Chargers 2019 ESPY Awards: The winners

Chargers ESPY Award: Best Breakthrough Athlete
Nominees: Desmond King, Adrian Phillips, Michael Badgley, Justin Jackson
Winner: Desmond King
Adrian Phillips made First-Team All-Pro, Michael Badgley broke franchise records, and Justin Jackson became a hero in Pittsburgh, but no one broke out in the same way Desmond King did in 2018.
DESMOND. KING. DESMOND. KING. DESMOND. KING. #LACvsSEA | @blaqbadger14 pic.twitter.com/Jk7HLah0UP
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) November 4, 2018
The first player to be voted an All-Pro at two positions since…well, Derwin James in the same year, King grew into an elite slot corner in just his second season in the NFL. This was expected considering a very promising rookie campaign; however, no one could envision just how game-changing he would become as a punt and kick returner.
Chargers ESPY Award: Best Record-Breaking Performance
Nominees: Rivers vs ARI, Steelers blow a lead, Chargers snap losing streak to Chiefs, Badgley makes longest field goal in team history
Winner: Philip Rivers makes it 25 in a row against the Arizona Cardinals
https://twitter.com/NFLCanada/status/1066830510272311296
This was no dink-and-dunk performance with dump-offs to the running backs. Rivers put on a passing clinic, going 28-29 for 259 yards and three touchdowns, with his record-setting throw a toe-tapping sideline catch by Keenan Allen.
It’s surprising to see the voting go for this performance over breaking the record in Kansas City, but it’s still an incredibly impressive achievement nonetheless.
Chargers ESPY Award: Best Play
Nominees: Williams makes a two-point conversion, King to the house in Pittsburgh, Nwosu sends the Chargers to the next round, Rivers rushes for a first down in Baltimore
Winner: Mike Williams scores on a walk-off two-point conversion in Kansas City
What a decision for the Chargers to go for 2 and the win over the Kansas City Chiefs. What a game by Mike Williams. pic.twitter.com/WYHVt58Z8y
— Clint Brakebill (@CBrakebill) December 14, 2018
This was an obvious choice. The other three plays were big for the franchise, but the game-winning catch on a gutsy call against an AFC West rival tops them all. With this win, the Chargers were taken seriously as Super Bowl contenders. It united a fan base waiting years to cheer after a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, and in epic prime time football fashion, they got just that.