San Diego Charger Fan

Source: Assocaited Press

By Stephen Hawkins

LaDainian Tomlinson

FORT WORTH, Texas(AP) — LaDainian Tomlinson(notes) laughs about the phone call he got on his 30th birthday this week from his younger brother, who referred to the Chargers’ running back as an “ancient old man.”

As for the thought that others might be ready to apply the same label, L.T. shows a sly grin.

“That’s the one thing that I’m eager to prove, is that doesn’t necessarily go for every player. Turn 30, that doesn’t mean that you can’t play any more,” Tomlinson said Thursday, two days after his birthday. “There are some guys out there that defy the odds, and I’m eager to prove that.”

The skeptics have their reasons to wonder about the 2006 NFL MVP, who has played all eight seasons in San Diego and got a reworked three-year deal in March.

Tomlinson is coming off a career-low 1,110 yards rushing, though that was still fourth in the AFC. Slowed by a toe injury most of last season, L.T. hurt his groin in the season finale. He was forced out of an overtime playoff victory against Indianapolis, then sat out the next week against Pittsburgh – the first time he missed a game in his career because of injury.

Tomlinson started offseason workouts in March and said he hasn’t had any problems. The only change from past years is that he sees more doctors, including a therapist recommended by NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith.

“Just kind of making sure my body’s in great shape, and making sure I’m as strong as possible,” Tomlinson said. “I haven’t missed any time, worked out every single day. … I haven’t had a setback at all.”

Tomlinson said his energy level is still high and that he works out as hard as he always has. He insists there are no lingering aches and pains, and has even another reason to know that his legs are still good.

“I can still jump pretty high, can still dunk the basketball,” the 5-foot-10 Tomlinson said. “If I can’t dunk anymore, it’s doing downhill.”‘

Tomlinson was taking a break from his football camp for kids at TCU, his alma mater. There is about a month before training camp opens, and 2 1/2 months before the season begins.

“It’s almost like you want to go at it, you really want to start the season now,” he said. “I can’t tell you the feeling inside me about how I feel about it, but I read the magazines, see it on television and stuff. I’m just wondering what they are going to say whenever I go out and lead the league again, and win a Super Bowl.”

A five-time Pro Bowler, Tomlinson owns or shares 28 Chargers team records. He has 11,760 yards rushing, 14th on the NFL career list, ranks second in touchdowns rushing (126) and is tied for fourth in total touchdowns (141).

Smith gained 5,789 of his 18,355 yards in the six seasons after he turned 30. So the record could still be in reach for Tomlinson.

Tomlinson needs 6,596 yards to pass the former Cowboys star. He said he has spoken at length with Smith about many things – but not the record.

“I don’t think he wants to talk about that,” Tomlinson said, smiling. “We talked about getting older and what’s put on you after you turn 30 from everybody. Emmitt has eased my mind a bunch, just by some of the conversations that we’ve had.”

Source: USA Today

LaDainian Tomlinson

Was this the offseason that leads to the Chargers’ first Super Bowl title?

Hard to say before the calendar hits July, but the team is upbeat over a number issues after completing its OTAs.

The team is in much better shape — medically — than it was last offseason. Many key players who had their fingers crossed they would be ready for the 2008 season opener were out running for this offsesason’s work.

In particular, quarterback Philip Rivers wasn’t worried about his mended knee.

Center Nick Hardwick wasn’t rubbing a sore foot.

Tight end Antonio Gates wasn’t moving gingerly on a tender toe.

That gives the Chargers — as well a roster stocked with talent — optimism to win its first NFL title.

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson would seem like an odd selection here.

But now 30 years old and coming off his second consecutive season which ended with an injury, many wondered if Tomlinson still had the get up and go.

Tomlinson, though, proved time and again in the practices that there are plenty of skills still at his beck and call.

Sure, there was little hitting — and that’s particular true for a franchise player like Tomlinson.

But it was also obvious that Tomlinson was running, cutting and faking out players with regularity. He has proved — so far — the serious groin injury which derailed him in last season’s playoffs is a thing of the past.

LINEUP WATCH: The Chargers have to find a right guard and their choices seem to be between Kynan Forney and rookie Luis Vasquez.

Forney didn’t play last year, although he was with the Chargers most of the season.

Vasquez, a third-round pick, has to prove he can make the transition from blocking in a pass-happy, spread offense at Texas Tech, to one which likes to employ a power-running game to complement its awesome passing attack.

Forney has the edge at the time. But if Vasquez can show the learning curve isn’t steep, he could be a surprise starter here.

ROOKIE IMPRESSIONS: Larry English was the team’s top pick and he hasn’t done anything to show that the Chargers should regret this pick.

Not only could English contribute right away — that’s the word from coach Norv Turner — but he supplies the Chargers with insurance.

The insurance comes in that if Shawne Merriman doesn’t bounce back as expected from knee surgery, English will be at the ready.

