Established
1960
City
Los Angeles - San Diego - Los Angeles
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1960 - 1970 / American Football League
Team History
2017 - Present / Los Angeles Chargers
1961 - 2016 / San Diego Chargers
1960 / Los Angeles Chargers
Nickname
Chargers - The Los Angeles Chargers are a professional American National Football League (NFL) football team. The franchise was founded in 1959 and is based in Costa Mesa, California. As one of the oldest teams in the league, they have had many memorable moments throughout their history. One thing that has remained constant since its inception is its nickname: “Chargers.” But how did this name come to be?
Los Angeles Chargers history started when Barron Hilton, who owned an AFL team and a hotel chain, merged his two businesses by naming his new AFL franchise after his hotel brand – The Charger Hotel Chain. It didn't take long for people to start calling them "the Chargers" because it was an accessible name to remember! Nowadays, you'll see fans proudly wearing jerseys with lightning bolts on them or cheering loudly as they chant "Charge!" during games - all evidence of how deeply rooted this unique moniker has become within sports culture over time.
Los Angeles Chargers Origin
As if having such a cool nickname wasn't enough already, there's even more meaning behind Los Angeles Chargers history than meets the eye! According to some historians and experts alike, the term ‘charger’ actually originates from medieval times when knights would ride into battle atop large horses called chargers, which were known for being bravely courageous animals used for combat purposes only - so much so that 'charging' became synonymous with strength & courage itself! This makes perfect sense considering how strong & determined NFL players must be while competing on Sundays every week during football season!
Overall, The Los Angeles Chargers possesses one of the most recognizable nicknames in all professional sports, but it also carries along with it centuries' worth of rich history steeped deep within its roots, making it truly special indeed!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
AFL Championships 0
1963
Stadium
2020 - Present / SoFi Stadium
2018 - 2019 / Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park (during construction)
2019 / Dignity Health Sports Park
2017 - 2018 / StubHub Center
*San Diego*
1998 - 2016 / Qualcomm Stadium
1981 - 1997 / Jack Murphy Stadium
1967 - 1980 / San Diego Stadium
1961 - 1966 / Balboa Stadium
*Los Angeles*
1960 / Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Owner
1994 - Present / Dean Spanos
1984 - 1993 / Alex Spanos
1966 - 1984 / Gene Klein and Sam Schulman
1960 - 1966 / Barron Hilton
- 1960
- 2017
-
Los Angeles Chargers Team Formation
The San Diego Chargers were established with seven other American Football League teams in 1959. In 1960, the Chargers began AFL play in Los Angeles. The Chargers’ original owner was hotel heir Barron Hilton, son of Hilton Hotels founder Conrad Hilton. According to the official site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Barron Hilton agreed after his general manager, ... -
No Stadium – Move back to Los Angeles
Spanos announced the relocation in a letter to Chargers fans posted to the team’s official site on January 12, 2017. Revealing a new marketing logo with the announcement, the team will play as the Los Angeles Chargers starting in the 2017 season at StubHub Center in Carson, California, despite the fact that the stadium seats well below the 50,000 minimum ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Los Angeles Chargers History
The Los Angeles Chargers history stretches back to 1960, when the team began as part of the AFL before joining the NFL. Originally founded in San Diego by Barron Hilton, the franchise was created to bring professional football back to Southern California. They played their first season at Balboa Stadium and later spent more than four decades at Qualcomm Stadium before relocating to Los Angeles in 2017.
The Los Angeles Chargers NFL journey has been marked by memorable players and passionate fans. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, the team has remained competitive and exciting. Legends like Dan Fouts, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates defined eras of success, while Hall of Famers Lance Alworth and Junior Seau made their mark on defense and special teams. Over nearly 60 years, the Chargers have built a strong identity in professional football.
After moving to Los Angeles, the franchise played at StubHub Center, now Dignity Health Sports Park, before shifting to SoFi Stadium. With Anthony Lynn as head coach and key talents like Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen, and Melvin Gordon, the team quickly became competitive again. The Los Angeles Chargers history also highlights the arrival of Justin Herbert, who gave fans new hope with his remarkable performances.
Los Angeles Chargers Achievements
One of the highlights came in the 2019 playoffs, when the Chargers secured a Wild Card victory over the Baltimore Ravens. That game showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Although the 2020 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles Chargers NFL franchise pushed forward into a new chapter with strong expectations for the future.
The Los Angeles Chargers history includes two AFL championships and multiple AFC Championship appearances. Their players have earned MVP awards, Rookie of the Year honors, and Pro Bowl selections. Icons like LaDainian Tomlinson and Junior Seau left lasting legacies, and Justin Herbert represents the next generation of Chargers greatness. Even without a Super Bowl title, the team’s achievements show their impact on the NFL.
Sports Fan Products
Remembering Antonio Gates: An NFL Player's Dreams!
Join us on a nostalgic journey as we remember the remarkable story of Antonio Gates, an NFL player whose dreams came to life. In this heartwarming tribute made with Clipchamp, we celebrate his journey, triumphs, and the indelible mark he left on the game. From humble beginnings to gridiron glory, Antonio Gates' story is one of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. Get ready to be inspired!
LA Chargers FANS Want to Know Their Mount Rushmore!
Join us as we dive into the passionate world of LA Chargers fans and explore who they believe deserves a spot on their very own Mount Rushmore! This video features a lively discussion about the franchise's most iconic players, memorable moments, and these legends' impact on the team and its loyal fanbase
Retired Number
14 / Dan Fouts
19 / Lance Alworth
21 / LaDainian Tomlinson
55 / Junior Seau
*Blue is this team’s history