’ receiving corps and became one of the most productive receivers of his era. Fred Dean … Continue reading The History of the NFL Chargers: From the AFL to the Los Angeles Era
Tag: AFL
Denver Broncos History:
Denver Broncos History: Owners, Stadiums, Hall of Famers, MVPs and the Broncos Legacy The Denver Broncos are one of the most recognizable franchises in professional football. Founded in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League, the Broncos began play in 1960 and joined the National Football League when the AFL and NFL merged in 1970. The early years were difficult. Denver struggled through most of its first decade, finishing the AFL era with a 39-97-4 record. But the franchise eventually transformed itself into one of the NFL’s most successful organizations. The Broncos have won three Super Bowls—XXXII, XXXIII and 50—and have captured AFC championships in 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2013 and 2015. The Birth of the Denver Broncos The Broncos were founded by Bob Howsam, who received an AFL franchise for Denver in 1959. Howsam had experience in professional baseball and had been involved in developing Bears Stadium, which would become the Broncos’ first regular home. The Broncos played their first regular-season game on September 9, 1960, defeating the Boston Patriots 13-10. That game was the first game ever played in the history of the American Football League. The Howsam family’s ownership lasted only briefly. Howsam sold his interest to a group headed by Gerald H. Phipps and Cal Kunz in 1961. Denver Broncos Ownership History The Broncos have had several ownership groups since their creation. Bob Howsam — 1959-1961 Robert “Bob” Howsam was the founder and original owner of the Broncos. He brought professional football to Denver by obtaining the AFL franchise. His first Broncos team went 4-9-1 in 1960, but the organization he created eventually became one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. Cal Kunz — 1961-1964 Cal Kunz became part of the ownership group that purchased the Broncos from Howsam in 1961. Kunz was an important member of the early Denver ownership group. Gerald and Allan Phipps — 1961-1981 Gerald H. Phipps and his brother Allan Phipps became the dominant owners of the Broncos. Gerald Phipps purchased the club in 1965 and became one of the most important figures in early Broncos history. Under his ownership, the team experienced its first winning season in 1973 and eventually reached its first playoffs and first Super Bowl in 1977. Gerald Phipps was later inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame. Edgar Kaiser Jr. — 1981-1984 Edgar Kaiser Jr., a member of the Kaiser family, purchased the Broncos from the Phipps ownership group in 1981. His ownership lasted only a few seasons, but it directly preceded the beginning of the greatest ownership era in franchise history. Pat Bowlen — 1984-2019 Pat Bowlen became majority owner of the Broncos in 1984 and eventually acquired 100 percent ownership. Bowlen’s ownership lasted more than three decades and included: 7 AFC championships 3 Super Bowl championships 21 winning seasons 18 playoff appearances 7 Super Bowl appearances Bowlen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 as a contributor. His ownership era included the Broncos’ greatest sustained period of success. The Pat Bowlen Trust — 2019-2022 After Bowlen’s death in 2019, the franchise was operated through the Pat Bowlen Trust while the ownership succession process was completed. Joe Ellis served as the Broncos’ president and CEO during this transition. Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group — 2022-Present In 2022, the Broncos were purchased by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group. Rob Walton became the principal owner, while Greg Penner serves as chairman and CEO. The ownership group also includes Carrie Walton Penner and other investors. As of 2026, the Walton-Penner group remains the Broncos’ ownership group. Every Stadium the Broncos Have Called Home The Broncos have a particularly interesting stadium history because they spent their first 41 seasons almost entirely in one facility. Bears Stadium — 1960-1968 The Broncos began playing in Bears Stadium, which had originally been built in 1948 for the Denver Bears baseball club. When the Broncos entered the AFL, the stadium was expanded for professional football. It became the original home of the Denver Broncos. University of Denver Stadium — 1962 and 1963 The Broncos also used University of Denver Stadium, commonly known as Hilltop Stadium, for two home openers because Bears Stadium was unavailable. These were unusual exceptions rather than a permanent change of home field. Mile High Stadium — 1969-2000 Bears Stadium was renamed Denver Mile High Stadium in 1969. For decades, “Mile High” became almost synonymous with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos played virtually all of their home games there from 1960 through 2000. Their record in the building was 190-108-7. The stadium also became famous for its enormous crowds and intimidating home-field atmosphere. Invesco Field at Mile High — 2001-2011 In 2001, the Broncos moved into their new stadium adjacent to the old Mile High Stadium site. The new facility was initially called Invesco Field at Mile High. Sports Authority Field at Mile High — 2011-2018 The stadium was renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High in 2011. Broncos Stadium at Mile High — 2018-2019 Following the end of the Sports Authority naming agreement, the facility temporarily became known as Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Empower Field at Mile High — 2019-Present In 2019, the stadium became Empower Field at Mile High under a 21-year naming-rights agreement. As of 2026, Empower Field remains the Broncos’ home stadium. The stadium holds approximately 76,000 fans and has continued the tradition of “Mile High” football in Denver. Broncos in the Pro Football Hall of Fame The Broncos have produced a remarkable collection of Pro Football Hall of Famers. For this list, the focus is on individuals whose Hall of Fame careers included their major Broncos accomplishments—not players whose Hall of Fame credentials were primarily earned with another franchise. John Elway… Continue reading Denver Broncos History:
Buffalo Bills: A Complete History of Buffalo’s NFL Franchise
