Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists and consistently look to update them when necessary and based on necessity. As such, we are delighted to present our post-2023 revision of our top 50 Los Angeles Chargers.

As for all of our top 50 players in football, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Chargers did not accomplish much, and there were no new entrants to the Top 50.  There was one elevation.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes:

1. Junior Seau
2. LaDainian Tomlinson
3. Lance Alworth
4. Dan Fouts
5. Philip Rivers

You can find the entire list here.

Wide Receiver Keenan Allen climbed to #12 from #14.  He is now with the Chicago Bears.

Defensive End Joey Bosa, who has been battling injuries, only moved up spot to #38.

Running Back, Austin Ekeler, who is now with Washington, remained at #40.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity. As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022 revision of our top 50 Los Angeles Chargers.

As for all of our top 50 players in football we look at the following:

1. Advanced Statistics.

2. Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3. Playoff accomplishments.

4. Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Chargers returned to the playoffs, but were bounced in the first game. This past season saw one new entrant and one elevation.

As always, we present our top five, which did not change.

1. Junior Seau

2. LaDainian Tomlinson

3. Lance Alworth

4. Dan Fouts

5. Philip Rivers

You can find the entire list here.

Wide Receiver, Keenan Allen, climbed from #20 to #13.

Running Back, Austin Ekeler, makes his first appearance at #40.

It is noteworthy that Joey Bosa held the same spot (#39), and that Quarterback, Justin Herbert, just missed out. He should have a huge debut next year.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

The career of Philip Rivers will be a furious debate for Hall of Fame voters when the quarterback becomes eligible in the 2025 class. Rivers never won a Super Bowl or even played in one, but he was one of the finest quarterbacks of his generation.

Over a 17-year career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts, Rivers threw for 63,440 passing yards along with 421 touchdowns to 209 interceptions. He holds two NFL records with the most consecutive completions in a game with 25, and the most games in a row with a passer rating over 120.

Rivers is a Chargers’ legend and arguably their greatest player alongside LaDainian Tomlinson. No player appeared in more games or won more games for the franchise than Rivers. He also enjoyed one stellar season for the Colts, guiding them back to the post-season. Rivers left both the Chargers and Colts in strong positions in the AFC Conference with quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Carson Wentz respectively.

The Chargers are backed in the NFL odds from Betfair at 9/1 to win the AFC Conference in the 2021 season and appear in their first Super Bowl in 27 seasons. Los Angeles have an early advantage over their rivals in the AFC West division and are poised to return to the post-season for the first time in three years, therefore, tracking their progress in the NFL betting tips may be worthwhile this term. 

For all Rivers’ achievements, his inability to drag the franchise into the title game will be a stain on his legacy. It is why he may miss out on the Hall of Fame. Rivers could be established alongside other quality passers of his generation such as Tony Romo in the hall of very good rather than the elite category. The Chargers should have reached the Super Bowl in the 2006 campaign, boasting the best record in the AFC and an abundance of talent at their disposal.

However, he and his high-powered offense choked under the pressure, suffering a one-and-done defeat to the New England Patriots. The same Patriots haunted the Chargers in the following season. Rivers’ legacy was enhanced by his performance as he played on a torn ACL and battled 60 minutes against the unbeaten New England outfit, losing 21-12 even without Tomlinson who left the contest in the first quarter.

After those near misses, head coach Marty Schottenheimer was fired and the Chargers failed to mount another significant run during Rivers’ tenure. He remained on point during the regular season and formed excellent rapports with Vincent Jackson, Keenan Allen and most importantly of all Antonio Gates. However, when it came to the clutch, Rivers was unable to rise to the occasion and drag his team through in the playoffs.

Unfortunately for him and the Chargers, they played in the era of Brady, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, who had a monopoly on Super Bowl appearances for their respective franchises in the AFC Conference. Those players rightfully are and will belong in the Hall of Fame.

Had the breaks gone another way or had he excelled in the fourth quarter Rivers may have had the credentials to push a claim through to Canton in the mould of Eli Manning. However, those post-season performances will count against his bid. Therefore, it would be very surprising to see him donning the gold jacket come 2025.