And next year, if the Chargers let Merriman walk after his contract expires, English could offer a nice fallback position.

Two other youngsters worth watching — in addition to Vasquez — are defensive tackle Vaughn Martin and safety Rick Ellison.

Martin is a potential load in the middle, but he is relatively new to football and played college ball in Canada.

Ellison could push for significant playing time if he can stay healthy. The strong safety position is being looked at with a keen eye, and Ellison could take advantage of the opportunity for the team to upgrade at that spot.

INJURY WATCH: Wide receiver Buster Davis is looking to get back into the mix after missing most of last season with a groin injury. A first-round pick in 2007, Davis has to prove he can be a contributor in what could be a do-or-die season for him as far as the Chargers are concerned.

The key player returning to the fold, of course, is Shawne Merriman. While he hasn’t be plopped into the practices just yet, all signs point to him being ready for training camp and then shooting for his fourth Pro Bowl season.

CONTRACT WATCH: The Chargers have a lot on the plate here, as the contracts of quarterback Philip Rivers and left tackle Marcus McNeill — as well as Merriman — expire at the end of the 2009 season. Rivers and McNeill aren’t going anywhere and it’s believed preliminary discussions have already taken place

Merriman? The team has been reluctant to engage in any talks yet — they could use the franchise tag on him in 2010 or let him work if they are that impressed with rookie Larry English.

NOTES, QUOTES

—RB LaDainian Tomlinson blew out 30 candles on his birthday cake on June 23 — and also earned another honor. ESPN selected Tomlinson to its all-decade team; no player can match Tomlinson’s 126 touchdowns since 2000. “As an athlete, you set out to be consistent over a period of time,” Tomlinson said. “When you’re consistent, your teammates and coaches know what they’re going to get from you each and every week.”

—CB Brandon Hughes, a fifth-round pick out of Oregon State, signed a four-year contract. “Brandon has played an awful lot of press coverage,” coach Norv Turner said. “He’s very natural in the slot. I think he’s going to have a presence on our football team as a young player. He’s picked up what we’re doing extremely well. He’s a very competitive player.”

— The Chargers have rekindled their interested in relocating to Oceanside in building a new stadium. Their other option, Chula Vista, is running into numerous obstacles. If moving to Oceanside in North San Diego County, the team would be much closer to the Los Angeles and Orange County markets.

—Oakland released rookie free agents G Sam Allen, CB Ramarcus Brown, WR Jeremy Childs and LB Anthony Felder.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I think people were concerned about Kevin because he had some injuries but he is 100 percent healthy. He’s moving around awfully well.” — Coach Norv Turner on the offseason work of rookie Kevin Ellison, a hard-hitting safety whose career at the University of Southern California was marred by injuries.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Could the Chargers be light in wide receivers?

It’s possible if Vincent Jackson is eventually convicted of a driving under the influence charge, which would be his second such incident. If NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes a look at Jackson’s off-the-field troubles, might a suspension be forthcoming?

Also, Buster Davis has to prove he was worth a first-round pick in 2007. Davis has been a huge disappointment to date — injuries have come into play — but the Chargers are counting on him contributing.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Darren Sproles: Tendered at $6.621M (signed tender April 28).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED

—CB Brandon Hughes (5/148): 4 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

—WR Malcom Floyd: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—OG Kynan Forney: Potential UFA; $4.8M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

—CB Cletis Gordon: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—RB Darren Sproles: Franchise FA; $6.621M/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—LB Kevin Burnett: UFA Cowboys; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Eldra Buckley (released).

—OG Mike Goff: UFA Chargers; $3.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

—LB Marques Harris: UFA 49ers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—C Jeremy Newberry: Not tendered as UFA/Falcons; terms unknown.

—DE Igor Olshansky: UFA Cowboys; $18M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

—LB Anthony Waters (released).

Source: Associated Press

Brandon Hughes

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers have signed fifth-round draft pick Brandon Hughes(notes) to a four-year deal.

Hughes, a cornerback from Oregon State, is the first member of the 2009 draft class to sign.

He played for former Chargers coach Mike Riley and finished his college career with 178 tackles and three interceptions.

Also Friday, the Chargers releases guard Sam Allen, cornerback Ramarcus Brown, wide receiver Jeremy Childs and linebacker Anthony Felder. All were rookie free agents.

Source: USA Today

Jacob Hester

Jacob Hester will never be Lorenzo Neal — few are — as Neal, it can be argued, was among the greatest fullbacks to ever play the game. Certainly one of the top fullbacks to ever suit up as a member of the Chargers.

But as Hester enters his second year, he does so knowing that his rookie campaign revealed he needs add some meat to his frame.

So while others in San Diego are trying to get in bathing suit shape for summer, Hester is chowing down.

