Ranking the top five playmakers this century for the Chargers
By Chris Boline
Earlier this week, new Chargers tight end Gerald Everett said he does not view himself as a tight end "traditionally" but rather as an “athlete” or “playmaker.” With the Bolts having one of their better rosters since the dawn of the new millennium, Los Angeles is stacked with playmakers. What’s even more fascinating is that apparently the Chargers are not done yet when it comes to acquiring game-breaking talent.
#Chargers TE Gerald Everett said he does not view himself as a tight end "traditionally"
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) April 18, 2022
What does he view himself as? "Athlete. Playmaker."
So while we will get into another article soon about the top five athletes on the 2022 roster, let’s first take a look at some of the biggest playmakers since the beginning of the 2000s. Keep in mind, this list will only include players on offense that have played with the Chargers all in the 2000s.
Chargers top five playmakers of the 21st century:
5. Vincent Jackson, WR, 2005-2011
The product of Northern Colorado, I remember Jackson getting picked up in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft after the Bolts had their remarkable turnaround 12-4 campaign in 2004. In terms of fit, he slotted in as the opposite receiver to veteran Keenan McCardell, but it took a bit of time for him to get going, but once he did, he was a force.
A six-foot-five physical specimen, Jackson was a two-time Pro Bowler for the San Diego Chargers and accrued 4,754 receiving yards in seven seasons with the team. Jackson had his best season in 2009 when he had nine touchdowns to go along with 1,167 receiving yards. Jackson was the prime target on the outside for Philip Rivers along with tight end Antonio Gates during this time.
After a contract dispute following the 2011 season, V-Jax would go on to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and post three-consecutive 1,000 yards seasons and another Pro Bowl campaign in 2012.
For his career, Jackson narrowly missed the coveted 10,000 receiving yards mark but was a productive member of both the Bolts and the Bucs. Unfortunately, Jackson’s life was cut short in February of 2021 when he passed away at the age of 38. V-Jax was a spectacular Bolt and a key piece of the 2000s Chargers.