San Diego Chargers

Lore & Background

The Chargers' first home game in San Diego was at Balboa Stadium against the Oakland Raiders on September 17, 1961. The team played a majority of their time in San Diego at San Diego Stadium, from 1967 until 2017. Their final game as a San Diego–based club was played at the end of the 2016 season on January 1, 2017, against the Kansas City Chiefs, who defeated them 37–27. In the 1960s, the Chargers featured future Hall of Famers Lance Alworth at wide receiver and Ron Mix at offensive tackle, along with quarterback John Hadl and running back Paul Lowe.

San Diego participated in four of the first five AFL Championship Games following their move: 1961, 1963, 1964, and 1965; winning only in 1963. In 1961, the team's defense made forty-nine pass interceptions. The term 'Fearsome Foursome' described the 1961 Chargers' defensive players' lineup, with anchoring players Earl Faison and Ernie Ladd. In 1963, the Chargers won the AFL Championship, defeating the Boston Patriots 51–10.

In 1965, at halftime of the AFL Championship game at Balboa Stadium, Chrysler officials introduced a new automobile named the 'Charger,' which would enter production branded as a Dodge the following year.

Reader's Guide

The Chargers originally played at Balboa Stadium from 1961 to 1966, then moved to San Diego Stadium in 1967. Key early players included Lance Alworth, Ron Mix, John Hadl, Paul Lowe, Earl Faison, and Ernie Ladd. The team won the AFL Championship in 1963.

Did You Know?

• The Chargers' first owner was Barron Hilton, son of Conrad Hilton.
• The team name 'Chargers' was chosen from a contest; the winner received a trip to Mexico.