“It’s pretty easy,” Hester said. “You go home, let the wife cook and eat ’til you can’t eat anymore. Then you work out like crazy and try to turn it into muscle. But in order to maintain the weight you want, you really have to watch your diet.”

But Hester can’t get too big, as something else weighs on his minds.

“There was a time this offseason when I was trying to gain a bunch of muscle for playing fullback,” Hester said last week. “But I got to a point where they stopped me and said, ‘Don’t forget that you still need to run the ball a little bit,’ which meant they didn’t want me to gain too much weight.

“There’s a point where you can get too big and too stiff, and that’s when you have to back off a little bit. It’s a tough balance, trying to find that ideal weight where you can be versatile and effective, but I feel like we got it done.”

Hester played last year at 5-foot-11, 225 pounds. He shot for 240 pounds as the Chargers try to get their mediocre running game back in shape. Hester has reached that weight. Now he can’t wait to get started for good.

After being primarily a running back for the national champion LSU titles two seasons ago, Hester will likely make his mark with the Chargers clearing lanes for the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles.

Hester did get 19 rushes last year for 95 yards and a touchdown. But he was beat out by undrafted rookie Mike Tolbert early in the year before taking over when Tolbert was hurt midway through the season.

Hester often spent some time in the doghouse after losing a fumble.

But this offseason, he’s not losing weight. And that should add to his contributions in 2009.

NOTES, QUOTES

—The guys were cut loose, like kids heading off to recess.

Those standing at the driveway at Chargers Park recently did so at their own risk.

The Chargers OTAs are done and so are the Chargers, right? Not exactly.

It’s imperative, the Chargers’ training staff and players have said, that the team stay sharp while enjoying some down time before next month’s training camp gets underway.

“I’m going to train pretty hard this summer to cement what I’ve done,” cornerback Antoine Cason said. “I don’t ruin all the work I’ve done between February and now by getting lazy and showing up for camp out of shape.”

Cason will show up in July hoping to compete for a job.

Antonio Cromartie, after coming off a disastrous 2008, will be watched closely as he tries to rebound to his 2007 level. That was when Cromartie set a team record and lead the NFL with 10 interceptions.

But after last year’s fallback, Cason has some thinking he will get a long look at a starting job. In his rookie season, Cason fared well as the team’s nickel back.

Still, Cason knows he has to come back in good shape to have a shot.

The same goes for fullback/running back Jacob Hester. He needs to stay sharp and in shape to lead what he hopes is a successful 2009.

Every player knows it’s what you do when no one is watching that makes the difference.

“You definitely don’t want to take four weeks off,” Hester said. “You have to keep up with the workouts and the learning the play script. Every day, I go through 30 or so plays and figure out exactly what you have to do. There is an offseason and there is some downtime, but you never stop thinking about football.”

—The team held one of its final OTA sessions at the nearby Marine Corps Air Station Mira Mar. “It always adds something when you practice in front of the fans, and it’s rewarding to get to entertain people that do so much for us,” quarterback Billy Volek said. “A lot of the people out here just returned from overseas or have family members who are gone right now. If we can provide a little distraction to some of those stresses, that’s a good feeling.”

—It’s usually a question asked each summer with the team nearing training camp: Should CB Quentin Jammer be moved to safety to fill a void the Chargers always seem to have there.

“I was a safety two years in college and it’s actually one of my favorite positions that I’ve ever played, but I’m not looking to move right now,” Jammer said. “I’m having too much fun at cornerback and all my focus is on becoming a better corner.”

—With the bulk of veterans done with their OTAs, three players were singled out for their impressive practices: WR Vincent Jackson, CB Antonio Cromartie and RB LaDainian Tomlinson.

—The Wildcat offense is so last year — anyone ready for the Chargers’ version, called Wild Frog? That is in honor of Tomlinson, a former TCU Horned Frog standout and a member of the formation which could be sprung on opponents next season. With Tomlinson, Sproles and the versatile Legedu Naanee, the Chargers would seem to have the personnel to employ it. If nothing else, they are giving the Chargers’ defense a look they will likely encounter this season. “I think it’s good for our defense to see,” coach Norv Turner said. “They’re going to face it. But if we practice it enough and get good enough at it, we’ve got versatile guys. If we can get some plays out of it, it will be good.”

—Former Chargers QB Ryan Leaf, the No. 2 overall pick in 1998, is facing burglary and drug charges in Texas.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’ve still got two weeks of the offseason conditioning program and we still have some preparing to do. The practice part is finished, but this is a 12-month job.” — ILB Stephen Cooper on staying committed in the offseason.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Darren Sproles: Tendered at $6.621M (signed tender April 28).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

—WR Malcom Floyd: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—OG Kynan Forney: Potential UFA; $4.8M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

—CB Cletis Gordon: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—RB Darren Sproles: Franchise FA; $6.621M/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—LB Kevin Burnett: UFA Cowboys; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Eldra Buckley (released).

—OG Mike Goff: UFA Chargers; $3.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

—LB Marques Harris: UFA 49ers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—C Jeremy Newberry: Not tendered as UFA/Falcons; terms unknown.

—DE Igor Olshansky: UFA Cowboys; $18M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

—LB Anthony Waters (released).

To celebrate our 150th show and the Chargers 50th anniversary, we count down our top 5 Chargers in history, from AFL to today.

Plus we have news from the AFC west and around the league, your emails, and a special announcement.

We apologize for the sound quality in some parts of the show. The internet was not playing nice with us during the recording.

Show Links

• Oceanside emerges as a possible Stadium site..again
  
• Bolts Blog greatest players list.
• Ask Mark Fabiani forum thread.
  
• www.sdstadium.org

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Source: USA Today

If looking to get a rise out of Chargers head coach Norv Turner, here is the hot button to push: the Chargers are a pass-first offense, with the running of LaDainian Tomlinson being trumped by the passing of Philip Rivers.

“The book on the Chargers was that if you could stop L.T., you had a good chance to win,” Turner said. “Teams were loading up to stop him, and we wanted to give different looks. We passed efficiently during the season, which forced teams to put an emphasis on coverage. Because of that we were able to run better.”

Turner is well armed whenever the Chargers’ lack of offensive diversity is broached. He notes that on first downs, only eight other units rushed more times than the Chargers. And the Chargers were 12th overall in percentage of rushes (45.6).

Heck, even a hobbled Tomlinson was the AFC’s fourth-best rusher last season.

“You want to have an identity as an offense, but you can’t be stubborn about it,” Turner said. “The idea is to be good at a number of different things, so you can adjust when you have to.”

Leaning on Rivers isn’t exactly a bad thing.

Rivers led the NFL and set a franchise record with a 105.5 rating. And his 34 touchdown pass last year also set a team mark, which is saying something on a club with Dan Fouts among its former players.

But Turner does admit that the Chargers could be more productive on the ground.

“There’s no question we need to run the football better,” Turner said. “The perception is that we became a passing team because we threw the ball extremely well last year. We were in situations where we needed to throw the ball and our quarterback had a great year.”

Turner will have a healthy Tomlinson to start the year and that helps. He’s also told the road-pavers that if they want to run more, improve their blocking.

“I think we’ve made some changes in our approach in the running game that are going to help us,” Turner said. “We put the onus back on the players. If we want to run the ball better, we need to do these things better. Our guys are working hard at that.”

NOTES, QUOTES

—New year, new team. And new mantra for the defending AFC West champions expected to go deep in the playoffs.

Coach Norv Turner pulled the curtain back on his mission statement for 2009, hoping his team rallies around the message:

“To get something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.”

The Chargers know the thrill and drill of the playoffs. They advanced to the divisional game last season before falling to the Steelers. The previous season they qualified for the AFC Championship game but stumbled against the Patriots.

In three seasons the Chargers have won three postseason games and lost three.

This year — the Chargers hope — they will reach the second Super Bowl in team history. The organization which is celebrating its 50th season has never won a Super Bowl.

“Every experience we’ve had has helped them,” said Turner, as he readies for his third season at the Chargers’ helm. “I also believe the experience of being touted and talked about as the most talented team —— I think at times different guys get affected by that. I think our guys have outgrown that. I do believe they understand that if you really want something, you’ve got to go earn it.”

To that end, Turner is upbeat over the team’s spring practices as training camp grows near. He admits it’s a refreshing bunch to coach, but when it’s time to sweat, the players don’t beg off.

“We’re having a great offseason,” Turner said. “They’re still having fun, but there’s a serious mindset about our guys. They understand that if you want something, you have to go earn it.”

It figures the running game has the potential to be better.

Last year the line was in flux. Center Nick Hardwick was battling a foot injury and left tackle Marcus McNeill had issues with his neck.

Plus LaDainian Tomlinson is moving extremely well in the spring workouts and looks primed — his health, of course, willing — to have a solid season.

There is a question at the right guard spot after veteran Mike Goff fled to Kansas City. Kynan Forney and rookie Louis Vasquez will have a spirited battle for the spot in training camp; Forney has the early lead.

—Count Chargers coach Norv Turner among those lobbying for ex-Chargers coach Don Coryell to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Turner learned Coryell’s offense from Ernie Zampese, when they both were on the Rams’ staff. “Their system started in the 1960’s,” Turner said. “If you think of something you could create that would stand the test of time and be relevant almost 50 years after you created it, it’s pretty amazing. It was a cutting edge idea in the 1960’s and it’s still cutting edge. The Coryell system accommodates players. It plays to their strengths and the belief that, if a player has a particular strength, we’ll find a way to make the most of it.”

