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18. Kris Dielman

In 2003, Kris Dielman found a home in San Diego, making the practice squad undrafted out of Indiana.  With six games left in the season, Dielman was called up in a reserve role, and while he was still a backup the following season, he was on the regular roster. 

15. Doug Wilkerson

After playing his rookie season with the Houston Oilers, Doug Wilkerson was traded to the San Diego Chargers for Tight End, Willie Frazier.  Frazier had been a two-time AFL All-Star for the Chargers, but his best days were behind him.  Wilkerson went on to play 14 years for San Diego.

10. Charlie Joiner

Charlie Joiner made his pro football debut in 1969 with the Houston Oilers, and he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in 1972, where he stayed until he was dealt to San Diego after the 1975 season.  Joiner was 28 at the time of the trade, and the Wide Receiver had accumulated 2,943 Yards.  That wasn't bad, but it would pale to what was to become.

6. Kellen Winslow

The San Diego Chargers used their First Round Pick in 1979 to obtain Kellen Winslow, a Tight End from Missouri.  Injuries held him to seven Games that year, but over the next four years, he was easily the best Tight End in the National Football League.

11. John Hadl

After signing with the San Diego Chargers in 1962 (instead of the Detroit Lions of the NFL), John Hadl shared Quarterback duties with Tobin Rote, where he backed him up as the Chargers won the 1963 AFL Championship.

7. Ron Mix

Ron Mix had a spectacular career at USC, and to nobody's surprise, he was a First Round Pick in the NFL.  The problem was that it was the Baltimore Colts on the East Coast who chose him, and the native of Los Angeles wanted to stay close to home.  In the AFL, the Boston Patriots took him in the first-ever draft of that league, but a trade to the Chargers allowed him to stay close to home.

4. Dan Fouts

Dan Fouts played his entire pro career with the San Diego Chargers, and he was his arm that the passing mantra of Don “Air” Coryell was built on.

17. Gary Johnson

Gary "Big Hands" Johnson had one of the best nicknames in football, don't you think?   He was not just a colorful moniker as Johnson was also an excellent Defensive Tackle.

13. Leslie O'Neal

Leslie O'Neal had a phenomenal (or tragic) rookie season for the San Diego Chargers, who took the Oklahoma State Cowboy with their First Round Pick.  Not only was O'Neal an All-Rookie, but he was also named the Defensive Rookie of the Year.  However, it was equally tragic as he injured his knee, which ended not only that year, but the following season and half of the next one.

26. Fred Dean

Fred Dean was one of the best defensive players in Louisiana Tech history, and his work landed him a Second Round Pick with the San Diego Chargers in 1975.

1. Junior Seau

Junior Seau was a sensation in Southern California, but that happened before playing a down of pro football.  Seau was from Riverside, California, and he played his college ball at USC, so when he was drafted Fifth Overall by the San Diego Chargers, he was already beloved and right at home.

12. Keenan Allen

Keenan Allen has played his first ten years in the National Football League for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, where for most of it he was their prime receiving weapon.

#46 Overall, Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers, #7 Wide Receiver

2024 Pre-Season Rank #41, 2023 Pre-Season Rank #45, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #48, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #66, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #82.  Peak Period: 2017-21

After 11 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Keenan Allen signed with the Chicago Bears for a year before signing back with the Bolts this year.

In his first run in Los Angeles, he compiled over 10,000 Yards and six Pro Bowls, but it is safe to say he won’t do that in his return to SoFi.  Allen has to take on the role of compiler, and with the logjam at Wide Receiver, it will take a lot, especially for a player who has never been an All-Pro.   That being said, an honor from the Chargers seems likely for the popular Wide Receiver eventually.

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