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
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NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 14 NFL 12/10-13-14/2020
2020 WalterPayton NFL Man of the Year nominees Team Nominee Arizona Cardinals Corey Peters Atlanta Falcons Steven Means Baltimore Ravens Bradley Bozeman Buffalo Bills Harrison Phillips Carolina Panthers Shaq Thompson Chicago Bears Jimmy Graham Cincinnati Bengals Geno Atkins Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett Dallas Cowboys Jaylon Smith Denver Broncos Justin Simmons Detroit Lions Trey Flowers Green Bay Packers Corey Linsley Houston Texans Michael Thomas Indianapolis Colts Jacoby Brissett Jacksonville Jaguars Josh Lambo Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce Las Vegas Raiders Alec Ingold Los Angeles Chargers Isaac Rochell Los Angeles Rams Andrew Whitworth Miami Dolphins Byron Jones Minnesota Vikings Eric Kendricks New England Patriots Devin McCourty New Orleans Saints Demario Davis New York Giants Dalvin Tomlinson New York Jets Pierre Desir Philadelphia Eagles Rodney McLeod Pittsburgh Steelers Vance McDonald San Francisco 49ers Arik Armstead Seattle Seahawks Russell Wilson Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Evans Tennessee Titans Kevin Byard Washington Football Team Jonathan Allen Football Team: QB Alex Smith questionable after calf injury. CHIEFS CLINCH AFC WEST DIVISION TITLE. STEELERS CLINCH AFC NORTH PLAYOFF SPOT. PACKERS CLINCH NFC NORTH DIVISION TITLE. SAINTS CLINCH NFC SOUTH PLAYOFF SPOT. CHIEFS QB Patrick Mahomes TIES * NFL record Sunday against the Dolphins. (Tie is with Cardinals’ Stoney Case for a 30-yard loss in 1997). Mahomes. The tied record was a 30 yd loss via SACK. On 3rd and 12 on the Chiefs own 33 yd line, Mahomes was chased back to their own 3 yd line to be sacked by Jerome Baker. He also doubled his season interceptions. The second INT doubled his season INTs. He went on for a 3rd INT. * The 30 yd sack IS the BIGGEST LOSS in NFL history that didn’t nvolve a fumble or an intentional safety. (It would seem to follow; Jerome Baker share a RECORD for LONGEST SACK) (?) VIKINGS: Kicker‘ Dan Bailey missed four kicks, thus. leaving 10 points on the table. MARSHAWN LYNCH says he would return to NFL for only one reason. Another Super Bowl Ring. I was a huge fan of Lynch….until he turned his back on AMERICA, joining Colin Kapernick and his turncoats showing disrespect for the country which made them millionaires. I respect their rights to do the dispicable things they did. BUT I believe the action they took did more harm than good. They should have chosen some way to express their feelings with HONOR, not DISHONORING our USA. I could never support him, he has lost my respect. PATRIOTS: 17 Years of 10 plus wins ended last night with the TNF loss to Rams. BEARS: Temporarily closed facility, Positive COVID-19. LB Khalil Mack (shoulder) was a limited participant in practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday versus the Texans. BENGALS: Placed OT Jonah Williams (knee) on IR. Williams will not need surgery. They also activated cornerback Darius Phillips from IR S Brandon Wilson (hamstring) and WR Tamaurice William “Tee” Higgins (hamstring) are questionable for Sunday versus the Cowboys. S Trayvon Henderson, WR Stanley Morgan, and DT Kahill McKenzie to the active roster. BILLS; Sign GM Brandon Beane through 2025. LB Tyrel Dodson activaed from IR. Tyrel Dodson as been activated from the injured reserve list. BROWNS: TE Austin Hooper was added to the injury report wi.th a neck injury. CB Denzel Ward (calf) and WO KhaDarel Hodge have been ruled out BRONCOS: G Graham Glasgow (foot) is doubtful for Sunday against Panthers. Waived RB Jeremy Cox. S Trey Marshall (shin) and WR Tyrie Cleveland (illness) have also been downgraded to OUT. Activated LB Tyrie Cleveland from IR., TE Troy Fumagalli and S Alijah Holder from practice squad to the active roster and elevated linebacker Josh Watson as a COVID-19 replacement. BUCCANEERS: CB Jamel Dean (groin) will be a game-time decision. He is listed as doubtful CARDINALS: DL Jordan Phillips to return from IR. WR DeAndre Hopkins, (neck, and back) Questionable. CB Johnathan Joseph (neck) on IR. Downgraded kicker Johnathan Joseph to OUT for Sunday’s game vs. the Giants Elevated Mike Nugent from the practice squad. . TE Seth DeValve moved from practice squad to active roster. CHARGERS: LB Denzel Perryman is doubtful to play Sunday versus the Falcons. CHIEFS: S Tyrann Mathieu is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. G Stefen Wisniewski and CB Chris Lammons, Moved to active roster. COLTS: Placed OT Le’Raven Clark on injured reserve. OT Anthony Castonzo (knee) is questionable for Sunday’s game versus the Raiders. Punter Ryan Allen and CTR Joey Hunt to active roster. Tackle Anthony Castonzo, listed as questionable with a knee injury. Philip Rivers‘ turf toe injury is improving. Rivers is likely to need offseason surgery for the injury. COWBOYS: RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf) is questionable to play Sunday versus the Bengals. OT Cameron Erving (knee) was placed on injured reserve. Ezekiel Elliott expected to play Sunday. DOLPHINS: G Ereck Flowers and rRB Salvon Ahmed will not play Sunday versus the Chiefs LBs Elandon Roberts and Kyle Van Noy will be questionable. EAGLES: Bench QB Carson Wentz. ROOKIE Jalen Hurts to start against SAINTS. OT Jason Peters OUT for season, (toe Surgery). CB Kevon Seymour, LB Rashad Smith and CB Jameson Houston to active roster. Placed G Marcus Peters on IR. FALCONS: WR Julio Jones will sit out this weeks game against Chargers. (Hamstring). DB T.J. Green and C Willie Wright to the active roster. OL Kaleb McGary OUT. FOOTBALL TEAM: RB Antonio Gibson questionable to play against 49’ers this week. Painful TURF TOE. Backup TE Temarrick Hemingway suffered a dislocated wrist this past week against the Steelers and he will miss the rest of theseason. GIANTS:QB Daniel Jones (hamstring) DB Darnay Holmes (knee), LB Blake Martinez (back) and OT Matt Peart (ankle) are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. DB Jarren Williams to active roster. JAGUAR: TE Tyler Eifert (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday versus the Titans. JETS Rookie RB Denzel Mims is currently away from the team dealing with a personal issue that could affect his statusJ for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. S Ashtyn Davis, G Greg Van Roten, LB Jordan Jenkins and WR Denzel Mims have been ruled out for Sunday versus the Seahawks. WR Jamison Crowder (calf) is questionable, and RB Frank Gore, who remains in… Continue reading NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 14 NFL 12/10-13-14/2020
