San Diego Chargers Information
In 1959, the Chargers organization formed and developed into one of the true glamour teams of any decade when Sid Gillman was appointed the position of head coach. Stars included wide receiver Lance Alworth, running backs Keith Lincoln and Paul Lowe, and quarterback John Hadl. These players not only made the Chargers a winning team, they also promoted an image of respect from the entire AFL that at the time was fighting a life-and-death struggle with the established and well-financed NFL.
Since joining the NFL in the 1970 merger, the Chargers have made nine trips to the playoffs and four appearances in the AFC Championship game. Their only Super Bowl appearance was at the end of the 1994-1995 season when they faced the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX. They lost by a score of 49-26 and Steve Young set a Super Bowl record for touchdowns thrown in a game with six.
In recent years, the Chargers have been considered one of the stronger teams in the AFC behind All-Pro RB LaDainian Tomlinson, known by many as LT. In 2006, Tomlinson set the single season record for touchdowns with 31 and for rushing touchdowns with 28. After a successful 13-3 regular season campaign in 2009, the Chargers were upset by the New York Jets in the AFC Championship. San Diego then cut ties with their long time running back, who was picked up by New York shortly after.
The 2010 season was above average for the Chargers where they finished second with a 9-7 record, though they missed out on the playoffs. 2011 ended in a three way divisional tie between the Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders, who all had 8-8 records. The Chargers lost and missed out in the playoffs, but will look forward to the 2012 season and try to make a comeback.