—Most the veterans will be set free after workouts this week. To celebrate the last week, the all went all bowling on Monday. Scott Mruczkowski had the bragging rights among his teammates with a team-best 224 performance to be named the best bowler. “This trophy is going in my locker,” Mruczkowski said.

—The Chargers are now offering season tickets in two family sections in which alcohol will not be served.

—C Nick Hardwick is enjoying an offseason far different from last year when he was rebounding from foot surgery. That ailment is no longer a concern. “My foot is fantastic,” he said. “I didn’t expect it to be this good. I feel like an athlete again.”

—WR Vincent Jackson continues to shine in the offseason workouts.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “San Diego is a place I would love to be for the rest of my career.” — Pro Bowl LB Shawne Merriman on his preference to remain a Charger after his contract expires following the 2009 season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Darren Sproles: Tendered at $6.621M (signed tender April 28).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

—C Jeremy Newberry (not tendered as UFA June 1).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

—WR Malcom Floyd: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—OG Kynan Forney: Potential UFA; $4.8M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

—CB Cletis Gordon: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—RB Darren Sproles: Franchise FA; $6.621M/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—LB Kevin Burnett: UFA Cowboys; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Eldra Buckley (released).

—OG Mike Goff: UFA Chargers; $3.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

—LB Marques Harris: UFA 49ers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—DE Igor Olshansky: UFA Cowboys; $18M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

—LB Anthony Waters (released).

Source: USA Today

Chargers 50th Anniversary

Would there be a better season for the Chargers to win their first Super Bowl?

The Chargers kicked off their 50th anniversary season recently with some off the team’s all-time greats assembling, hoping this is the year the team hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Among the luminaries in attendance were Lance Alworth, Doug Wilkerson, Charlie Joiner, Darren Bennett, Philip Rivers and a collection of team executives, led by club president Dean Spanos.

Rivers said San Diego, while being the nation’s seventh-largest city, has a small-town atmosphere to it. And that is no more evident than on game days, when it seems like everyone is tuned in — and turned on — by the Chargers. But Chargers fans also show their allegiance in the offseason.

“Growing up in a small town in Alabama where football is pretty much it, it kind of has that same feel here in San Diego,” Rivers said. “When you’re driving down Interstate 15 in March and see all the Chargers flags and stickers, it shows you how excited this city is.”

Maybe the Chargers fans are so keen on their team because of its success of late — especially at Qualcomm Stadium. Consider that in Rivers’ three years as a starter, the Chargers are 20-4 in what’s pegged as America’s Finest City.

“You wonder why we’re so good at home, the fans have a great deal to do with that,” Rivers said. “We take a great deal of pride in winning when we play at home and our fans help us a lot with the environment they create.”

But those fans have been incredibly forgiving. The Chargers won the 1963 AFL title but have no other league championships; they advanced to the Super Bowl to cap the 1994 season but were blown out by the 49ers.

Wilkerson, a member of the Chargers Hall of Fame and a three-time Pro Bowler in his 14 seasons, knows how the fans feel. The Chargers were dead last in the AFC West in four of his first five seasons with the club, which stretched from 1971-75. Then Don Coryell came aboard — as did improved personnel — and Air Coryell and a long string of success followed.

“I look back and appreciate how patient the fans were,” Wilkerson said. “We had some great coaches but the talent wasn’t there. The fans hung with us. They were intertwined in everything that we did. The availability of the players to the community is special. Everywhere you went, everybody loved the players and we became immediately attracted to not only the city but the people.”

“We had good football players, guys that loved playing the game,” Wilkerson said. “They enjoyed being in the city of San Diego. In 1979, Charger Power was born. Chargers fans created that. They made it our moniker. They created a song for it. As fast as we could score, they enjoyed it more, and we set a lot of offensive records.”

The Chargers are on record that they are tired of falling short. They advanced to the AFC Championship game two seasons ago but fell to the Patriots. They got to the divisional round game last season, before bowing to the Steelers.

This year? It’s a golden one, and a golden opportunity to do something no other Chargers team has done: win a Super Bowl.

NOTES, QUOTES

—ILB Stephen Cooper said the offseason sessions have been productive, but a joy as well.

“We’re getting a lot of good work done but we’re having a lot of fun too,” he said. “We’ve got a good group of guys who love working together, whether it’s June or August or December.”

—Rodney Harrison retired after an impressive stint with the Patriots

to move into the broadcasting booth, but he first made his mark with the Chargers. He played in San Diego for from 1994-02 and his 26 interceptions rank third in Chargers history. Harrison will likely be among those honored during the team’s 50th anniversary season.

—The Chargers will release the 20 greatest moments in team history throughout the year, with the greatest moment being revealed during the Jan. 3 regular-season finale against the Washington Redskins. “That should be a fun and interesting process,” Chargers president Dean Spanos said. “There are decades to deal with, and everyone will have a different opinion on who belongs on that team. It should spark some conversation and get people talking about the past.”