As always, it is onward and upwards for us at Notinhalloffame.com.

As Pro Football players often delay their retirement, hoping to latch on to another team, it leads to staggering additions to our Notinhalloffame.com Football Futures List.

As such, we have new add-ons in the 2025 Section, and are pleased to unveil our 2026 Section.

Here are the add-ons of former players eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025:

Antoine Bethea:  Bethea was a Super Bowl champion as a rookie with the Indianapolis Colts, and the Cornerback went on to be a three-time Pro Bowler.

Brynden Trawick:  Trawick was a Pro Bowler in 2017 when he was with Tennessee.

Cameron Wake:  Wake went to five Pro Bowls after a late start considering he had to begin his pro career in Canada.  The Linebacker had 100.5 career Sacks.

C.J. Anderson:  Anderson was a Pro Bowl Running Back who helped Denver win Super Bowl 50.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie:  Rodgers-Cromarte was a 12-year vet at Cornerback who was twice a Pro Bowl, once with Arizona (2009) and once with the Giants (2015).

Donald Penn:  Penn was a three-time Pro Bowl at Offensive Tackle.

Matt Bryant:  Bryant was a Kicker best known for his time in Atlanta.  He was a Pro Bowler in 2016.

Mike Pouncey:  Pouncey played most of his career at Center, going to three Pro Bowls as a Dolphin and one as a Charger.

Patrick Chung:  Chung played his entire pro career with the Patriots where he the Safety won three Super Bowls.

Patrick DiMarco:  DiMarco was an undrafted Fullback who went to the 2015 Pro Bowl as a Falcon.

The entire 2025 list of eligible candidates can be found here.

The 2026 list of eligible candidates that have been profiled are:

Alex Smith:  Smith had over 35,000 Passing Yards and was a three-time Pro Bowler.  He played for San Francisco, Kansas City and Washington.

Anthony Costanzo:  Costanzo played ten seasons in the NFL, where the Offensive Lineman played exclusively with the Colts.

Anthony Sherman:  Sherman was an excellent blocking Fullback who was a member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV winning team.  He went to the Pro Bowl in 2018.

Drew Brees:  Brees is currently the all-time leader in Passing Yards (80,358) and is second in Touchdown Passes (571).  The former Offensive Player of the Year led the Saints to a win at Super Bowl XLIV.

Greg Olson:  Olson was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection who was best known for his tenure in Carolina.  The Tight End accumulated 8,683 Yards and 60 Touchdowns.

Jason Witten:  Witten played most of his career with Dallas, and is one of the most successful Tight Ends ever.  The 11-time Pro Bowler had 13,046 Yards and 74 Touchdowns.

Jordan Reed:  Reed was a Pro Bowl in 2016 who played for San Francisco and Washington.

Julian Edelman:  Edelman played his entire pro career for New England and the Wide Receiver helped them win three Super Bowls.  He is second all-time in playoff Receiving Yards.

Matt Schaub:  Schaub was a Pro Bowl Quarterback in 2009, but was a backup more years than not.

Maurkice Pouncey:  Pouncey played at Center his entire pro career with the Steelers, where he was a nine-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.

Mike Iupati:  Iupati went to four straight Pro Bowls (2012-15), and was a First Team All-Pro in 2012.  The Offensive Linemen played for San Francisco, Arizona and Seattle.

Philip Rivers:  Rivers played all but his final year with the Chargers, and he was an eight-time Pro Bowler who threw for 63,440 Yards and 421 Touchdowns.

Sean Lee:  Lee played his entire career with the Cowboys, and the Linebacker went to two Pro Bowls (2015 & 2016).

Thomas Davis:  Davis played his best years in Carolina, and was a three-time Pro Bowler at Linebacker.

We will continue to add players as they retire.

You know what we want you to do!

Cast your vote, and give us your comments.

As always, we thank you for your support.

Philip Rivers did an incredible job at NC State, winning the ACC Offensive Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year in 2003, while also winning three bowl MVPs.  His success with the Wolfpack, earned him the fourth overall spot in the 2004 draft, and he arrived in San Diego as part of a draft day trade for Eli Manning, the top pick who made it known he would not play for the Chargers.

