My five favorite current Chargers: No. 1

In this series, I’m going to be choosing my five favorite Chargers on the current roster. Coming in at No. 1 is…

*My five favorite current Chargers: No. 5

*My five favorite current Chargers: No. 4

*My five favorite current Chargers: No. 3

*My five favorite current Chargers: No. 2

It’s been a long journey (not really), but we made it!

I know you guys are just as excited as I am. It has actually been a long journey for the next guy I’m about to mention. He’s the only player older than 30 listed in this series. Oh, and he’s without a doubt a future Hall of Famer. And his name is: PHILIP RIVERS.

Yeah, it’s a bit predictable. But I’d be lying if I were to say he wasn’t my favorite player on this team. I loved him coming out of N.C. State and even though he hasn’t led the Chargers to a championship (yet), I’m still glad he’s my quarterback and not Eli Manning, who the Chargers drafted No. 1 overall but was then traded to the New York Giants in exchange for Rivers and extra picks (no disrespect to Eli and his rings, I’m just a Rivers guy).

I remember the first time the 2004 first-rounder stepped onto the field, taking over for an injured Drew Brees in the 2005 season finale against the Denver Broncos. For those who didn’t watch him in college, that akward delivery stood out. He threw an interception and took three sacks in that game, which definitely created worry for many fans.

And then came another controversial moment for the Chargers after that season. They decided to move on from Brees and go with Rivers for the foreseeable future. It was the right move, especially with Brees undergoing surgery on his injured throwing arm.

Rivers led the Chargers to a franchise-best 14-2 record in his first year as a starting quarterback. The six-time Pro Bowler has nine 4,000-plus yard seasons, including five consecutive, and has thrown for 342 touchdowns against just 166 interceptions. He’s never been known for his throwing power, but his accuracy is spot on. Rivers currently has the longest active starting streak in the league and has compiled a 106-86 overall record.

But as great as he is, he doesn’t get a ton of recognition anymore. He just finished with the second-most passing yards (4,515), tied for the fifth-most passing touchdowns (28) and had the lowest interception total (10) since his 2009 season. Yet I see him left out of the top 10 on several analysts’ QB rankings, which is absurd.

The Chargers haven’t won the division since 2009 or made the playoffs since 2013, so the team hasn’t had much exposure. And it seems as if there’s still some debate about whether or not he’s a Hall of Fame candidate because of the lack of rings. He is. And there shouldn’t be any argument against inducting him.

Aside from all the accolades, Rivers’ smarts, leadership skills, energy level and passion for the game is second to none, which is why I love watching him play. He’s so animated and it pumps me up. Some say it’s temper tantrums that he throws, but I’d take his upbeat personality over a Boring Betty any day of the week. I love the trash talking, too. That’s just me, because it’s how I act when I play sports (I’m ALWAYS talking and you either love it or hate it, but your teammates feed off that energy).

Also, he’s a really good guy and an awesome Dad..

retweet if this was your dad ? pic.twitter.com/E6PXmgZjXq

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) June 17, 2018

Rivers, 36, has carried this team on his back in the later half of his career. If anyone deserves a chance at going to the Super Bowl, it’s him.

The good thing is he finally has a a solid supporting cast (on offense and defense) around him. After so many years, I think we might finally see Rivers get his.

Well, there ya have it. Those are my favorite current Chargers. Who are your current favorites?!