—The Chargers return to practice next Tuesday and will work Wednesday and Thursday, too. After next Thursday’s work, most of the veterans’ work is done. Rookies and select veterans will complete the pre-training camp work with four practices from June 15-18.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “That’s why you always see us score a lot of points, you see us move the ball on everybody and have this explosive offense — that’s all Norv. His mind is always working. He has a great mind and I think that’s underrated.” — RB LaDainian Tomlinson on head coach Norv Turner’s offensive approach.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Darren Sproles: Tendered at $6.621M (signed tender April 28).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

—C Jeremy Newberry (not tendered as UFA June 1).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

—WR Malcom Floyd: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—OG Kynan Forney: Potential UFA; $4.8M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

—CB Cletis Gordon: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—RB Darren Sproles: Franchise FA; $6.621M/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—LB Kevin Burnett: UFA Cowboys; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Eldra Buckley (released).

—OG Mike Goff: UFA Chargers; $3.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

—LB Marques Harris: UFA 49ers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—DE Igor Olshansky: UFA Cowboys; $18M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

—LB Anthony Waters (released).

Source: USA Today

Nick Hardwick

Nick the Quick is back.

OK, center Nick Hardwick never was the quickest Charger. Unless counting his wit, which is among the sharpest and quickest among those on the 53-man roster.

But the jokester wore a frown this time last offseason. The man with the smile and the in-tune blocking techniques was trying to stiff-arm a number of other things and none of them wore a rivals’ uniform: Pain and doubt.

This season, those two obstacles are removed.

“I’m really enjoying this offseason and can’t wait to get the season going,” Hardwick said.

Last offseason saw him wearing a cumbersome foot boot after undergoing serious foot surgery. At first the Chargers had hope the injury would heal on its own. But as the offseason dragged on, Hardwick was still dragging around his ailing foot. Finally, two months after the season had ended, Hardwick underwent an operation, one in which would have him miss last season’s first three games.

“When I first got hurt, they said there was a 50-50 chance that I would play again,” Hardwick said. “I had a lot of down time. I was non-weight bearing for three months, so there was a lot of time to think about what was going to happen. I was stressing out actually.”

The Chargers felt the same way.

Hardwick is not only responsible for the getting the blocking calls right, but he makes right a team when things look bleak. No matter the situation or what the scoreboard may say, Hardwick was the one constant his teammates could rely to keep an upbeat attitude. To keep things in perspective. To crack a joke as easily as popping a defensive tackle to spring LaDainian Tomlinson on a long run.

But it’s hard to be the life of the huddle when not in it. It’s hard to be a leader when the team runs out of the tunnel on Sunday and the leader is in street clothes.

And even when he did return last season, the fine line between being a Pro Bowler and being just another guy was one Hardwick was starting to know all too well. The mind was willing but the foot — not so much.

“That’s such a big part of it, being able to do the things you want to do and put your body in position it needs to be in to perform,” Hardwick said. “Sometimes there’s a 6-inch difference about where you put your foot. But if it’s painful to put my foot back and bring my knee forward, the performance is off just a slight amount, which can be the difference between success and a slip up.”

But what’s up with Hardwick this offseason? A new confidence that his foot and the front line will return to its past glory.

“I’m not limited at all right now,” he said, “which is great.”

NOTES, QUOTES

—QB Philip Rivers can’t help but notice — and he is not alone: RB LaDainian Tomlinson looks good in the workouts after an offseason in which there was speculation Tomlinson wouldn’t return to San Diego. “It seems to have put another pep in his step,” he said. Rivers went on to say he thinks Tomlinson could have another big year. “I don’t see why not,” Rivers said. “We’re one season removed from him leading the league in rushing.”

—With the NBA playoffs hitting full stride does TE Antonio Gates, a former collegiate player, ever regret turning his professional career toward football rather than basketball? “I never regret things I do; I regret things I don’t do,” he said. “(Playing football) was the best choice for me at the time. When I first came to the NFL I really missed playing basketball, but now football is my life. It’s who I am. I’ve met a lot of good people playing football. I’ve met a lot of ‘greats’ just because of the game of football. Early in my career I would always talk about basketball but now as I mature, football is my life.”

—OLB Larry English, the team’s top pick, isn’t taking the offseason coaching sessions and team conditioning lightly. “This is an important time of year,” he said. “Over the next month, I’m pushing myself physically to get in the best shape I can. Mentally, I want to become more and more comfortable with our scheme and just continue to grow. Hopefully once fall gets here, all this work will pay off.”

—There is another new proposal to build a stadium at the current site of Qualcomm Stadium, but the Chargers have yet to lend their support to it.

