Official Chargers Blog

• Countdown to camp: special teams
  The Union-Tribune today begins a twice-per-week position-by-position look at the Chargers leading up to training camp, which begins with rookies reporting July 21.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers sign PR Mark Jones to 1-year contract
  Free-agent punt returner Mark Jones signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Chargers on Friday.
• Signing of Jones could signal Parker's departure
  The signing of Mark Jones on Friday is not a big deal in and of itself. Jones, a receiver and punt returner, faces a major challenge making the Chargers' opening day roster.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• NFL stars hope for Wembley boost
  Reggie Bush and LaDainian Tomlinson both hope playing in London will spur their Super Bowl campaigns.
• Interview Spot: LT and Reggie Bush
  ‘It’s the greatest feeling. It’s such an adrenalin rush; it’s almost like riding the best rollercoaster of your life. When you get in the end zone, it’s the best feeling, people going crazy. It’s incredible.’

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Players wrap up their NFL baptism
  During a team session this week, with the offense going against the defense, Chargers head coach Norv Turner ordered Paul Oliver to the sideline.
• Kassim Osgood QA
  Kassim Osgood has found his niche in the NFL. Having made the Pro Bowl as a special teams player the past two seasons, Osgood hopes to establish himself as a regular in Honolulu.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Rivers' gutsy playoff performance paying dividends
  Philip Rivers' team fell one win short of the Super Bowl in 2007 as he played through a torn ACL in the playoffs.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Kaeding to raise funding for flood relief
  San Diego Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding says fifty percent of the proceeds from his annual golf tournament will go to flood relief efforts in Iowa City and Coralville.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Big mouth has become Rivers' trademark
  Chris Chambers was at fellow wideout and St. Louis Ram Torry Holt's charity banquet in North Carolina earlier this spring when the San Diego Chargers' key 2007 midseason acquisition suddenly found himself in press coverage

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Rivers ahead of schedule, 'bracing' for a big season
  Philip Rivers is trying to be patient this offseason as he recovers from knee surgery, but he is anxious to resume San Diego's quest for the Super Bowl.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Seen and heard; Easy to see why Chargers are MIA
  Welcome to the 108th U.S. Open, which has its curtain lifted at 7 Thursday morning. How grand is this event?
• Ben Curtis impresses some real Bolts at U.S. Open
  Ben Curtis was still wearing a Chargers shirt and cap after his practice round when Nate Kaeding, walked up and said, "You look good in that Chargers gear."
• New Charger will take on every mother's son
  Jeremy Newberry has been welcomed with open arms and clenched fists.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:31 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• BBC to offer live coverage of NFL's Wembley game
  The BBC will offer live television coverage of the Oct. 26 regular-season game between the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints at Wembley Stadium.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers sign veteran offensive lineman Newberry
  Former Pro Bowl center Jeremy Newberry signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Chargers on Monday, most likely as insurance.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers score for schools and students
  Recently in Coronado the Chargers saluted their champions, and none of those honored has ever played a down in the NFL.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Some teams ready for an uncapped season, some not
  The Chargers have done one of the best jobs of locking up starters in case of an uncapped 2010 season, although retaining Philip Rivers might be an issue
• Q&A with Jamal Williams
  The San Diego Chargers are one of a handful of NFL teams that use a base 3-4 defensive scheme. They are able to execute that defense in large part due to the play of Jamal Williams

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers scold Sanders' camp
  The Chargers took issue yesterday with San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders for daring to suggest that the football team supports his chief re-election challenger, Steve Francis.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:31 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• As stud Chargers near walk years, prepare for envy
  A.J. Smith knows what he has under his arm. He's the average Joe in the Hawaiian shirt walking into a bar with a beautiful woman.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• NFL eyes 17th game to grow revenue, shorten preseason
  NFL commissioner Roger Goodell raised the possibility of having a 17th regular-season game as an option to help settle some of the league's future labor problems.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Bolts' Osgood no-show for offseason session
  The Chargers began offseason coaching sessions yesterday, and everyone was present except three players who primarily contribute on special teams.
• NFL owners, players aren't stupid
  You want to believe that NFL owners and players are too smart to ruin a good thing. We are about to find out.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Intrigued L.T. glad to see Patriots ensnared in Spygate
  Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has long been correctly viewed as one of the true good guys in sports.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Tomlinson wary of window closing
  LaDainian Tomlinson is back to leaping and running at full speed, displaying his skills during a shoot for his latest series of commercials and ads last week.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Torture at Torrey
  We gathered four amateurs – Hall of Fame Padre Tony Gwynn, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and head coach Norv Turner and retired motocross champion Broc Glover