Spending his first two seasons as Drew Brees’ backup, Rivers took over in 2006 and would routinely finish each season at or near the top of the major passing categories.  An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Rivers led the NFL in Passing Yards in 2010 (4,710) and had 12 other seasons where he cracked the 4,000 Yard mark.  Rivers also led the NFL in Touchdown Passes in 2008 (34) and he never had a year where he had less than 21 TDs as a starter.

Rivers never made it to the Super Bowl, but in 2007 he took the Chargers to the AFC Championship Game, a loss to New England.  San Diego may have lost the game, but Rivers was commended for his performance as he competed with a torn ACL. 

The Chargers were looking to move on, and Rivers played one more season in 2020 with the Indianapolis Colts, still performing at an elite level and guiding the Colts to the playoffs.

Rivers finished his career fifth all-time in Passing Yards (63,440) and Touchdown Passes (421).

The first major football retirement in the NFL is here as Quarterback, Philip Rivers, has announced he is calling it a career after 17 seasons.

A star at NC State, Rivers won the ACC Offensive Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year in 2003, while also winning three bowl MVPs.  His success with the Wolfpack, earned him the fourth overall spot in the 2004 draft, and he arrived in San Diego as part of a draft day trade for Eli Manning, the top pick who made it known he would not play for the Chargers.

Spending his first two seasons as Drew Brees’ backup, Rivers took over in 2006 and would routinely finish each season at or near the top of the major passing categories.  An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Rivers led the NFL in Passing Yards in 2010 (4,710) and had 12 other seasons where he cracked the 4,000 Yard mark.  Rivers also led the NFL in Touchdown Passes in 2008 (34) and he never had a year where he had less than 21 TDs as a starter.

Rivers never made it to the Super Bowl, but in 2007 he took the Chargers to the AFC Championship Game, a loss to New England.  San Diego may have lost the game, but Rivers was commended for his performance as he competed with a torn ACL. 

The Chargers were looking to move on, and Rivers played one more season in 2020 with the Indianapolis Colts, still performing at an elite level and guiding the Colts to the playoffs.

Rivers finished his career fifth all-time in Passing Yards (63,440) and Touchdown Passes (421).

Rivers will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com wish Philip Rivers the best in his post-playing career. 

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  We have a new one to unveil today, that of the Los Angeles Chargers. 

The Los Angeles Chargers came into existence in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League.

The stay in Los Angeles was brief, as they moved south to San Diego the season after, but this was one of the most successful teams in the AFL.  They would make the playoff five times in the upstart league, winning the AFL Title in 1963.  

The Chargers would be part of the AFL-NFL merger, and while they have had their share of excellent players, they have only made the Super Bowl once, a losing effort in 1994.  In 2016, the Chargers moved back to Los Angeles.

As for all of our top 50 players in football we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2. Traditional statistics and how they finished in the NFL.

3. Playoff accomplishments.

4. Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Remember, this is ONLY based on what a player does on that particular team and not what he accomplished elsewhere and also note that we have placed an increased importance on the first two categories.

This list is updated up until the end of the 2019 Season.

The complete list can be found here, but as always, we announce our top five in this article.  They are:

1. Junior Seau

2. LaDainian Tomlinson

3. Lance Alworth

4. Dan Fouts

5. Philip Rivers

We will continue our adjustments on our existing lists and will continue developing our new lists.  

Look for our more material coming soon!

Up next, will be the top 50 Cincinnati Bengals.

As always we thank you for your support.

Philip Rivers was not the Quarterback that the San Diego Chargers wanted at first.  They had the first overall pick in 2004, and it was Eli Manning they hoped to select; however, Peyton's little brother openly stated that he would not sign with the Bolts.  It all worked out, as they arranged a deal with the New York Giants, who made a draft-day trade for their first rounder, which was fourth overall, and Rivers went from North Carolina State to Southern California.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Our focus now shifts towards the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award in the NFL.  Relatively speaking, this is a new award, so there won’t be too many players to dissect here.  How many of these winners made the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the AP Comeback Player of the Year in the NFL who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

None.

