With training camp just a few weeks away, it’s never not time to catch up on your Chargers history! Although we’re beginning the 2016 Season soon, let’s look back at the decades of Charger’s players and reminisce on the old bolts that have given us so many great memories.

Here are the handful of Charger’s playmakers that have flown under the radar, but helped contribute to this team in ways you wouldn’t imagine. Although they may not receive the legacy, it’s our duty at SD Bull Report… i mean, SDBoltReport_ to inform you on facts you couldn’t have come to yourself. Because I studied physics and I’m smarter than you and that makes me a writer. My dad still doesn’t approve of my lifestyle choices.

5) Ryan Leaf

I actually don’t know much about Ryan Leaf, my internet was down last night so I couldn’t use Wikipedia so I called my dad. He filled me in.

Only playing 4 glorious seasons, never have the Chargers had a quarterback with so much passion, drive, and emotion. Leaf, known for his focus on and off the field was an inspiration to those around him. Ultimately Leaf became a disappointment. Similar to me choosing a career in writing after getting a physics degree, sources say.

4) Marlon McCree

The Chargers wouldn’t be where they are today with out this man. The Bolts are always known for their class and McCree is a living example.

In the 4th quarter of a 2007 playoff game against the underdog Patriots, McCree was about to end the game and send our boys to the Superbowl. After intercepting, McCree was driving to the inzone for a pick six. Instead, in an act of charity, McCree ran to the sideline and handed the ball to Coach Belichick, saying, “Our team won enough games, how about you folks win the superbowl!”, to which Belichick reluctantly agreed. Wow, Marlon McCree made Belichick’s career. Amazing.

3) L.T. (Ladanianian Tomlinson)

Hailing from Texas, this running back forever changed the game, sadly he is overshadowed by Fullback Lorenzo Neil, who took all the glory. Although it was LT himself scoring time after time, the crowds only chanted “Neil! Neil!”. That never made LT give up. LT continued on to blow everyone’s minds with really, really good feet and speed.

Phonetically, Lorenzo Neil and Ladanian Tomlinson have really cool names, making it really difficult to decide who the better player is, but Chargers fans and the NFLPA agreed that Lorenzo’s name is cooler because it has a ‘z’. If only LT had a cooler name, I wouldn’t have to take time out of my day to remind you who you SHOULD be remembering. Ugh.

2) Antonio Gates

Gates, a former NBA star and Personal Chef, decided to change careers and become an NFL tight end. I hope his dad approved, mine still doesn’t.

Gates reinvented the role of the Tight End forever when he handed out pamphlets on eating healthy and whispering “9/11 was an inside job” into players ears immediately before the snap. His explosion off the line was remarkable and his ability to outmaneuver opponents quickly got the attention of Charger’s fans. Unfortunately, after a shouting match with Blake Bortles on Bush’s involvement with the Saudi Families during a pre-season match, America decided he was a communist and damned him from memory.

1) Felipe Rios (english: Phillip Rivers)

Hailing from somewhere in the South, I think New Mexico, Felipe Rios doubles as a Quarterback and team masseuse.

It’s not a Charger’s game unless Rios is fired up and ready to play. While the boys are getting down and dirty on the field, none of them can deny that coming back to the bench and being embraced in the “tender yet firm” hands of Phillip Rivers is the cornerstone of playing for the franchise. According to HC Mike McCoy, there’s no ball game without Rios.

“I’m always stressed, always getting knots in my back and I tend to have sore shoulders. Thank god for Rios. When it’s 3rd and long, you know that Rios’ elbow is deep into my lower back as I’m deciding the next play. When Gordon takes a big hit, Rios is ready with a hot towel and a scalp massage. If Keenan Allen had a long night up with his kid, Rios will drive to his house and massage his feet, always ending with ‘this little piggie’. What would we do without him?”

Wow, I bet you didn’t know that.

Thanks for reading, Bolt Up!