The LA Chargers leaving San Diego after the 2016 season was a polarizing move that split the fanbase. Many loyal San Diegans did not follow the Bolts to Los Angeles while the team has also grown plenty of new fans since making the move.
After trading Keenan Allen this offseason, there are only two players on the roster who played for the Chargers while the team was in San Diego: Joey Bosa and recently re-signed linebacker Denzel Perryman. These two players are the last playing thread tying the Chargers to their old home.
However, the team's new head coach is keeping these ties alive. Jim Harbaugh not only played for the Chargers in San Diego but he coached the University of San Diego. Harbaugh is doing his best to keep that connection to San Diego alive and is putting his money where his mouth is. Seven and a half years after the team played its last game in San Diego, it will be returning for a practice at Camp Pendleton on June 11.
Chargers return to San Diego for first day of minicamp
It did not take long at all for Harbaugh to use his pull in the organization and his love for San Diego to get the team back in some capacity. Chargers minicamp is scheduled to run from June 11-13 and the first day of activities will take place at Camp Pendleton.
The practice is open to base patrons and will include meet-and-greet opportunities. Fans not stationed at Camp Pendleton will not be able to go to the practice as it is exclusively for those on base.
This is a great way for the Chargers to give back to their San Diego roots in some capacity while also giving back to those who have served in the United States military. And who knows, perhaps this could open the door for the Chargers to do more activities in the San Diego region in the future.
As long as Jim Harbaugh is the coach, it certainly is possible.