Current L.A. Chargers Players That Should Be In The Hall of Fame
The Los Angeles Chargers roster is full of transcendent talent that demands recognition. Currently, there are at least eight players that can be possibly mentioned as a potential Hall of Famer. These players, due to their sheer football prowess, have rejuvenated the Chargers fan base. Unfortunately, when it comes to the Hall of Fame, mentioning just any player just won’t cut it. When it comes to the induction of a current Chargers player into the Hall of Fame, three players stood out primarily because of their sustainability and ongoing success on the field.
The Hall of Fame Locks
There are three current players on The Bolts roster that should be in the Hall of Fame. Each one of these players has undoubtedly proven they belong amongst the NFL greats. The three players are quarterback Philip Rivers, tight end Antonio Gates, and center Mike Pouncey. Philip Rivers is arguably one of the most reliable and talented quarterbacks the NFL has seen in years. Rivers historic 15-year career includes 13 years as a start, meanwhile never missing a game. His durability has helped him amass over 54,000 yards throwing, with a completion average of 64.5 %. This includes 374 touchdowns to 178 interceptions. Rivers is a sure lock for the Chargers Hall of Fame and the NFL Hall of Fame. No one can deny what his level of play and professionalism has done for this franchise.
Antonio Gates has been a fan favorite with the Chargers since his rookie year in 2006. There is a lot of correlation between Gates and Rivers. As a duo, they are third in NFL history with the most touchdown connections (87) Gates is also the NFL all-time leader in touchdowns as a tight end with 114. Ultimately, his stats as a tight end has him ranked 6th all-time. Gates is probably the only player on this list that is a lock for 1st ballot Hall of Fame selection. The Chargers drafted a former basketball player and converted him to arguably one of the greatest tight ends of all-time. His impact on the game can be seen in the tight end classes that followed.
The New Arrival
One of the best additions to the Los Angeles Chargers roster was the pickup of center Mike Pouncey. Pouncey wasn’t originally drafted by the Chargers. He is a former Miami Dolphins player that endured a tough string of injuries. In his seven years with the Dolphins, Pouncey was a dominant center/right guard that played with a fire that was contagious. Between 2013-2015, he was selected to three straight pro bowls. As a Charger, Pouncey continues to excel on the offensive line. In his first year with the Chargers, he was selected to his fourth pro bowl. Pouncey revitalized his career with the Chargers and they should work to keep him if they want to extend Rivers’ title window. He is regarded as one of the best centers in the league and is a key cog in the Chargers’ offense.
The Hall of Fame Conversation
To take a talented roster like the Chargers and narrow it down to only three guaranteed Hall of Famers meant leaving out some talented players. To omit Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Derwin James, and Melvin Gordon III was unfortunate. A few of these players need more body of work, plus a lot more stats to enhance their chances of getting into the Hall of Fame. The argument for who is a lock for the Hall of Fame as a current Los Angeles Charger had to include Rivers, Gates, and Pouncey for sure. Each one of these players has earned that right to be in the Hall of Fame conversation and it won’t be long before all are wearing that gold jacket.