—There’s been a familiar face at some of the Lakers playoff games — and he’s in a good seat: coach Norv Turner, a big-time hoops fan.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’m glad we never had to find out.” — QB Philip Rivers on what the Chargers would be like without LaDainian Tomlinson, who had to restructure his contract to return this season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Darren Sproles: Tendered at $6.621M (signed tender April 28).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—C Jeremy Newberry.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

—WR Malcom Floyd: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—OG Kynan Forney: Potential UFA; $4.8M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

—CB Cletis Gordon: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—RB Darren Sproles: Franchise FA; $6.621M/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—LB Kevin Burnett: UFA Cowboys; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Eldra Buckley (released).

—OG Mike Goff: UFA Chargers; $3.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

—LB Marques Harris: UFA 49ers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—DE Igor Olshansky: UFA Cowboys; $18M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

—LB Anthony Waters (released).

Source: Associated Press

By Bernie Wilson

Proposed Stadium

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers on Thursday rejected a developer’s proposal to build a $1 billion stadium as part of a redevelopment of the land surrounding Qualcomm Stadium, saying the project would be too enormous for the Mission Valley site.

Hours before Perry Dealy publicly unveiled the project, attorney Mark Fabiani sent the developer a letter saying the team doesn’t think it has a realistic chance and asking him to stop referring to the Chargers in promoting the project.

“We did it reluctantly,” Fabiani told The Associated Press.

Southern California’s only NFL team has said since 2002 that it needs a new stadium to remain financially competitive with other franchises. Three years ago the Chargers gave up on their own plans for a stadium at the Qualcomm site, but Dealy crafted a new proposal anyway, despite Fabiani’s warning to him in January that the team spent several years and millions of dollars trying to make a project there work, said Fabiani, the team’s lead negotiator on the stadium issue.

Dealy’s proposal, called The River Park at Mission Valley, would include a 70,000-seat stadium, 3.76 million square feet of office space in 11 buildings, a 16-story hotel, nearly 6,000 residential units, 500,000 square feet of retail space and 14,000 parking spaces.

Fabiani called Dealy’s project “fantastical,” with “mythical skyscrapers, mythical prices and a mythical stadium.”

Fabiani said he was surprised Dealy went ahead with the news conference.

“It was not, in our view, a productive situation, for the simple reason that the project is as predicted, so dense that it’s never going to be built,” Fabiani said. “We’re a lot closer to the end of the process than we are the beginning, and for those people who care about finding a solution, we shouldn’t be spending time on stuff that has zero chance of actually happening.”

The Chargers still hope to use a similar but smaller development, plus public land, as a way to build a stadium. Fabiani said the team believes such a project would require two parcels of land, one for the stadium and another for the commercial development to help pay for it.

The Chargers would like to build a stadium on San Diego Bay in suburban Chula Vista, but the project is stalled due to uncertainty over the shutdown date for a power plant on the site.

Fabiani said other sites around San Diego County have emerged as possibilities, including east of Petco Park, the downtown home of baseball’s Padres.

Dealy said he and his group are looking for a better use for the 166-acre Qualcomm site, where the stadium sits in the middle of a vast parking lot.

He said he was disappointed with the Chargers’ response, and acknowledged that the project has many issues that need to be resolved.

“But I would hope that if the Chargers don’t have any other options, and this gets some traction, that the Chargers would embrace this as a viable alternative,” he said. “We certainly don’t want them to leave the region. The worst thing that could happen is if the Chargers say, ‘I’ve got no options in San Diego County, and we’re out of here.’ And that could happen. That was part of our motivation to be aggressive now.”

Under Dealy’s plan, the Chargers and the NFL would each contribute $200 million to the stadium, while San Diego State would contribute $100 million. The rest would be paid for by land sales and taxes on the surrounding development.

Fabiani said the announcement of Dealy’s project put the Chargers in the awkward situation of explaining how they could turn it down when few other options have surfaced.

“That’s part of why this effort by Mr. Dealy is so damaging to us,” Fabiani said. “It causes people to ask that question. We don’t deserve that after spending seven years and $10 million in this process. We’ve done everything we can to stay here. If someone with their own ulterior motives comes up with a half-baked plan, you can’t blame us for that.”

Source: USA Today

Louis Vasquez

If it’s May, it’s time for a crash course in NFL football. That’s true of San Diego and every other NFL locale.

With hot-shot rookies and long-range prospects gathered for an intense education in the offseason coaching sessions, it’s likely some will feel as if they’re swimming in information and treading water to stay afloat while trying to grasp the pro game.

“We try to throw a lot at these guys before (the end of minicamp), especially our rookies, and let them know what they’re up against,” coach Norv Turner said.

Rookie right guard Louis Vasquez is among those absorbing all he can. The former Texas Tech standout is hoping to his learning curve isn’t steep.

Vasquez might have more to learn than other blockers. He played in the spread formation for the Red Raiders, an offense which leaned heavily on the passing game. And while the Chargers have transformed into a pass-first offense, they do still have LaDainian Tomlinson in the backfield. And while Turner has built his reputation as being a quarterback’s coach, he still appreciates a consistent running attack.

“They throw quite a bit at you in college, but it’s nothing quite like this,” said Vasquez, a third-round pick. “My head was spinning at bit at first, but I’m starting to feel comfortable with what I’m learning and my ability to apply it.”

Vasquez, if he can get up to speed, could push for a starting job.

Veteran Mike Goff fled as a free agent to Kansas City and Kynan Forney has been tabbed as the potential starter. But that’s not to say Vasquez won’t get a long look, especially if he has the look of someone knowing his assignments.

In camp, he admitted that sometimes trying to glean so much so fast can be overwhelming.

“If I look over the playbook too much, the information can get jumbled up a bit,” Vasquez said. “I focus on it until I’m confident I understand the play. I’ll review here and there just to stay fresh, but for the most part I’ve been focusing on my workouts and getting ready for these sessions and the rest of the offseason program.”

The offseason is mostly to start getting the body into football shape in time for camp. But the mental aspect, especially for the younger players eager to show they can play above the shoulders, carries almost as much importance.

“I’ve been talking to the veterans, and they’ve suggested some things that have helped me out a lot,” Vasquez said.

NOTES, QUOTES

—The strong safety spot remains a point of mystery for the Chargers.

It’s been that way, really, since general manager A.J. Smith passed on the opportunity to draft future Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu, electing to trade down and select defensive backs Sammy Davis and Terrence Kiel.

So when Clinton Hart disappointed last year and eventually lost his job to Steven Gregory, it was obvious the Chargers would try to fill that need yet again this offseason.

Not comfortable doing so through the free-agency market, Smith drafted Southern Cal safety Kevin Ellison in the sixth round.

Ellison has proven to be a solid player — when he can stay on the field. But next to his reputation as a hard-hitter at USC was the knock that he’s too often bit by the injury bug. Perhaps that is in his past. If so, his future could be as the starting strong safety.

First he must hurdle Hart — who said he is much better prepared for a big year after his broken hand healed — and Gregory. Paul Oliver is a candidate for a look at that spot, too.

But if Ellison can stay fit and learn the defensive playbook that has undergone a tweak or two from coordinator Ron Rivera, he has a shot.

“I have a solid grasp on the stuff we’re doing,” Ellison said. “I feel comfortable because I’ve put a lot of time in. I’ve done the work, and I’m going to keep on doing it.

“It’s important to create a foundation of knowledge that you can build upon. Once you understand the basics of certain schemes, things naturally fit together. If you understand the core concepts of a play, it allows you to focus on the little things that can make you successful.”

Ellison has a presence and he doesn’t seem overwhelmed by the mountain of new stuff thrown his direction. He’s confident in the way he goes about his business, no matter the obstacles which may be ahead.

“It doesn’t change a thing,” Ellison said. “I prepare the same way all the time, whether there’s an opening in the starting lineup or there’s an All-Pro playing my position. If I put as much as I can into it, I believe good things will come.”

—Despite missing the minicamp in a contract dispute, WR Malcolm Floyd has played well in the coaching sessions, hooking up with QB Philip Rivers on a couple of spectacular plays. Floyd and Rivers have had a strong connection since they both were backups and spent many hours after practices honing their skills.

“I just can’t describe how good it feels to be back with the guys,” Floyd said. “I’ve stressed about the contract stuff for a while, but I’m glad it’s all over. I’m ready to go to work.”

—Coach Norv Turner said that training camp at Chargers Park will begin July 21.

—DT Jamal Williams (knees) is attending but not participating in the

offseason coaching sessions. He is expected to be ready for training camp.

—LT Marcus McNeill (neck) is not rushing back into action and continues to be an observer during OTAs. The club anticipates him being OK for camp.

—The Chargers next coaching session will run from June 1-3.

—The team has no interest in a new proposal to build a stadium at the current site, which would include office buildings, a hotel and residence. For now, the only proposal seriously being looked at in San Diego County remains in Chula Vista, a city near the U.S.-Mexico border.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “When you get that first year out of the way, the mental confidence really goes up. Going into this year, I feel good about how I see and react to the game now.” — CB Antoine Cason on how much comfortable he is in his second year in the NFL.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Darren Sproles: Tendered at $6.621M (signed tender April 28).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—C Jeremy Newberry.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

—WR Malcom Floyd: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—OG Kynan Forney: Potential UFA; $4.8M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

—CB Cletis Gordon: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

—RB Darren Sproles: Franchise FA; $6.621M/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—LB Kevin Burnett: UFA Cowboys; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Eldra Buckley (released).

—OG Mike Goff: UFA Chargers; $3.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

—LB Marques Harris: UFA 49ers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—DE Igor Olshansky: UFA Cowboys; $18M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

—LB Anthony Waters (released).