Ranking the top 5 Chargers running backs of all time
By Jason Reed
Greatest Chargers running backs of all time: 3. Austin Ekeler
It might seem surprising to rank Austin Ekeler as the third-greatest running back in franchise history as we are currently living his tenure right now. With all of the talk about his contract and demanding a trade, Ekeler is not viewed very favorably by a large contingent of Chargers fans.
That does not change the fact that he has created a resume that is one of the best in franchise history at the position. This has been fueled by elite seasons in 2021 and 2020 in which he benefitted greatly from Joe Lombardi's scheme.
Are his touchdown numbers a tad inflated based on how the Chargers ran the offense and how Ekeler would often pick up the scraps in the red zone? Sure. But a touchdown is a touchdown and Ekeler has found the endzone more times than a lot of backs in league history.
In terms of the Chargers, Ekeler currently ranks second in franchise history in total touchdowns among running backs. He ranks fifth all time in rushing touchdowns with a real chance to climb high in 2023. He two touchdowns from tying Gordon, four from tying No. 3 and nine from tying No. 2.
Ekeler is seventh in career rushing yards but he is a 600-yard season away from being No. 3 in franchise history. Regardless of his contract situation, Ekeler has all the chance in the world to become the second-greatest running back in franchise history after the 2023 season.