Top 10 Los Angeles Chargers of All Time: Celebrating the Bolts’ Greatest Legends
As you consider the top 10 Los Angeles Chargers of all time, you’re likely drawn to names that have become synonymous with the franchise’s storied legacy. The mention of LaDainian Tomlinson‘s record-breaking performances might have you reminiscing about the electrifying plays that graced the field.
Perhaps Dan Fouts‘ precision-passing era or Philip Rivers‘ gritty leadership comes to mind. These players aren’t just legends—they’re part of the DNA of a team steeped in NFL history. But how do these greats stack up against legends like the unstoppable Junior Seau or the electrifying Kellen Winslow? Let’s break down their impact.
Table of Contents
1. LaDainian Tomlinson
- Years Played for Team: 2001-2009
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’10” / 221 lbs
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LaDainian Tomlinson, affectionately known as “LT,” is one of the most iconic figures in Los Angeles Chargers history. His explosive style of play and impressive footwork made him a nightmare for defenses.
Drafted by the Chargers in 2001, Tomlinson quickly established himself as a franchise cornerstone with his combination of speed, power, and agility. He became the face of the team with his electrifying runs and ability to catch out of the backfield.
Tomlinson’s most memorable season came in 2006 when he set an NFL record with 31 touchdowns. His legacy as a Charger endures as he remains one of the most beloved and celebrated players in team history.
- Accolades:
- NFL Most Valuable Player (2006)
- 5× Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2004-2007)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2004-2006)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2006)
- Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (2017)
- Chargers’ all-time leading rusher with 12,490 yards
2. Junior Seau
- Years Played for Team: 1990-2002
- Position: Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 250 lbs
Junior Seau was the heart and soul of the Chargers’ defense for over a decade, renowned for his intense passion and all-out hustle. An iconic linebacker, Seau’s sideline-to-sideline athleticism and knack for making game-changing tackles made him a perennial Pro Bowl selection.
His leadership on and off the field was pivotal during the Chargers’ journey to Super Bowl XXIX. Seau’s dedication and charisma endeared him to fans, making his jersey a staple in San Diego. His legacy continues to inspire, with his legendary status cemented through his posthumous Hall of Fame induction.
- Accolades:
- 12-time Pro Bowl selection (1991-2002)
- 6-time First-team All-Pro
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1992)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2015)
- Chargers Hall of Fame and retired jersey number (55)
3. Antonio Gates
- Years Played for Team: 2003-2018
- Position: Tight End
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 255 lbs
Antonio Gates is widely considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Starting his career as an undrafted free agent, Gates spent his entire 16-season career with the Chargers. Renowned for his exceptional ball-handling skills and red-zone efficiency, Gates became quarterback Philip Rivers’ go-to target.
His background in basketball translated to an impressive ability to outmaneuver defenders for the catch. Gates’ remarkable consistency made him an invaluable asset to the Chargers. Beyond his statistics, Gates left a lasting legacy as a leader and mentor, contributing greatly to the team’s offensive strategies throughout his tenure.
- Accolades:
- 8× Pro Bowl Selection (2004–2011)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2004-2006)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Holds NFL record for most touchdowns by a tight end in history
- Career stats: 955 receptions, 11,841 receiving yards, 116 touchdowns
4. Kellen Winslow
- Years Played for the Team: 1979-1987
- Position: Tight End
- Height/Weight: 6’5″ / 250 lbs
Kellen Winslow redefined the tight end position during his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, proving to be an extraordinary offensive weapon. Known for his athleticism and versatility, he was a key component in the “Air Coryell” offense led by coach Don Coryell.
Winslow could catch like a wide receiver, and his route-running and tactical awareness allowed the Chargers to stretch the field effectively. One of his most memorable performances came in the 1981 AFC Divisional playoff game against the Miami Dolphins, where he caught 13 passes for 166 yards and blocked a game-saving field goal.
His contributions greatly influenced the evolution of the tight end role in modern football.
- Accolades:
- 5× Pro Bowl selection (1980-1983, 1987)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1980-1982)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1995)
- Led the NFL in receptions twice (1980, 1981)
5. Dan Fouts
- Years Played for Team: 1973-1987
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 204 lbs
Dan Fouts is revered as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the history of the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his leadership and exceptional passing abilities.
During his tenure, Fouts was the linchpin of the “Air Coryell” offense, a revolutionary system that emphasized the passing game. His powerful arm, quick release, and strategic insight allowed him to rack up impressive yardage and touchdowns, setting numerous records.
Key moments include leading the Chargers to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in 1980 and 1981. Fouts’ legacy is cemented by his pivotal role in elevating the team to prominence during the late 70s and early 80s.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee
- 6× Pro Bowl Selection
- 2× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Led NFL in passing yards four times
6. Lance Alworth
- Years Played for the Team: 1962-1970
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 184 lbs
Lance Alworth, also known as “Bambi” for his grace on the field, was a trailblazer in the wide receiver position for the Los Angeles Chargers from 1962 to 1970.
Alworth became the epitome of elegance and efficiency with his precise route running and exceptional hands. His ability to stretch the field and make acrobatic catches revolutionized the passing game during his era.
A pivotal moment in his career was helping the Chargers secure an AFL Championship in 1963. Alworth’s legacy is marked by his remarkable impact on the team’s aerial attack, which set a standard for future wide receivers.
- Accolades:
- AFL Champion (1963)
- AFL All-Star (7 times, 1963-1969)
- AFL MVP (1963)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1978)
- First AFL player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Holds Chargers’ franchise record for career receiving yards
7. Philip Rivers
- Years played for the team: 2004-2019
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 228 lbs
Philip Rivers is regarded as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Los Angeles Chargers history. Known for his fiery competitive spirit and exceptional durability, Rivers became the face of the franchise for over a decade and a half.
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His unorthodox yet highly effective throwing motion, combined with remarkable accuracy and football IQ, enabled him to orchestrate numerous comeback victories. Rivers was a veritable field general, leading the Chargers to the playoffs numerous times, including a memorable run to the AFC Championship Game in the 2007 season.
His leadership and consistency cemented his status as one of the Chargers’ all-time greats.
- Accolades:
- 8× Pro Bowl selection
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2013)
- NFL passing touchdowns leader (2008)
- NFL passing yards leader (2010)
- Over 63,000 career passing yards
8. Charlie Joiner
- Years Played for Team: 1976-1986
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 5’11” / 188 lbs
Charlie Joiner was an instrumental player for the Los Angeles Chargers during his time with the team. Known for his precise route-running, exceptional hands, and football intelligence, Joiner became a consistent and reliable target in the Chargers’ high-octane offense.
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His ability to find seams in the defense made him a favorite weapon for quarterbacks, especially in pivotal situations. Joiner’s impact wasn’t only felt on the field but also in the locker room, where his professionalism set a standard for teammates.
He retired as the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards for the Chargers, etching his name into the franchise’s storied history.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1996)
- Three-time Pro Bowl Selection (1976, 1979, 1980)
- NFL Leader in Receiving Yards (1980)
- Chargers’ All-Time Leader in Receptions and Receiving Yards upon retirement
- Member of Chargers’ 50th Anniversary Team
9. Rodney Harrison
- Years played for team: 1994-2002
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 220 lbs
Rodney Harrison was a formidable force in the Los Angeles Chargers’ secondary during his tenure with the team from 1994 to 2002. Known for his aggressive playing style and hard-hitting ability, Harrison exemplified toughness on the field.
He was a key figure in the Chargers’ defense, providing leadership and intensity. His impact wasn’t just physical; Harrison was reputed for his football intelligence and ability to read the game, often baiting quarterbacks into making mistakes.
Though his tenure with the Chargers ended before they achieved Super Bowl glory, his legacy as a hard-nosed safety lives on.
- Accolades:
- Two-time Pro Bowl selection (1998, 2001)
- Chargers all-time leader in tackles when he left the team
- Known for setting the tone with his physical play
- AFCA Good Works Team Selection for community service
10. Quentin Jammer
- Years Played for Team: 2002-2012
- Position: Cornerback
- Height/Weight: 6’0″ / 204 lbs
Quentin Jammer was a cornerstone of the San Diego Chargers’ defense during his decade of play from 2002 to 2012. Known for his physical play at cornerback, Jammer’s presence on the field was marked by his ability to shut down top receivers and deliver impactful tackles.
His aggressive style of play epitomized the toughness of the Chargers’ secondary, earning him respect from both teammates and opponents. Jammer’s career was highlighted by several key interceptions and clutch performances in high-stakes games, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s reliable defensive stalwarts.
- Accolades:
- Recorded 21 interceptions with the Chargers
- Known for his durability, starting 144 consecutive games from 2003 to 2011
