The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the oldest teams in NFL history. The franchise has been around since 1959, although it didn’t really get started until they moved to San Diego from Los Angeles in 1961. Whenever a team has been around for that long, there’s a high chance a lot of talented players are going to pass through. Here are my top five Chargers players of all time from five to one. Remember, this is my opinion and any Chargers fan can have their own view on who the top Chargers are.
5. TE Kellen Winslow
Former Chargers TE Kellen Winslow (80) – Getty Images
Kellen Winslow is an all-time great in Chargers history. Drafted in the first round in 1979, he went on to play all of his nine years with the San Diego Chargers. Some would argue that he could have been considered great from just one game. In 1982, the Chargers played against the Miami Dolphins for the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs. This game went on to be known as the “Epic in Miami”. It was a great game overall, but nothing was more inspiring than Winslow’s performance in that game.
Winslow had 13 receptions for 166 yards and a TD. At the time, it was the most catches in his career and the second most yards. It was such a taxing game that he had to be carried off the field by his teammates. He literally gave it his all to win that game. He went on to break his record of receptions in a game with 15 in 1984. He finished his career with 541 receptions, 6,741 yards, 45 TDs, five pro bowls, and three first team all-pros in his short nine year career. He may be remembered for the “Epic in Miami”, but is an all-time great because of more than that.
4. TE Antonio Gates
Former Chargers TE Antonio Gates (85) – NFL Staff
As great as Winslow was, he didn’t have the career that Antonio Gates had. After playing basketball in college, Gates signed as an undrafted player with the San Diego Chargers in 2003. While he had a quiet rookie season, Gates was selected to the pro bowl the following eight years. He was never selected again after his ninth season, but his stats were still there. He spent all of his 16 seasons with the Chargers and finished his career with 955 receptions, 11,841 yards, and 116 TDs. He holds the record for most receiving TDs by a TE in NFL history. Gates is arguably the best TE of all-time, not just in Chargers history but in NFL history.
3. QB Philip Rivers
Former Chargers QB Philip Rivers (17) – Lynne Sladky/New York Times
I kept going back and forth with the next two players. I grew up watching Rivers, so there’s a lot of bias here. However, I’m doing my best to take the bias out. So let’s start at the beginning. Philip Rivers was selected 4th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the…NEW YORK GIANTS?! That’s right, the Giants selected Rivers. Eli Manning was selected 1st overall by the San Diego Chargers. Shortly after, the two teams decided to make a trade to swap QBs. The reasons why and the details of the trade are too long to discuss. All you need to know is Manning and Rivers were swapped and thus began their eras in their respective teams.
Rivers had a 17 year career, 16 of them with the Chargers. He finished his career with 63,440 yards and 421 TDs, which are both 6th all-time. Not only did he have the stats, but he was one tough player. He never missed a game in his career and is tied for 4th for most consecutive starts with 240. He could have had more but didn’t have his first start until his second season in 2006 and if he had played another year or two. He had eight pro bowl selections and was comeback player of the year in 2013.
He may not have the two Super Bowl rings like his fellow draftees Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, but when he retired he had more yards and TDs than both of them. Roethlisberger finished his career with about 1,000 more yards than Rivers, but Big Ben played one more season than Rivers and started his career immediately in 2004. That’s three extra years than Rivers. No one can say that Rivers didn’t give it his all. At the moment, Rivers holds the most passing yards and TDs in Chargers history. Curious to see how Herbert finishes his career and also does this season.
2. LB Junior Seau
Former Chargers LB Junior Seau (55) – Eric D. Williams/Getty Images
Some, and probably most, fans would say that Junior Seau should be number one as the best Chargers player of all-time. I would totally understand that. However, he played before my time and I only saw the end of his career with the New England Patriots. Though I’ve seen many videos and highlights of him, I don’t have that special connection that I do with the 2000s players of the Chargers era. Because of this, he is second on my list, barely passing Rivers.
Honestly, there isn’t much to say. Seau played 20 seasons in the NFL, 13 of them with the Chargers. He was part of the 1994 team that went to the Super Bowl. He’s arguably the reason they were there in the first place. He finished his career with 1,847 total tackles, 56.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 18 interceptions. From those stats, 1,480 of his tackles, 47 of his sacks, all 11 forced fumbles, and 15 of his interceptions with the Chargers. In 12 of his 13 seasons with the Chargers he was selected to the pro bowl, with his rookie season being the only year he wasn’t. He had six first-team all-pros and three second-team all-pros.
He was arguably the greatest defensive player in the NFL during his 13 years with the Chargers. Like many Chargers players, the only thing that he was missing was the Super Bowl ring. Again, I would understand him being number one and I’m probably in the wrong here. He definitely deserves the recognition.
1. RB LaDanian Tomlinson
Former Chargers RB LaDanian Tomlinson (21) – Scot Boehm/NFL Staff
So far, every player on this list is either in the Hall of Fame or is bound for it. Gates could be first ballot soon, while Rivers might have to wait a year or two since he doesn’t have a ring. This player was definitely a first ballot. LaDanian Tomlinson was the driving force of the Chargers and carried the team on his back for his first seven years in the NFL. Tomlinson was drafted in the first round of the 2001 draft and was runner-up for offensive rookie of the year. From there, he went on to have five pro bowl selections, three first-team all-pros, three second-team all-pros, and was voted MVP in 2006.
That was also the best year of his career. He rushed for 1,815 yards and had 31 total TDs (28 rushing & 3 receiving). His 28 rushing TDs and 31 total TDs are the most for both in NFL History. No one has even come close since that year. Since then, the closest has been 18 rushing TDs by a number of players. With how pass-heavy the NFL is nowadays, his record doesn’t seem to be breaking anytime soon. Any of the players on this list could be argued for this number-one spot, but I feel LT was the best all-time. He was the heart and soul of the team for most of his career.
