The History of the Los Angeles Chargers

In their inaugural season, the Chargers played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, also the home of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams. The team struggled in their first season, finishing a 4-10 and missing the playoffs. However, they showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on offense, where they led the league in passing yards per game.

The Chargers' second season in Los Angeles was much more successful, as they finished with a record of 10-4 and won the AFL Western Division. They were led by quarterback Jack Kemp, who threw for over 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns, and wide receiver Paul Lowe, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, they lost to the Houston Oilers in the AFL Championship Game, ending their season.

Despite the team's relative success in their two years in Los Angeles, they struggled to draw fans to their games. The Coliseum had a capacity of over 90,000, but the Chargers drew only 20,000 fans to their games. This, combined with the fact that they were sharing the city with the established Rams franchise, led Hilton to decide to move the team to San Diego for the 1961 season.

Sources:

• "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia" (Pro Football Reference)

• "Los Angeles Chargers Team History" (NFL.com)

• "Chargers Move to San Diego" (Los Angeles Times)

The Dan Fouts Era of the Los Angeles Chargers, from 1973 to 1987, is widely regarded as the most successful period in the franchise's history. Led by quarterback Dan Fouts and head coach Don Coryell, the Chargers' high-powered offense revolutionized the football game and made them one of the most exciting teams to watch.

The Chargers drafted Fouts in the third round of the 1973 NFL Draft, and he quickly established himself as the team's starting quarterback. Under the guidance of Coryell, who was hired as head coach in 1978, Fouts thrived in a pass-heavy offense that became known as "Air Coryell." The crime was based on a vertical passing game that emphasized deep throws down the field and was designed to stretch the defense and create big plays.

In 1979, the Chargers made their first playoff appearance since 1965 but lost in the divisional round to the Houston Oilers. Fouts threw for a then-record 4,715 yards and 30 touchdowns the following year, leading the Chargers to an 11-5 record and another playoff appearance. However, they lost to the Oakland Raiders in the divisional round.

In 1981, the Chargers made their deepest playoff run of the Fouts era, reaching the AFC Championship Game before losing to the Cincinnati Bengals. Fouts threw for over 4,800 yards and 33 touchdowns that season, both of which were league-leading totals. He was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the third straight year.

The Chargers continued to be one of the NFL's most potent offenses throughout the 1980s, but they were never able to win a Super Bowl. They made the playoffs four times in the decade but lost in the first or second round each time. Fouts retired after the 1987 season as the NFL's all-time leader in career passing yards, a record that stood until it was broken by Dan Marino in 1995.

Sources:

• "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia" (Pro Football Reference)

• "Dan Fouts Bio" (Pro Football Hall of Fame)

• "Don Coryell Bio" (Pro Football Hall of Fame)

The Bobby Ross Era of the Los Angeles Chargers, which lasted from 1992 to 1996, saw the team reach new heights of success. Under the guidance of head coach Bobby Ross, the Chargers made their first Super Bowl appearance in 1994 and became one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.

Ross was hired as head coach in 1992, and he quickly instilled a sense of discipline and focus in the team. He emphasized a physical, run-heavy offense and a tough, aggressive defense. In his first season, the Chargers finished with a record of 11-5 and won the AFC West division title, they're first since 1981.

The following season, the Chargers struggled with injuries and finished 8-8, missing the playoffs. However, they bounced back in 1994 with a dominant season that saw them go 11-5 and make a deep playoff run. Led by quarterback Stan Humphries, running back Natrone Means, and a stout defense that featured Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison, the Chargers won three straight playoff games to reach Super Bowl XXIX, where they ultimately lost to the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite the disappointment of losing in the Super Bowl, the Chargers were still a force to be reckoned with in the following seasons. They won the AFC West division title again in 1995, finishing with a record of 9-7, and made the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. However, they lost in the divisional round to the Indianapolis Colts.

In 1996, the Chargers' final season in San Diego before their move to Los Angeles, they finished with a record of 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1992. Ross resigned as head coach after the season, leaving a legacy of success and stability that would continue to shape the franchise in the years to come.

Sources:

• "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia" (Pro Football Reference)

• "Bobby Ross Bio" (Pro Football Hall of Fame)

• "1994 San Diego Chargers: Remembering the Only Super Bowl Team in Franchise History" (Bleacher Report)

The LaDainian Tomlinson Era of the Los Angeles Chargers, which spanned from 2001 to 2009, saw the team establish itself as one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses. Led by running back LaDainian Tomlinson and quarterback Drew Brees, the Chargers won multiple division titles and made two deep playoff runs.

The Chargers drafted Tomlinson with the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, and he quickly established himself as one of the league's top running backs. He was a dual threat out of the backfield, able to run the ball and catch passes. He rushed for over 1,200 yards in his rookie season and scored ten touchdowns.

In 2002, the Chargers hired Marty Schottenheimer as head coach, and he quickly turned the team's fortunes around. Behind Tomlinson's strong play, the Chargers finished with an 8-8 record and narrowly missed the playoffs. Tomlinson had a breakout season the following year, rushing for over 1,600 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns. He was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player, becoming the first Charger to win the award since Dan Fouts in 1982.

In 2004, the Chargers made a bold move by drafting quarterback Philip Rivers with the fourth overall pick, even though they still had Drew Brees on the roster. The move paid off, as Rivers would become one of the franchise's most successful quarterbacks. However, in 2005, Brees had a career year, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the Chargers to a 9-7 record and their first playoff appearance since 1995.

The following year, the Chargers won their first division title since 1994, finishing with a 14-2. Tomlinson had a historic season, rushing for over 1,800 yards and scoring 28 touchdowns, breaking the NFL's single-season record for touchdowns in a season. The Chargers won their first playoff game since 1994 but lost to the New England Patriots in the divisional round.

