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A Journey Through The Chargers' Running Back Heritage

Trends January 10, 2025

What is the history of the running backs for the Los Angeles Chargers?

The Los Angeles Chargers have a long and storied history at the running back position. From Hall of Famers to Pro Bowlers, the Chargers have had some of the best running backs in the NFL.

One of the most famous Chargers running backs is LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson played for the Chargers from 2001 to 2009 and rushed for over 12,000 yards and scored over 100 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times and was the NFL MVP in 2006.

Another great Chargers running back is Natrone Means. Means played for the Chargers from 1994 to 1999 and rushed for over 5,000 yards. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice and was a key member of the Chargers' Super Bowl XXIX team.

In recent years, the Chargers have had some success with running backs Ryan Mathews and Melvin Gordon. Mathews played for the Chargers from 2010 to 2014 and rushed for over 4,000 yards. Gordon played for the Chargers from 2015 to 2019 and rushed for over 5,000 yards.

The Chargers have a rich history at the running back position. From Hall of Famers to Pro Bowlers, the Chargers have had some of the best running backs in the NFL.

Chargers RB History

The Chargers have a long and storied history at the running back position. From Hall of Famers to Pro Bowlers, the Chargers have had some of the best running backs in the NFL.

Hall of Famers
Pro Bowlers
MVPs
Super Bowl Champions
Record-breakers
Fan favorites
Legends

These key aspects of Chargers RB history are all interconnected. Hall of Famers are often Pro Bowlers and MVPs. Super Bowl Champions are often record-breakers and fan favorites. Legends are often all of the above.

The Chargers have a rich history at the running back position. From LaDainian Tomlinson to Natrone Means to Ryan Mathews to Melvin Gordon, the Chargers have had some of the best running backs in the NFL.

1. Hall of Famers

Hall of Famers are a key part of Chargers RB history. The Chargers have had four running backs inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: LaDainian Tomlinson, Natrone Means, Lorenzo Neal, and John Riggins. These players were all dominant runners in their eras and helped the Chargers achieve great success.

Tomlinson is the Chargers' all-time leading rusher and scorer. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times and was the NFL MVP in 2006. Means was a key member of the Chargers' Super Bowl XXIX team. Neal was a versatile fullback who was also a Pro Bowl selection. Riggins was a powerful runner who helped the Chargers reach the AFC Championship Game in 1980.

The Chargers' Hall of Fame running backs have had a major impact on the team's history. They have helped the Chargers win games, championships, and the hearts of fans. They are a testament to the Chargers' commitment to excellence at the running back position.

2. Pro Bowlers

Pro Bowlers are a key part of Chargers RB history. The Chargers have had 15 running backs selected to the Pro Bowl, which is the third-most in the NFL.

Consistent Excellence: Pro Bowl selections are a testament to a player's consistent excellence. Chargers running backs have been among the best in the NFL for decades, with multiple Pro Bowlers in every era of the team's history.
Impact on Team Success: Pro Bowl running backs have played a major role in the Chargers' success. They have helped the Chargers win division championships, conference championships, and Super Bowls.
Fan Favorites: Pro Bowl running backs are often fan favorites because of their exciting play and contributions to the team's success.
Hall of Fame Potential: Many Pro Bowl running backs go on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Chargers have four Hall of Fame running backs, and all four of them were Pro Bowlers.

Pro Bowl running backs are a key part of Chargers history. They have helped the Chargers achieve success on the field and have been fan favorites for decades. They are a testament to the Chargers' commitment to excellence at the running back position.

3. MVPs

Most Valuable Players (MVPs) are a key part of Chargers RB history. The Chargers have had two running backs win the NFL MVP award: LaDainian Tomlinson (2006) and Paul Lowe (1958).

Individual Excellence: MVPs are the best players in the NFL. They are the most valuable players to their teams and have the greatest impact on their team's success.
Team Success: MVPs often lead their teams to success. Tomlinson was the MVP of the Chargers' only Super Bowl appearance in 2006.
Fan Favorites: MVPs are often fan favorites because of their exciting play and contributions to the team's success.
Hall of Fame Potential: Many MVPs go on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both of the Chargers' MVP running backs are in the Hall of Fame.

MVPs are a key part of Chargers history. They have helped the Chargers achieve success on the field and have been fan favorites for decades. They are a testament to the Chargers' commitment to excellence at the running back position.

4. Super Bowl Champions

Super Bowl Champions are a key part of Chargers RB history. The Chargers have one Super Bowl title, which they won in 1963. Several running backs have played a key role in the Chargers' Super Bowl success.

Natrone Means: Means was a key member of the Chargers' Super Bowl XXIX team. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 12 touchdowns during the regular season and added another 285 yards and 3 touchdowns in the playoffs.
LaDainian Tomlinson: Tomlinson was the Chargers' leading rusher in their Super Bowl XXXVII appearance. He rushed for over 1,200 yards during the regular season and added another 229 yards in the playoffs.
Melvin Gordon: Gordon was the Chargers' leading rusher in their Super Bowl LIII appearance. He rushed for over 900 yards during the regular season and added another 154 yards in the playoffs.

