LA Chargers countdown to 2020: Best number 83 in team history

There are officially 83 days until we see the LA Chargers back in action.

Counting today, we are 83 days away from the LA Chargers kicking off their 2020 season in Week 1 against first overall pick Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

To count down the 2020 season, we have been naming the best player in franchise history to wear the number that coincides with how many days are remaining. Thus far, not a single current Charger from numbers 83 to 99 has earned the honor.

That will continue with the number 83 as the current 83 listed on the Chargers roster is Tyron Johnson, a second-year wide receiver who does not have a single snap played in his NFL career.

More than any other number up until this point, there is a lot of solid competition to choose from with the number 83.

The best number 83 in LA Chargers’ history: Anthony Miller

Anthony Miller was a wide receiver for the Chargers from 1988 to 1993 before jumping ship to the Denver Broncos and having some productive years there as well. In his career, Miller was a five-time Pro Bowler, four of which came during his tenure with the Chargers.

In his six years as a Charger, Miller hauled in 374 receptions for 5,582 yards and 37 touchdowns. Miller ranks eighth in franchise history in total receiving yards, ninth in total receptions and seventh in receiving touchdowns.

Miller had three great seasons with the Chargers that really carried his numbers while the other three seasons were good, but not great. He had three 1,000-yard seasons with his career-high coming in his second season, as he finished with 1,252 receiving yards.

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As previously mentioned, there was a lot of really good competition with the number 83 and this is truly the first number where multiple guys were deserving of the honor. Most notably is Vincent Jackson.

Jackson actually finished his Chargers career with one more total Approximate Value than Miller but fell behind in the receiving stats. Jackson finished his Chargers career with 272 receptions, 4,754 yards and 37 touchdowns in one fewer game played than Miller.

In fact, Jackson and Miller had similar overall careers as well. Jackson finished with 540 career receptions for 9,080 yards and 57 touchdowns. Miller finished with 595 receptions for 9,148 yards and 63 touchdowns. Both guys played exactly 155 games.

Just like his days with the Chargers, though, Miller has a slight edge.

Another solid number 83 is Dave Kocourek, who was one of the best early receivers in franchise history. He was a four-time Pro Bowler in his career with the Chargers from 1960 to 1965 and finished with 3,720 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.

Both Jackson and Kocourek would have easily been named the best player to wear almost any other number that we have done thus far. Instead, they get the silver and bronze medals.