The following are the players who have won the AP Comeback Player of the Year in the NFL who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Doug Flutie, Buffalo Bills, Quarterback (1998)

The first winner of this award did not come back from injury.  He came back from Canada.  Doug Flutie was the hero whose Hail Mary won the Orange Bowl for Boston College against Miami.  The Quarterback was considered too short for the NFL and he would play in the USFL and Canada, though he would have stints in the NFL with Chicago and New England, though his run with the Patriots ended in 1989.  A decade later, he was signed by the Buffalo Bills and at age 36, he would play in 13 Games and throw for 2,711 Yards, 20 Touchdowns and go to the Pro Bowl.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Bryant Young, San Francisco 49ers, Defensive Tackle (1999)

Bryant Young suffered a severe broken leg late in 1998 and a metal rod had to be placed to assist his healing.  Young would return in 1999 with an 11.0 Sack season and a selection to the Pro Bowl.  He would play until 2007 and would record 89.5 Sacks in total.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Johnson, New Orleans Saints, Defensive End(2000)

Joe Johnson was a Pro Bowler for the Saints in 1998, but a knee injury kept him out of the entire 1999 Season.  The Defensive End would come back in 2000 with his second (and final) Pro Bowl Selection and he would have a career-high 12.0 Sacks this year.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Garrison Hearst, San Francisco 49ers, Running Back (2001)

Garrison Hearst rushed for over 1,500 Yards in 1998, but he had to sit out two years due to Avascular Necrosis.  Many thought Hearst was done for good, but he returned in 2001 to the Niners and would rush for 1,206 Yards and go to his second (and final) Pro Bowl.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Tommy Maddox, Pittsburgh Steelers, Quarterback(2002)

Tommy Maddox played in the NFL from 1992 to 1995 with three different teams but the backup saw limited action and actually left football.  He came back in the Arena League in 2000, and then would be the MVP in the lone season of the XFL.  That was enough to make him desirable to the NFL again and he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as their backup.  He would become their starter in 2002 and threw for 2,836 Yards and 20 TDs.  He would play until 2005.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Jon Kitna, Cincinnati Bengals, Quarterback (2003)

Jon Kitna was not coming back from injury or another league, but rather had one of the best years of his career.  He would throw for 3,591 Yards and a career-high 26 Touchdowns.  He played until 2011 and would overall throw for 29,745 Yards.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots, Linebacker(2005)

In 2004, Tedy Bruschi went to his first (and only) Pro Bowl.  Shortly after the Pro Bowl Game, Bruschi suffered a minor stroke and partial paralysis. He announced that he would miss the 2005 season, but that wouldn’t be the case.  The Linebacker returned in October and played nine Games for the Patriots that year.  He would co-win this award Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Chad Pennington, New York Jets, Quarterback (2006)

In 2005, Chad Pennington suffered multiple injuries and was only able to play in three Games.  2006 was a much different season as he started all 16 Games for the Jets and would throw for 3,352 Yards and 17 Touchdowns.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Greg Ellis, Dallas Cowboys, Linebacker (2007)

A ruptured Achilles ended Ellis’ 2006 Season after nine games, and he would return in 2007 with his best year ever. Ellis would go to the Pro Bowl for the only time and he had a career-high 12.5 Sacks.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins, Quarterback (2) (2008)

After winning this award in 2006, Pennington had a bad 2007 beset with injuries and poor play.  He was released by the Jets (who had signed Brett Favre) and Pennington would join the Miami Dolphins as a Free Agent.  He would take Miami to the Playoffs and would throw for a career-high of 3,653 Passing Yards.  Sure enough, he would suffer shoulder problems and would only play four more games in his career.  To date, Pennington is the only repeat winner of this award.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Let’s update our tally, shall we?