Running backs have played a key role in the Chargers' Super Bowl success. They have helped the Chargers win games, championships, and the hearts of fans. They are a testament to the Chargers' commitment to excellence at the running back position.

5. Record-breakers

Record-breakers are a key part of Chargers RB history. The Chargers have had several running backs break NFL records, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Natrone Means, and Paul Lowe.

Tomlinson holds the NFL record for most touchdowns scored in a single season (31). He also holds the Chargers record for most career rushing yards (12,490) and most career rushing touchdowns (145).

Means holds the Chargers record for most rushing yards in a single game (250). He also holds the Chargers record for most career rushing yards per game (100.6).

Lowe holds the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns in a single game (6). He also holds the Chargers record for most career rushing touchdowns per game (0.8).

These record-breaking running backs have played a major role in the Chargers' success. They have helped the Chargers win games, championships, and the hearts of fans. They are a testament to the Chargers' commitment to excellence at the running back position.

6. Fan favorites

Fan favorites are a key part of Chargers RB history. Chargers fans have always loved their running backs, and some of the most popular players in team history have been running backs.

Exciting Play: Chargers fans love running backs who are exciting to watch. They want to see players who can make big plays, score touchdowns, and help the team win.
Team Success: Chargers fans also appreciate running backs who contribute to the team's success. They want to see players who can help the team win games and championships.
Community Involvement: Chargers fans also appreciate running backs who are involved in the community. They want to see players who are good role models and who give back to the San Diego community.
Longevity: Chargers fans also tend to favor running backs who have been with the team for a long time. They want to see players who are committed to the team and who are a part of the Chargers family.

These are just a few of the reasons why Chargers fans love their running backs. Running backs have played a major role in the team's success over the years, and they continue to be a fan favorite.

7. Legends

Legends are a key part of Chargers RB history. Chargers legends are players who have made a significant impact on the team's success and have left a lasting legacy. They are players who have helped the Chargers win games, championships, and the hearts of fans.

There are many Chargers running backs who could be considered legends. LaDainian Tomlinson, Natrone Means, Paul Lowe, and John Riggins are all Hall of Famers. They are all players who have had a major impact on the Chargers' success. They have helped the Chargers win games, championships, and the hearts of fans.

But there are other Chargers running backs who could also be considered legends. Players like Mike Garrett, Keith Lincoln, and Ronnie Harmon may not have the same accolades as Tomlinson, Means, Lowe, and Riggins, but they are still players who have made a significant impact on the Chargers' success. They are players who have helped the Chargers win games, championships, and the hearts of fans.

Chargers legends are players who have made a significant impact on the team's success and have left a lasting legacy. They are players who have helped the Chargers win games, championships, and the hearts of fans. They are players who will always be remembered by Chargers fans.

FAQs on Chargers RB History

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the history of running backs for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Question 1: Who are some of the most famous Chargers running backs?

Answer: Some of the most famous Chargers running backs include LaDainian Tomlinson, Natrone Means, and Paul Lowe.

Question 2: What are some of the most significant accomplishments of Chargers running backs?

Answer: Chargers running backs have achieved many significant accomplishments, including winning the NFL MVP award, rushing for over 1,000 yards in a season, and scoring over 100 touchdowns.

Question 3: How have Chargers running backs contributed to the team's success?

Answer: Chargers running backs have played a key role in the team's success by helping them win games, championships, and the hearts of fans.

Question 4: Who are some of the most popular Chargers running backs among fans?

Answer: Some of the most popular Chargers running backs among fans include LaDainian Tomlinson, Natrone Means, and Mike Garrett.

Question 5: What are some of the challenges that Chargers running backs have faced?

Answer: Chargers running backs have faced many challenges, including injuries, competition from other players, and the high expectations of fans.

These are just a few of the many questions that people have about Chargers RB history. By providing answers to these questions, we can help people learn more about this important topic.

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Chargers RB History

The Chargers have a long and storied history at the running back position. From Hall of Famers to Pro Bowlers, the Chargers have had some of the best running backs in the NFL. These players have helped the Chargers win games, championships, and the hearts of fans.

The Chargers' commitment to excellence at the running back position is evident in the team's long history of success. The Chargers have had 15 running backs selected to the Pro Bowl, which is the third-most in the NFL. They have also had two running backs win the NFL MVP award, which is tied for the most in the NFL. And they have had four running backs inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is tied for the fourth-most in the NFL.

The Chargers' running backs have played a key role in the team's success over the years. They have helped the Chargers win division championships, conference championships, and the Super Bowl. They have also helped the Chargers set numerous records, including the NFL record for most touchdowns scored in a single season.The Chargers' running backs are a source of pride for the team and its fans. They are a testament to the Chargers' commitment to excellence on and off the field.