As a writer, it’s strange to refer to the Chargers as a Los Angeles team now that they’ve committed to moving up north from San Diego. With that in mind, one can sympathize with the difficulties facing a player like Philip Rivers, who’s only ever played in San Diego.
The quarterback opened up about the uncertainty he’s facing personally in a radio interview on Friday.
“I have been there 13 years. (Family) doesn’t know what to do yet, we are going to exhaust all options and figure it all out,” Rivers said on XTRA 1360. “I’m a little bit numb about it all. It hasn’t really settled in.
“I want to be clear my love for San Diego is special and awesome. That will never go away. I hope as the dust settles a little bit that the people who have been fans here for a long time can say that’s my quarterback.”
Rivers also said he’s set to meet up with new Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn today.
He’s hinted in the past that relocation might mean the Chargers move on without him, though at this time it seems unlikely that will be the end result. The quarterback still has three years left on his current contract after signing a huge four-year extension before the 2015 season. He’s set to count for $20 million against the cap in 2017, is signed through 2019 and his deal includes a no-trade clause.
On that note, Rivers discussed life after San Diego as it relates to the loyal fans who’ve supported him and the Chargers throughout his career.
“Those memories won’t go away. I fought back tears a few times. I do think that time will makes thing better. I do hope there are some families and sons that will load up and head up to cheer for us on Sunday.”
It’s going to be interesting to see if the Chargers can bounce back from a couple of really rough seasons to become a competitive team again. It’s also going to be interesting to see how well the team performs in the old attendance department. There were games this year in San Diego in which the opposing team had more fans in the stadium as Chargers fans seemed to boycott the team.
Change. She is coming. But will it mean better days are ahead for Rivers and the Chargers? We’re not so sure.