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award in the National Football League who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers, Wide Receiver (2005)

In the first game of the 2004 Season, Smith would break his leg and would be out for the season.  He would return in 2005 and put forth the best season of his career with an NFL leading 103 Receptions, 1,563 Receiving Yards, and 12 Receiving Touchdowns.  He would be named a First Team All-Pro this year.  Smith was the co-winner of this award with Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots.  Smith is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles, Quarterback (2010)

Due to his involvement in a dog fighting ring, Michael Vick was suspended for the 2007 and 2008 seasons, most of which was spent while incarcerated.  The Quarterback would return in 2009 to the Philadelphia Eagles as Donovan McNabb’s backup and in 2010 he began the year backing up Kevin Kolb.  Vick won the starting job after Kolb was knocked out with a concussion and he would go on to have an excellent season.  He would throw for 3,018 Yards with 21 Touchdowns and would rush for another 676 Yards and 9 Touchdowns.  He would go to his fourth Pro Bowl and was also named the Bert Bell Award winner.  Vick is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos, Quarterback (2012)

Who else could it be?  Peyton Manning missed the entire 2011 campaign due to neck surgery and the Colts gad drafted Andrew Luck to replace him.  Manning would sign with the Denver Broncos and picked up right where he left off.  Named a First Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler, Manning threw for 4,659 Yards and 37 Touchdowns.  He is the first player to be named a First Team All-Pro while winning the AP Comeback Player of the Year.  Manning is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Rob Gronkowski, Denver Broncos, Tight End (2014)

Ron Gronkowski was the first Tight End to win he AP Comeback Player of the Year Award and the New England Patriot recovered incredibly from a torn ACL and MCL from December of the year previous.  “Gronk” would be named a First Team All-Pro, win the Super Bowl and would secure 82 catches for 1,124 Yards and 12 Touchdowns. Gronkowski is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers, Wide Receiver(2016)

Jordy Nelson was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2014 but would have to sit out 2015 due to a torn ACL.  Nelson returned in 2016 to record 1,257 Receiving Yards and an NFL leading 14 Touchdown Receptions.  Nelson is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts, Quarterback (2018)

Andrew Luck had to sit out the entire 2017 season due to issues with his throwing shoulder and he returned in 2018 to secure his fourth Pro Bowl.  He would throw for 4,593 Yards and 39 Touchdowns  Luck would shockingly retire during the 2019 training camp.  Nelson is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

The following are the players who have won the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award who are still active.

Drew Brees, San Diego Chargers, Quarterback (2004)

It is hard to believe now, but Drew Brees was struggling to keep his starting Quarterback job in 2003 when he was with the San Diego Chargers.  This was his rebound year as he was holding off the 1^stRound Pick, Philip Rivers from taking his job.  In 2003, Brees would throw for 3,159 Yards and 27 Touchdowns.  He would be named to his first Pro Bowl.  40 Years Old, Playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Quarterback (2009)

Tom Brady only played in one game in 2008 due to a torn ACL and MCL.  He returned to the exact form you would expect throwing for 4,398 Yards and 28 Touchdowns and going to his fifth Pro Bowl.  42 Years Old, Playing for the New England Patriots.

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions, Quarterback (2011)

An injured shoulder limited Matthew Stafford to only three games in 2010, but he returned in 2011 and threw for 5,038 Yards and 41 Touchdowns, both of which are career-highs as of this writing.  31 Years Old, Playing for the Detroit Lions.

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers, Quarterback (2013)

Philip Rivers performed well in 2012 but the perception was not that it was not good enough.  In 2013, he did better than the year before with an NFL leading 69.5 Completion Percentage.  He would also throw for 4,478 Yards and 32 Touchdowns.  38 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs, Strong Safety (2015)

Eric Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014 after having been named to the Pro Bowl three times.  Berry returned as a First Team All-Pro and recorded 77 Tackles for the Chiefs in 2015.  31 Years Old, Currently a Free Agent.

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers, Wide Receiver (2017)

In the 2016 season opener, Keenan Allen suffered a torn ACL and would miss the rest of the year.  The Wide Receiver would return to have what is his best year to date. Allen would made his first Pro Bowl and post a career-high 1,393 Receiving Yards.  27 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Chargers.

For the first time we have an award that has generated NO Hall of Famers, but this won’t always be the case with Manning, Brees and Brady as Hall of Fame locks.

We are going to back to the NHL and look at the Bill Masterton Award.

As always, we thank you for that support and look for that soon!