In 2007, the Chargers won their third straight division title, finishing with a record of 11-5. They made it to the AFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Patriots again. Injuries during the game hampered Tomlinson, and he could not make a significant impact.

The Chargers remained competitive throughout the rest of the Tomlinson era but could never win a Super Bowl. Tomlinson left the team after the 2009 season as one of the greatest players in Chargers history, holding numerous franchise records and a place in the hearts of Chargers fans everywhere.

Sources:

• "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia" (Pro Football Reference)

• "LaDainian Tomlinson Bio" (Pro Football Hall of Fame)

• "San Diego Chargers: The LaDainian Tomlinson Era" (Bolt Beat)

The Philip Rivers Era of the Los Angeles Chargers, which spanned from 2004 to 2019, saw the team transition from the LaDainian Tomlinson era and establish itself as a consistent contender in the NFL. Led by Rivers, the Chargers made multiple playoff appearances and won several division titles but could not reach the Super Bowl.

The Chargers acquired Rivers in a draft-day trade in 2004, in which the Chargers traded Eli Manning to the New York Giants for Rivers and draft picks. Rivers sat behind Drew Brees for his first two seasons in the league but took over as the team's starting quarterback in 2006. In his first entire season as a starter, Rivers threw for over 3,300 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Chargers to the playoffs.

In 2007, Rivers had a breakout season, throwing for over 3,150 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the Chargers to an 11-5 record and a first-round playoff bye. However, they lost to the New England Patriots in the divisional round.

The following season, the Chargers won their third straight division title, finishing with an 8-8. Rivers had another strong season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns, but the team struggled with injuries and inconsistency. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

In 2009, the Chargers won their fourth division title in five years, finishing with a 13-3. Rivers had a career year, throwing for over 4,250 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Chargers to a first-round playoff bye. However, they lost to the New York Jets in the divisional round.

The Chargers remained a competitive team throughout the rest of the Rivers era, making the playoffs six times in the next nine seasons. They won three more division titles in 2013, 2014, and 2018, and Rivers was named to the Pro Bowl eight times during his tenure with the team.

Despite their consistent success, the Chargers could never make it to the Super Bowl during the Rivers era. Rivers left the team after the 2019 season and signed with the Indianapolis Colts, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Chargers history.

Sources:

• "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia" (Pro Football Reference)

• "Philip Rivers Bio" (Pro Football Hall of Fame)

• "Philip Rivers, the Chargers and Their Pursuit of the Super Bowl" (The Ringer)

The Chargers moved to Los Angeles in 2017, marking a new chapter in the franchise's history. The team left San Diego, its home for over five decades and moved north to become the second NFL team in Los Angeles, joining the recently-relocated Rams.

The move was controversial from the start, as Chargers fans in San Diego were outraged by the team's decision to leave. The Chargers had been a mainstay in San Diego since 1961, and many fans felt a strong emotional attachment to the team. However, the Chargers' ownership group, led by Dean Spanos, needed help to secure a new stadium deal in San Diego and moved the team to Los Angeles instead.

The Chargers' first season in Los Angeles was a difficult one. The team struggled on the field, finishing with a record of 5-11, and faced challenges in the area. The team's new home, the StubHub Center, was small and intimate, with a capacity of just 27,000 seats. While this made for a unique game-day experience, it also made it difficult for the team to generate revenue and draw large crowds.

In 2018, the Chargers moved to the new SoFi Stadium, which they share with the Rams. The stadium is state-of-the-art, with a retractable roof and a capacity of over 70,000 seats. The move to SoFi Stadium was a positive step for the franchise, as it provided the team with a more modern and spacious home.

Since the move to Los Angeles, the Chargers have struggled to establish a solid fan base in the city. Los Angeles is a crowded sports market, with several other major sports teams competing for fans' attention. The Chargers have also faced competition from the Rams, who have been more successful on the field in recent years.

Despite these challenges, the Chargers remain committed to their new home in Los Angeles. The team has invested in marketing and outreach efforts to build a more substantial fan base in the city and has continued to field competitive teams. While the move to Los Angeles has been difficult, the Chargers remain optimistic about their future in their new home.

Sources:

• "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia" (Pro Football Reference)

• "Why Did the Chargers Move to Los Angeles?" (SB Nation)

• "The Chargers' Move to Los Angeles Has Been a Disaster" (The Ringer)

The Los Angeles Chargers have a long and storied history in the NFL, spanning over six decades. From their early years in Los Angeles to their move to San Diego and back to Los Angeles, the Chargers have established themselves as one of the most iconic franchises in the league.

The Chargers have been known for their high-powered offenses, featuring some of the most dynamic players in NFL history. The Chargers have consistently been among the league's most exciting teams, from Dan Fouts to LaDainian Tomlinson to Philip Rivers.

The Chargers have also had their share of success on the field, making 18 playoff appearances and reaching the AFC Championship Game four times. Although the team has never won a Super Bowl, they have remained a competitive and respected franchise throughout history.

Off the field, the Chargers have been involved in a wide range of philanthropic initiatives and have been active in promoting diversity and inclusion. The team has significantly contributed to the community, including supporting local schools, promoting healthy living, and assisting military families.

The Chargers move to Los Angeles in 2017 marked a new chapter in the franchise's history, and although it has been a difficult transition, the team remains committed to their new home and building a solid fan base in the city. Despite their challenges, the Chargers remain a beloved and respected franchise in the NFL.

As the Chargers look to the future, they will continue to build on their rich legacy and inspire fans across the country with their exciting brand of football and commitment to their community.

Sources:

• "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia" (Pro Football Reference)

• "The 50 Greatest Chargers of All Time" (Bleacher Report)

• "The Legacy of the San Diego Chargers: The Best of Times and the Worst of Times" (Sports Illustrated)