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Keeping Chargers' top talent a tall task
  As the Chargers prepare to begin negotiations in earnest with several of their star players, both sides will be dealing with an uncertainty looming over the talks.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Cason's effort pleases Chargers' coach
  Former Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason's second professional workout went a lot better than his initial practice.
• It's early, yes, but rank Pats No. 1 ... and Bolts No. 2
  Seven different teams have represented the NFC in the past seven Super Bowls, which suggests how markedly matters can change from year to year in the NFL.
• A mother's scare and her son's devotion
  Cassandra Gardner did not see her son's NFL-record 109-yard return of a field goal at Minnesota this past Nov. 4.
• Bolts, coach sharing the same script
  It was the Chargers' front office's explanation and became the players' catch phrase.
• Playing catch-up
  Recently, Union-Tribune Chargers beat writer Kevin Acee sat down with Rivers to talk about that rehab
• Talking to LaDainian Tomlinson
  LaDainian Tomlinson is in Los Angeles this week filming a pair of spots for the latest Chunky soup advertising campaign. SI.com caught up with the super Charger during a break on the set.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers ready to take next step
  A.J. Smith knows "almost" doesn't mean anything in the NFL. He knows it all too well.
• CB Cason's confident, yet respectful demeanor has endeared him to coaches
  Antoine Cason's initial foray on the Chargers' practice field didn't go very well. The combination of first-practice jitters, faster paced drills and the schematics ...
• New Campbell Soup Ads Will Focus On Health, One NFL Player
  Starring in the new ads is San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Roads Less Traveled Can Lead to NFL
  Eric Bakhtiari, a Chargers' undrafted free agent, finally caught up with Antoine Cason, the Bolts' first-round draft pick.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:33 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• About three months after ACL surgery, Rivers returns
  Philip Rivers was chatting in a hallway after a minicamp practice Friday as the Chargers' offensive linemen came bulldozing through.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Rivers, L.T. back on field as Chargers open minicamp
  Less than four months after having a ligament in his right knee replaced, Philip Rivers was dropping back and throwing passes.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Former Dolphins GM Mueller joins Chargers
  Former Dolphins General Manager Randy Mueller, who was fired by Bill Parcells on Dec. 31 soon after he assumed control of football operations, was hired by the San Diego Chargers Tuesday.
• Chargers Assistant GM Nix suddenly gone
  Chargers Assistant General Manager Buddy Nix is no longer with the team, the team confirmed Tuesday afternoon.
• Nix out as Chargers assistant GM, Muller named senior exec
  Buddy Nix is out as assistant general manager of the San Diego Chargers, with the team saying he retired and his wife saying he resigned.
• Smith, Chargers revamp front office, hire Mueller
  A.J. Smith has been one of the league's most active general managers in giving extensions to young talent to keep the nucleus of the Chargers together. Now, the front office sees a flurry of activity.
• Nix now enjoying golf while Chargers shuffle front office personnel
  Buddy Nix, back home where the rest of the people talk with his same charming lilt, was preparing to play golf this morning.
• Chargers give Betschart good opportunity in NFL
  After a weekend of uncertainty, Wade Betschart was glad to take control.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Aztec, Torero among new Chargers signed
  The Chargers added a few interesting names yesterday when they agreed to terms with 17 undrafted free agents, but it will be difficult for any of them to make the roster in September.
• Chargers stay busy and sign 17
  Chargers announced the signings of 17 undrafted free agents on Monday, including University of San Diego defensive standout Eric Bakhtiari and San Diego State offensive lineman Brandyn Dombrowski.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers trade up to draft running back, land OL
  The Chargers traded to get their backup running back in the third round and finally got an offensive tackle in the seventh round.
• Chargers find a back, still seeking a tackle
  After a day on which they boldly traded to get the backup running back they desired, the Chargers are left still searching for offensive tackle depth.
• Cason at loss for words, not much else
  Antoine Cason's voice said that he was “at a loss for words” and “speechless.”
• Up close and personal wasn't needed by Smith in matter of top pick
  A.J. Smith calls April “Liar's Month.” And he's right, of course.
• Bolts get bold, trade up for Hester
  Jacob Hester made a bold prediction Sunday, shortly after the Chargers gave up a 2009 second-round pick to grab the LSU running back in the third round of the NFL draft.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers add QB depth, pick up Bramlet off waiver
  The San Diego Chargers claimed quarterback Casey Bramlet off waivers from the Miami Dolphins on Friday.
• QB signing camp fodder for Chargers | The San Diego Union-Tribune
  Coming as it did on the eve of the draft, the Chargers' signing of quarterback Casey Bramlet off waivers prompted speculation that the team might then consider dangling Charlie Whitehurst for trade.
• Chargers hanging around corners
  There is much to be decided in the Chargers' only real position battle of 2008, and what the team does this weekend will only add to the competition.
• First day of draft unlikely to be busy
  A.J. Smith terms this year's NFL draft as a "light year" for the Chargers. Still, the draft-loving general manger hopes to walk away with a heavy collection of talent.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• No plans to move to new L.A. stadium
  A Los Angeles developer who announced plans to build a football stadium Thursday is a friend of the Spanos family, owners of the Chargers, but the team has no plans to move there, according to a team spokesman.
• Dripping in drama, or perchance to scream
  To some, the NFL draft is a bonanza, one of the best days of the year on the sports calendar. To others, it's a long, boring day filled with talking heads on T
• Drafts for the ages
  Looking through the warring wasteland, we never saw it coming.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Numbers game
  The Chargers are experienced in this type of venture, so they know what it takes, how the waiting goes and how what's available affects the outcome
• Winning formula in extra picks?
  The strategy of acquiring compensatory draft picks is imbued with the unknown.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:33 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers not looking for a show of hands
  This is a good year to find a wide receiver in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. Eight wideouts figure to have their names called before Round 2 concludes.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Sources say Cooper facing a 4-game suspension
  Starting inside linebacker Stephen Cooper faces a four-game suspension because of a positive drug test, sources confirmed Tuesday.
• Saints, Chargers have legitimate gripes
  The 2008 NFL schedule has a wealth of quality matchups, story lines and subplots worth exploring. Here are 10 interesting questions that are sure to get people talking.
• Prime-time games highlight '08 schedule
  A historic trip to London and six national television appearances, including five prime-time telecasts, highlight the Chargers' 2008 schedule, released by the NFL on Tuesday.
• Redskins, Bears, Chargers must hate '08 schedule
  The San Diego Chargers will be jet-lagged.
• Cooper draws four-game suspension for drug policy violation
  Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper was suspended by the NFL on Tuesday for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
• Chargers hope early trips lead to a big finish
  The Chargers' 2008 schedule is in one sense every bit as taxing as it could possibly be, considering the extensive travel and frequent night games.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers made 3 key draft picks a year early
  A.J. Smith will proudly and with a deep sense of satisfaction display the names of Chris Chambers, Eric Weddle and Paul Oliver on the Chargers' draft board two weekends from now.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• NFL lineman, family run area trucking company
  Around mid-morning March 25, Mike Goff trailed his father, Lyman, and brother, Brian, into Hella's Carryout in Powell.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Little three havent done much in offseason to gain on Chargers
  The San Diego Chargers started last season slowly, winning just one of their first four games and providing some hope to the rest of the teams in the forlorn AFC West.
• NFL owners withdraw playoff reseeding proposal
  A show of hands made it obvious that reseeding the NFL playoffs wasn't such a good idea.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• AFC West: Chargers clearly in charge as draft nears
  The AFC West is the San Diego Chargers and then the rest -- and the gap is widening.
• Chargers gain a No. 5 pick
  The Chargers were awarded a second fifth-round pick yesterday, not the fourth-rounder they expected for losing linebacker Donnie Edwards in free agency last year.
• Lineman Clary receives a big bonus
  Jeromey Clary's 2007 earnings nearly doubled on Tuesday as he was one of 17 NFL players awarded upwards of $250,000 through the league's "performance-based pay" system.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:31 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Torching of Merriman's car funny? Rome fill-in host seems to think so
  Say what you want about Shawne Merriman's sack dance but is that the reason the linebacker's Mercedes-Benz recently was stolen and burned to a crisp?

