6 Key Players in the History of the San Diego Chargers

Are you charged up for your favorite NFL team's next game? Since demolishing the Oakland Raiders in their NFL debut (1961), the San Diego Chargers have been entertaining their local and nationwide fans. Since 1961, the Chargers have earned spots in four AFC Championship games (1980, 1981, 1994, 2007), and played in one Super Bowl game (1994). Roughly 99.9% of today's Chargers fans know of LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers' 2001 first round draft pick. However, several Chargers players in the pro football Hall of Fame have also been instrumental in the team's success:

1. Lance Alworth (Wide Receiver): 1962-1970

Alworth is a member of both the college and professional football Hall of Fame. He became known as "Bambi," due to his speed, gracefulness, and jumping ability. Alworth held AFL records for the most games with at least 200 yards on catches (5), and the most successive games with at least one catch (96).

2. Fred Dean (Defensive End): 1975-1981

Dean started his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, and later played on two San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl champion teams. During his NFL career, Dean played 141 games, and earned 28 sacks. He also played in four Pro Bowls and was the 1981 NFC Defensive Player of the Year.

3. Dan Fouts (Quarterback): 1973-1987

Fouts played his entire NFL career with the Chargers. He led the Chargers to two AFC championship games (1980, 19981). Other accomplishments of Fouts include:

•3rd NFL player with over 40,000 career passing yards
•1980s NFL All-Decade Team
•1980s AP Offensive Player of the Year
•6 Pro Bowl games (1979-1983)
•1979 Pro Bowl MVP

4. Charlie Joiner (Wide Receiver): 1976-1986

Before playing for the Chargers, Joiner played for the Houston Oilers and the Cincinnati Bengals. While playing with the Chargers, Joiner became a member of the "Air Coryell" offense, named for coach Don Coryell. During his AFL/NFL career, Joiner earned 750 receptions (12,146 yards), 65 touchdowns, and 3 NFL Pro Bowl appearances.

5. Ron Mix (Offensive Tackle): 1961-1969

After graduating from USC, Mix played for the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, and then for the Oakland Raiders. Mix's nickname was "The Intellectual Assassin," due to his possessing a Juris Doctor degree. Mix was a 9-time AFL All Star, and in 1979 he was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

6. Kellen Winslow (Tight End): 1979-1987

Winslow partially redefined his position, adding long catches to his repertoire. Beforehand, Tight Ends' duties typically only included blocking and short catches. Winslow played his entire NFL career with the Chargers. During that time, he racked up 541 receptions (6,741 yards), and 45 touchdowns. He also earned 5 Pro Bowl selections (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987), and was on 4 All-Pro teams.

During recent years, the Sand Diego Chargers have been electrifying their fans. However, past Chargers players have also contributed to the team's success. When you cheer with San Diego Chargers merchandise, remember that you are cheering for a team with nearly fifty years of memorable history!

The San Diego Chargers have recently been playing excellent football. However, fans should also remember past great Chargers players.Are you charged up for your favorite NFL team's next game? Since demolishing the Oakland Raiders in their NFL debut (1961), the San Diego Chargers have been entertaining their local and nationwide fans.