The Buffalo Bills are one of professional football’s most distinctive franchises. Born in the American Football League in 1959, the Bills became one of the AFL’s early powers, survived difficult decades, produced one of the greatest teams of the 1990s, and eventually became the first team in NFL history to reach four consecutive Super Bowls. The franchise has had only two ownership groups, but a long succession of coaches, several different home venues, Hall of Fame players, memorable draft successes and some painful draft misses. As of the 2026 season, the Bills have also entered a new era with the opening of a new Highmark Stadium and the hiring of Joe Brady as head coach. The Birth of the Buffalo Bills The modern Buffalo Bills franchise began on October 28, 1959, when Detroit businessman Ralph C. Wilson Jr. was awarded the seventh franchise in the new American Football League. Wilson was one of the original AFL owners—the group sometimes called the AFL’s “Foolish Club” because they were challenging the established NFL. He selected Buffalo as the home of his new team. The team was officially named the Buffalo Bills in November 1959 and began playing in 1960. The Bills became one of the AFL’s strongest clubs during the middle of the 1960s, winning consecutive AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965. Every Bills Owner One of the remarkable things about Buffalo’s history is the small number of ownership groups. 1. Ralph C. Wilson Jr. — 1959–2014 Wilson was the founder and original owner. He owned the Bills for 54 seasons, making him one of the longest-serving owners in NFL history. During his ownership, Buffalo won two AFL championships and appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls. Wilson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Wilson also became an important figure in the AFL-NFL merger and was widely respected among NFL owners. 2. Terry and Kim Pegula — 2014–present Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Bills in 2014 after Wilson’s death. NFL owners unanimously approved the sale on October 8, 2014. The Pegulas became only the second ownership group in Bills history. Terry Pegula is the team’s owner/CEO/president, while Kim Pegula is an owner and has also held prominent leadership positions with the Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Every Bills Home Stadium The Bills have had two primary physical homes; although their second hone went through numerous names. War Memorial Stadium — 1960–1972 The Bills began playing at War Memorial Stadium, commonly called the Rockpile, in Buffalo. The stadium originally opened in 1937 and was expanded during the Bills’ tenure. Buffalo played there for its entire AFL existence through the 1972 season. Rich Stadium — 1973–1997 The Bills moved to their new suburban stadium in Orchard Park in 1973. The stadium was originally named Rich Stadium. Ralph Wilson Stadium — 1998–2015 The stadium was renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium in honor of the franchise’s founder. New Era Field — 2016–2019 Naming rights changed again, producing the name New Era Field. Bills Stadium — 2020–2021 The stadium temporarily carried the straightforward name Bills Stadium. Highmark Stadium — 2021–2025 Highmark obtained naming rights in 2021, giving the Orchard Park stadium the name Highmark Stadium. New Highmark Stadium — 2026–present The Bills opened a new Highmark Stadium in 2026, replacing the previous stadium across the street. The new facility has a capacity of approximately 60,108, features a natural-grass field and was designed specifically around football. The first regular-season game in the new stadium was scheduled for September 17, 2026, against the Detroit Lions. Every Bills Head Coach Buffalo has had a long list of head coaches. Including interim coaches, the franchise has had 21 head-coaching tenures/named head coaches through the 2025 season, with Joe Brady beginning in 2026. Years Head Coach 1960–1961 Buster Ramsey 1962–1965 Lou Saban 1966–1968 Joe Collier 1968 Harvey Johnson 1969–1970 John Rauch 1971 Harvey Johnson 1972–1976 Lou Saban 1976–1977 Jim Ringo 1978–1982 Chuck Knox 1983–1985 Kay Stephenson 1985–1986 Hank Bullough 1986–1997 Marv Levy 1998–2000 Wade Phillips 2001–2003 Gregg Williams 2004–2005 Mike Mularkey 2006–2009 Dick Jauron 2009 Perry Fewell, interim 2010–2012 Chan Gailey 2013–2014 Doug Marrone 2015–2016 Rex Ryan 2016 Anthony Lynn, interim 2017–2025 Sean McDermott 2026–present Joe Brady The NFL’s official records document the historical coaching succession and records. Lou Saban and the First Bills Dynasty Lou Saban was the first great coach in Bills history. He coached Buffalo from 1962 through 1965 and returned from 1972 through 1976. His first Bills team won the AFL Championship in 1964. Buffalo repeated as champions in 1965. The 1964 team was led by stars including Jack Kemp, Cookie Gilchrist, Billy Shaw, Tom Sestak and Mike Stratton. The Bills came extremely close to reaching the first Super Bowl. They lost the 1966 AFL Championship Game to Kansas City, meaning the Chiefs—not Buffalo—advanced to Super Bowl I. The O.J. Simpson Era The 1970s produced one of the most famous players in franchise history: O.J. Simpson. Simpson became the centerpiece of the Buffalo offense and in 1973 became the first NFL running back to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season, finishing with 2,003. That accomplishment remained one of the defining individual achievements in Bills history. Chuck Knox and the Return to the Playoffs Chuck Knox became head coach in 1978. Known for his emphasis on physical football, Knox led Buffalo to the AFC East championship in 1980. The Bills reached the playoffs again in 1981 before losing to Cincinnati. After Knox’s departure, Buffalo went through another difficult period before one of the greatest transformations in franchise history. Marv Levy and the Greatest Era in Bills History Everything changed in 1986. The Bills replaced Hank Bullough with Marv Levy, who would eventually become a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach. Levy remained Buffalo’s head coach through 1997. He became the winningest coach in franchise history and led Buffalo to four consecutive AFC championships. Levy’s teams were built around an extraordinary collection of talent: Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, James… Continue reading Buffalo Bills: A Complete History of Buffalo’s NFL Franchise