Posted by Joel Price at 11:30 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers won't deal disaffected Osgood
  The Chargers' brass and most everyone else in the NFL heads to Palm Beach, Fla., this weekend for the annual owners' meetings.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:17 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• How high can Cro go?
  Chargers cornerback raised the question with his leaping, one-handed palm job of an interception against Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning on Nov. 11.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:17 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers' Hardwick sidelined by surgery
  The Chargers could be without center Nick Hardwick early in the season.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:17 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Castillo touches down with troops in Afghanistan
  I never have been to Afghanistan. I cannot perceive that I ever will go to Afghanistan. I don't think cruise lines go there, so I'm out.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:17 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Philip Rivers on Favre
  A lot of us saw our favorite NFL quarterback retire this week. And among the "us" is an NFL quarterback.
• Rivers becomes first client at D1
  When Philip Rivers invested in the D1 sports training facility, he did so thinking of himself as an owner, not a customer.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:18 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Osgood says it'd be better to receive
  Two-plus years into being perhaps the NFL's most-recognized and most-appreciated guy who never plays, Kassim Osgood is fed up.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:18 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Chargers' Jackson teaches worth of hard work at youth conference
  Vincent Jackson talked, and a crowd of Colorado Springs teens listened.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:18 AM | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

• Rivers maniacal in quest to return from knee operation
  Philip Rivers inspects the scars on his surgically repaired right knee and can't help but marvel at how minuscule they are.
• Rivers still seeks some Super bling
  Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberge