The Diaspora Chargers Fan: National media starting to pay attention
By Ben Kaplan
Another week of preseason and another week closer to the regular season. That gets fans pumped. Do you know what does not? Injuries, especially when they are to key (arguably franchise players) like Derwin James, Keenan Allen and Russel Okung.
What helps folks like myself somewhat swallow this painful injury pill is to see the national media recognize and highlight the Bolts for the right reasons: predictions, interviews and talking about why the Bolts are a heavy favorite to be in it for the Lombardi trophy at the end.
These moments, which used to be few and far between, have increased over the past couple seasons and they are awesome opportunities for folks like myself who do not benefit from the more consistent team media coverage in the local Los Angeles market.
One Friday for example, Tom Telesco got a strong 7:30 segment with Colin Cowherd. They obviously covered the Philip Rivers extension and Melvin Gordon situation, but it was fantastic to see the youngest (and potentially one of the most successful) general managers in Chargers history front and center with national awareness.
ESPN also covered the Chargers for a solid 35+ minutes during their Fantasy Focus Live (watch the below from 4:32 to 36:00). Matthew Berry wasn’t there but Field Yates (fun fact: former collegiate classmate of mine), Stephania Bell and company went through a full Chargers preview.
Completely understand they do this for all teams, but they were talking about key stories surrounding the Chargers as well. Like the Cowherd interview, this was through national media coverage and provided the coverage and highlights that fans not in the Los Angeles area could enjoy.
Finally and while he was not in studio, Rivers also received a major interview feature on the Dan Patrick Show, where he was asked about potentially surpassing Brett Favre’s record for most consecutive games started by a quarterback (if you’re interested, Dan mentions that Rivers would need to “start every game until Week 10 of the 2024 season…just shy of his (Philip’s) 43rd birthday”.
They then went on to cover the expectations for the upcoming season, family Rivers’ legacy. The 18+ minute segment was just another example of how fans around the country (and world) can see and hear recognition around as well as insight from their franchise quarterback.
With success comes following and media coverage. The Chargers established that success last year. Here’s hoping they continue to overcome the early season adversity (read: injuries) and continue to receive such national spotlight.